Brenda is the initial point of contact in the Office of Ombuds Services. She has an extensive history on the UCLA campus. She was a student first earning her B. A. prior to becoming a career employee. Brenda has worked with students, staff, faculty and administration during her tenure at UCLA. Her graduate work focus was in counseling.* Brenda is a state-certified mediator. Other relevant training includes: Ombuds 101; Ombuds 101 Plus; Effective Mediation of Cross Cultural and Community Disputes; The Art of Win-Win Negotiations; Advanced Mediation Training: Mediation as a Career; Conflict Management Across Cultures: Strategies for a Culture Sensitive Ombudsman Practice; Coaching Strategies for Ombudsman; Challenges to Informality and Other Standards; Essential Questions and Interviewing Skills for Ombudsman. Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

Brenda was a member of University of College Ombuds Association (UCOA) before it merged with the Ombudsman Association (OA). That merger became the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). Brenda was elected and served on the Board of Directors of the International Ombudsman Association from 2006-2008. She remains an active member of the International Ombudsman Association.

“I want people to feel comfortable when they communicate with our office. It is important for me to know they feel welcomed and are in a professional environment. We work hard to assure people that we are a confidential office and that they understand our mission and role as an informal, and neutral resource.”