About brianna

Brianna O’Keeffe is a mother of five, mental health professional, local business owner, community leader, podcast host, and passionate advocate based in Ashland, Virginia. In other words, she wears a lot of hats, and usually has at least one child asking her for a snack while she is wearing them.

Her advocacy journey began when she was young, speaking up for her younger brother, who has autism. Years later, advocacy became an even bigger part of her life when her first two children were diagnosed with disabilities and complex medical needs. Her oldest child has cerebral palsy, autism, and Crohn’s disease, and her second son has autism, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), and sensory support needs.

Motherhood is never simple, and raising children with disabilities comes with its own mix of appointments, paperwork, victories, worries, laughter, exhaustion, and fierce love. Through it all, Brianna has become more compassionate, determined, and unafraid to speak up when something needs to change. She believes God chose her to be her children’s mother and that every challenge has helped shape her into the woman and advocate she is today.

Brianna is especially passionate about supporting women, parents of children with disabilities, and families who may feel overwhelmed or unheard. She shares honest and relatable conversations about advocacy, motherhood, disability, womanhood, personal growth, and real life through her podcast. Her goal is to remind others that they are not alone, and that sometimes strength looks like fighting for change, while other times it looks like simply making it through the day.

Professionally, Brianna works as a mental health professional and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology degree to become a clinical psychologist. She also serves on several community boards and volunteers with organizations including Cub Scouts, Little League, and her children’s sports teams.

Brianna’s advocacy is also informed by her own health journey. After Crohn’s disease worsened, she developed osteonecrosis, experienced fractures, and underwent a hip replacement. Rather than allowing those challenges to stop her, she became even more determined to pursue her goals, serve others, and advocate for people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

When she is not working, studying, volunteering, recording a podcast, or managing the beautiful chaos of a busy household, Brianna enjoys cooking, traveling, carpentry, and swimming. Above all, she believes in leading with humor, faith, compassion, and the courage to use your experiences to help someone else.