Hi, I'm Jillian

Hello and welcome!

My name is Jillian, and I am so glad you’re here. If you’ve found your way to this blog, chances are you already have some connection to Jeni’s House - whether as a client, community member, a supporter, or someone simply curious about the work we do. I wanted to take a moment to properly introduce myself, share my story, and give you a glimpse into the heart behind the work I do each day.

I am the daughter of Jen Braman, founder and owner of Jeni’s House, but more importantly, I am deeply committed to supporting and advancing the mission she established. Over the next several months, I will be expanding my role here and stepping into new responsibilities that allow me to further serve our growing community. While my connection to Jeni’s House began all throughout my childhood, my passion for this work has developed through my own experiences, education, and professional journey. Being trusted with the opportunity to support the future of Jeni’s House is something I do not take lightly - it motivates me to show up each day ready to learn, lead, and serve.

If I had to describe myself in five words, I would choose kind, ambitious, empathetic, supportive, and driven. Kindness guides how I treat others, whether I am interacting with clinicians, team members, or community partners. I believe that small moments of kindness can make a lasting difference in someone’s day. Ambition pushes me to continuously learn, improve and find new ways to help Jeni’s house grow with intention. I am someone who is always asking, “How can we do this better?” Or “How can we reach more people?” Empathy allows me to approach our work with compassion and understanding. Every person who walks through our doors carries a unique story, and it is important to me that they feel respected and supported. Being supportive means showing up for others, listening well, and helping create an environment where people feel safe and encouraged. Finally, being driven reminds me to move forward with purpose and intention, even when growth requires stepping outside of my comfort zone. I strongly believe that personal and professional growth begins where comfort ends.

My professional background is rooted in event coordination and planning, an industry I have loved for as long as I can remember because of its ability to bring people together in meaningful ways. There is something incredibly powerful about gathering people in the same space to celebrate, learn, heal, or connect. Throughout my career, I have worked in various wedding and event roles that strengthened my organizational skills, creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail. Events often require quick problem-solving and calm leadership, and those experiences have shaped me into someone who thrives in fast-paced environments while keeping people at the center of every decision. These skills now directly support the work I do at Jeni’s House, where I help plan and execute events such as our summer Kindness Festival, wellness workshops throughout the year, and community-centered gatherings like our grand opening floral bar. To me, events are more than just dates on a calendar - they are opportunities for connection, healing, education, and joy. They create spaces where people feel less alone, and being part of that process is something I truly cherish.

Alongside my professional experience, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Public Relations at Grand Valley State University after earning my Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Grand Rapids Community College. Education has played a major role in shaping how I think strategically, communicate effectively, and approach brand-building with intention. Marketing, to me, is not just about promotion - it is about telling meaningful stories, building trust, and creating relationships that last.  At Jeni’s house, this perspective helps me share our mission in a way that feels authentic and welcoming to everyone we serve. Whether I am writing blog posts, developing campaigns, or managing social media, my goal is always the same: to ensure our messaging reflects the warmth, professionalism, and heart behind everything we do.

I am based in the Grand Rapids area, which has allowed me to form valuable connections within the city and surrounding communities. Networking has become one of the most rewarding parts of my role because every connection has the potential to expand what Jeni’s House can offer. These relationships help bridge resources between urban areas and rural communities like Newaygo County. Access to mental health support and wellness opportunities should never feel out of reach, and I am passionate about helping close that gap.

Communication is truly at the center of my role. On any given day, I collaborate with clinicians, facilitators, interns, employees, and community members. I coordinate internship opportunities for both college and high school students who are interested in entering the mental health, marketing, advertising, or events industries. Supporting emerging professionals is especially meaningful to me because mentorship and guidance can shape someone’s entrepreneurial career path - just as others once helped shaped mine. You will often see me communicating through multiple creative channels - writing blog posts like this one, managing social media, developing website content, designing flyers, and producing promotional materials that reflect the heart of Jeni’s House. I strive to communicate in a way that is approachable, genuine, and inclusive so that anyone interacting with our brand immediately feels a sense of belonging.

My personal mission for Jeni’s House is to continue building upon the incredible foundations already in place at Jeni’s House while helping the organization grow in meaningful and sustainable ways. I strive to strengthen existing relationships, cultivate new partnerships, and amplify the meaningful work happening within our walls. Whether it is promoting our services, organizing community events, or simply creating spaces where people feel seen and supported, I approach every task with care and intention.

Right now, I don’t hold a single official title at Jeni’s House - and honestly, that is one of the things I love most. I wear many hats, and each one has allowed me to better understand the heart of this organization. From leadership responsibilities to creative strategy and community outreach, every role has given me a clearer vision of where we can go next. When I think about who I am today, I see someone in a season of growth - learning, stretching, and stepping confidently into leadership. I am becoming more comfortable trusting my voice, instincts, and ability to make an impact. When I think about who I want to become, I envision a professional who leads with compassion, inspires trust, and helps shape a community where mental health is prioritized, normalized, and openly supported.

Looking ahead, my goals include expanding our event and wellness offerings, supporting our incredible clinicians and facilitators, and continuing to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcome. I want Jeni’s House to be known not only as a counseling center, but as a cornerstone of community care - a place people think of when they need support, connection, or simply a reminder that they are not alone. More than anything, I want Jeni’s House to remain what it has always been at its core: a cozy, safe environment where individuals are encouraged to grow, heal, and discover their strength. If this blog accomplishes anything, I hope it helps you feel more connected - not only to our organization, but to the people behind it.

Thank you for being here, for supporting our missions and for taking the time to get to know me. I am truly excited for what lies ahead and honored to be a part of a community that believes so deeply in caring for one another. I look forward to growing alongside this community and continuing the work of creating a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to bloom.

-Jilly