Brianna: Finding Joy and Liberty

Every Communities In Schools® (CIS®) graduate reflects the mission and legacy of CIS. 

Our alumni have gone on to pursue higher education, serve in public office, and give back to the CIS Network by working at their local affiliate or CIS National. 

Brianna Gaetz, a member of the CIS Class of 2015 and a Texas native, is one such alumna. Today, she serves as an Associate of Organizational Health & Performance at the CIS National Office. Her remarkable story is a reminder of why a caring adult is critical to student success.  

Brianna was a thriving high school senior. She had good grades, a supportive friend group, and was looking forward to the future. But when a traumatic event disrupted her home life, everything changed. Her routine was upended, her class ranking began to fall, and her demeanor shifted. It was clear that Brianna was in crisis. 

Brianna needed someone present to surround her with safety and support. Recognizing the changes in her, Brianna’s teachers quickly connected her with CIS of South Central Texas and to site coordinator Ms. Joy.   

Ms. Joy was the support Brianna needed. Providing essential resources and access to programs, including transportation to school, art therapy and standardized test prep, so that Brianna could stay focused on college and her future. Ms. Joy made sure Brianna graduated and enjoyed the last few months of her senior year. Making sure Brianna had a dress for prom and a cap and gown for commencement. 

“She would always remind me ‘You got this’,” said Brianna.

While preparing for graduation, Ms. Joy connected Brianna to another CIS team member, Ms. Liberty, who was the alumni coordinator at CIS of South Central Texas. Ms. Liberty also ran a camp program for CIS alumni who are first-generation college students. This program helped Brianna develop an added network of support, and she is still connected to those alumni to this day.  

For many students attending college, access to scholarships is a huge part of the process. Successfully applying for scholarships can impact the number and type of colleges students can attend, which is why understanding access to financial opportunities for education is critical.  

Brianna was an exceptional student but needed help navigating the college application process. Ms. Liberty offered guidance identifying scholarships, and by the end of her senior year, Brianna received 16 scholarships, which resulted in a full ride to college. 

That fall, she attended Texas Lutheran University, where she studied social entrepreneurship.  

After graduating from college, Brianna joined AmeriCorps – a CIS program partner —and returned to her community to teach youth mental health first aid and her former high school provide college and career counseling. This career opportunity also reconnected her with CIS alumni coordinator, Ms. Liberty.  

I wanted to be that support for someone else. I do not want students to feel alone. 

- Brianna Gaetz, CIS Alumna 

After four years working with her affiliate, Brianna transitioned to a role at the CIS National Office as an Associate on the Organizational Health & Performance team. Brianna is an essential member of the organization, connecting network leaders to opportunities and making sure CIS affiliates stay informed and engaged.  

Recently, Brianna supported CIS National’s Capitol Hill Day, providing support to CIS leaders from 19 states and scheduling 51 meetings with congressional representatives. She also leads the execution of the annual Leadership Town Hall conference, making sure affiliates are prepared to attend the event and make the most of their experience.  

As an alumna I carry forward the power of what it means to be seen, supported, and set up for success. CIS gave me more than just the confidence to walk the graduation stage – it gave me a caring adult, a safe space to grow, real-world skills, and the opportunity to pay it forward. That kind of investment in a young person changes everything. 

 -Brianna Gaetz, CIS Alumna

Brianna’s journey—from a student in crisis to a leader shaping the future of CIS—shows what’s possible when a young person is surrounded by support, stability, and opportunity. Her success is not just a testament to her resilience, but to the life-changing impact of caring adults like Ms. Joy and Ms. Liberty. At CIS, we believe every student deserves that kind of support—and with it, they can overcome any barrier and thrive. 

Learn more about CIS National's Alumni Community →