Honor Society® member
Brisa Cruz
Behavioralist, working with children with autism and other developmental needs at Bright Horizons
- Marriage and Family Therapy (Graduate) and Psychology (Undergraduate)
- Class of 2026
- Culver City, CA
Member since November 2025
About
I am a passionate and dedicated graduate student at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, pursuing a career as a licensed therapist. With a strong commitment to mental health advocacy, I aim to provide culturally sensitive and evidence-based care, particularly for children and families in diverse communities. As the first in my family to attend college and graduate school, I value hard work, education, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Education
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Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
2024 – 2026
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San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Counseling and Recreation, Park & Tourism
2019 – 2023
Honors and awards
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magna cum laude
San Francisco State University
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Working in school-based or community therapy settings, with an emphasis on children and families
Potentially specializing in trauma and behavioral interventions for diverse communities- Graduate school interests
Trauma-informed therapy for children and families
School-based therapy programs
Evidence-based interventions, such as trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT)
Mental health advocacy for underserved and diverse populations- Outside the classroom
Sports and fitness: soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, Pilates
Spending quality time with friends and family
Mental health advocacy and self-development
Experience
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Behavioralist, working with children with autism and other developmental needs
Bright Horizons
Feb 2023 – Feb 2024
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level TA experience assisting in courses related to therapy and psychology
San Francisco State University TA
Jan 2023 – Jun 2023
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6 years, working with children and adolescents, including those with disabilities
Mar Vista Recreation Center
Jun 2015 – Present
Volunteering
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Mentoring and assisting youth in recreational and educational programs and School-based support and therapy observation
Languages
- English (US) Fluent
- Spanish Fluent
Additional information
Organizations
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Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology – Graduate Student
