Honoring Resident Fiona Brown

While growing up in Virginia, Fiona used to have a dream of being the therapist characterized by a couch in her office and dark wooden furniture, and even glasses (even though her vision is just fine!) She studied Psychology at JMU and then went on to UVA for her Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in Mental Health Counseling. During that time, she completed an internship where she had an opportunity to work in a variety of different mental health programs, which made her rethink her dream.

One of those programs was a substance abuse treatment group for teen girls. That experience ignited her passion. In that room, she saw amazing girls with strength, personality, intelligence, talent, and compassion. She learned then that people struggling with mental illness and/or drug use were much more than stereotypes - something that has been reinforced repeatedly in the past 15+ years working with intensive drug treatments, group and individual therapy, and as a prevention specialist.

After graduate school, she started working as a substance abuse therapist for teens in a community services office in Fairfax County. Thanks to this experience she discovered a passion for supporting people struggling with trauma and substance use. As a result, she has met some incredible people. She wants to spread the message that some of the smartest, most talented, empathetic people are struggling with drug use and mental illness. Fiona believes that people are complex and amazing. Her ultimate goal in public speaking is to reduce the unnecessary shame and stigma about mental health and substance use, and empower people to take charge of their own lives.

Fiona spent 10 years working in Fairfax County with teens and their families specializing in substance use and trauma. During that time she became more involved in substance use prevention activities and started thinking about how she could help people get ahead of this health issue. In 2017 she seized an opportunity with LCPS to focus more on prevention and early identification as a Student Assistance Specialist. Now she has the opportunity to raise awareness about substance use among parents, teens, and staff.

Fiona can’t seem to keep still so in her spare time she provides therapy part-time in private practice, began public speaking, and released a handbook for parents on teen substance use prevention: Read This and Call Me in the Morning. She unwinds with her husband and two boys watching/playing sports, getting outdoors, and traveling.

Do you know somebody who consistently puts others before themselves and supports others in need, whether large or small, but often flies under the radar? To nominate a fellow neighbor for this honor, send an email to billie.rose@n2co.com.

BY LENA DEZUTTI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY SESSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY

THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY CHANTILLY NATIONAL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB