I’m an inquisitive, open-minded, and easy-going Floridian who has lived in both Turkey and Japan. Having also traveled to over 20 countries, my unique background allows me to view the lived experiences of others through a different lens and interpret them in meaningful ways. With an MA in Applied Linguistics and a fascination with language, I understand the power of words and how important they are in the healing process that storytelling makes possible. There is undeniable value in being heard and sharing one’s own experience of personal growth. I joined Better Because Collective to assist and support others in developing their stories in their own voice, and now I help other editors learn to do the same.

Hi! My name is Jack Brandenburg, and I’m from Annapolis, Maryland, currently living in Baltimore, Maryland. I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. After graduating, I began consulting in marketing for small businesses and now lead marketing efforts for a mental health startup. At Better Because Collective, I oversee our marketing campaigns and work to increase our story contributors and readers. I joined the team because I strongly believe that sharing post-traumatic growth success stories can inspire and uplift others who may be struggling. In my free time, I love staying active, playing pickleball, and raising my blood pressure when watching the Ravens play.

I’m a creative communicator (you can usually find me behind a camera) born and raised in Los Angeles, but with chapters of my life in Massachusetts and D.C.. For undergrad, I attended UMass Amherst, where I majored in both journalism and resource economics. For Better Because Collective, I’m serving as a Digital Marketing Coordinator, where I mainly execute email-based collateral. I decided to join Better Because Collective because I am currently navigating through my own story of post-traumatic growth. What’s helped me the most during this period of healing has been connecting with other people and hearing stories that are unique, but similar to mine. Additionally, I am currently taking a career break and looking to pivot into the mental health space. Better Because Collective is a one-of-a-kind organization where I can use my communications skills to build community and tell the inspiring stories of other people.

I am an inspired creative born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I bring a grounded perspective and creative heart to everything I do. With a BFA in Graphic Design, I’ve built a career as a Marketing Designer in real estate—where I blend strategy, visual storytelling, and thoughtful design to bring agent personalities and properties to life. Here at Better Because Collective, I am both the Graphic Designer and a Story Editor, where I am honored to help shape meaningful narratives that inspire healing and connection. My work is guided by the belief that design is more than visual. An avid reader, I’m especially drawn to stories that reflect resilience, authenticity, and growth. Outside of design, I enjoy the new restaurant scene in town and family weekends at the lake.

By day, I’m a senior communications specialist with expertise in executive-level speechwriting (aka a word nerd). By night, I’m a copyeditor and developmental story editor for Better Because Collective, which means I help get stories ready for publication. I joined the team to put my writing and editing skills to work for a good cause, but I also appreciate that it offers me the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself. Many drops make an ocean! In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors with my husband and our dog, playing various team sports, doing bike tours of different countries, and – of course – reading!

Hi! My name is Christine and I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I have a B.A. in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing and Information Systems from the University of Washington. After graduating, I worked in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space and have since joined the Better Because Collective team as a Digital Marketing Coordinator. Through executing email campaigns and helping shape brand voice, I strive to empower others to share their post-traumatic growth stories. As I’m a strong believer in the power of human connection through vulnerability, I joined Better Because Collective to help contribute to an organization that’s dedicated to providing safe spaces for personal growth. In my free time, I love exploring cafes and visiting craft fairs to support local businesses!

Hi, I’m Amanda! I’m a story editor based in Phoenix, Arizona, although I grew up near Detroit, Michigan. I’m a high school English teacher by trade, but my true passions are creative writing and editing. I studied English and secondary education at Michigan State University and Ohio State University. In graduate school, I researched using creative writing as a form of trauma recovery in secondary English classrooms— a practice that I get to apply every day in my classroom. I joined Better Because Collective because I am a firm believer in using creative writing as a form of trauma recovery. I am excited to help people tell their stories of post-traumatic growth and become better writers in the process. When I’m not teaching or writing, I might be ballroom dancing, hiking, or practicing to be a baker on the first season of the Great American Bake Off.

As a web developer and digital marketer, I’ve helped businesses build online strategies since 2015 through my company, MooDesigns, LLC. With over two decades of experience as an environmental consultant, I’ve developed a strong foundation in skills that benefit my clients, including project management, teamwork, and problem-solving. A website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s a tool to solve business problems and a critical piece of an organization’s overall marketing strategy. Outside of work, I’m a rowing coach and an avid skier, and I enjoy life with my wife, two kids, and a chocolate lab. I work with the Better Because Collective because learning another’s story can spark great insight.

I am an independent writer, editor, and content developer specializing in educational, trade, and specialty books and materials. I have a B.S. in Journalism and Integrated Marketing Communications from Southern Illinois University and an M.A. in the Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. I consider myself a lifelong learner with a passion for service, constantly pursuing new experiences and ways to volunteer. I believe in the power of storytelling and derive great joy and purpose from helping others share their uniquely human stories. My work as a story editor with Better Because Collective allows me to make the best use of my professional skills, personal passions, and life purpose—in service to people with a desire to share their stories of personal growth and triumph, in their own authentic, empowering voices.

Hi, I’m Heather! I am a former Special Education teacher turned copyeditor. My true passion has always been working with the written word—whether writing or editing—so I made a mid-life career pivot to pursue my dream of working as a full-time editor. I honed my copyediting skills through UC Berkeley’s Sequence in Professional Editing and since have enjoyed working as a ghostwriter, copyeditor, and developmental editor. I joined the Better Because Collective team to contribute to a meaningful cause and to support people who want to share their stories through writing.

I’m a former tech engineer pursuing my dream of becoming a social worker and novelist. Originally from the East Coast, I earned my degree in Mechanical Engineering in the Bay Area and now live in San Jose with my partner and service dog. Living with chronic pain and fatigue has taught me the importance of being part of an accessible community, so I joined Better Because Collective to start the Silicon Valley chapter of the Bay Area Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group. I wanted to create a safe, welcoming space where people could share their experiences and feel less isolated. My work here reflects the values guiding my path toward a master’s in social work: empathy, connection, and uplifting underrepresented voices in health advocacy. As an aspiring novelist, I know stories have the power to connect, inspire, and inform, and that non-judgmental vulnerability is the foundation of resilience.