November 22, 2024
Meet Brenda Ruiz, RMA, family planning counselor at the Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice. In her highly specialized and sensitive role, Brenda provides individual counseling, education, support, and guidance to clients regarding reproductive health options. Brenda helps clients make informed decisions about their health needs, including contraception methods, pregnancy testing, pregnancy prevention, pregnancy choices, sexual health and STI prevention.
In collaboration with the Partnership’s providers and clinical staff, Brenda works with clients to develop individualized care plans that best support their needs and choices.
What drew you to family planning, and how did you get started?
I have always had a genuine desire to care for, support, encourage and uplift others during vulnerable times. I believe my passion to bring hope to people who may feel hopeless during a medical diagnosis and making a positive impact through compassion and empathy is what drew me to the health care field. When I applied at this institution, I knew very little about HIV/AIDS and had absolutely no idea how many people were affected by this disease. Through mandatory educational meetings and conferences I was able to broaden my knowledge. I started at the Partnership as a receptionist, then moved on to the lab as a medical assistant and then later into the role of family planning counselor.
What is your favorite hobby, activity, or creative outlet?
One of the things I enjoy doing is singing (not that I can sing well – haha!); I find it soothing to the soul. I enjoy movies, reading, teaching, mentoring, and dancing. My favorite outlet is traveling -- that’s when I’m the happiest.
What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?
I’m an open book. I don’t think there’s anything surprising that people don’t know about me.
What is your favorite memory of working at the Partnership?
One of the many favorite memories of working at the Partnership was bringing my kids to the client Christmas party. Planning and organizing the event brought so much joy to my heart. Everyone participated to create a fun and safe environment where the clients could interact with providers and staff in a different setting than the clinic. The joy in their faces is one of my most memorable treasures. By the same token, I enjoyed the holiday party for staff that allowed us to be creative, silly and to interact with one another in a more personal level. The warmth and the love was felt.