Given the challenging nature of her work, Jessica Brundage couldn’t imagine a better training ground than the counseling psychology program at Marquette.

“The Jesuit tradition of cura personalis was infused throughout my course work and field experiences, which reaffirmed my personal convictions and formed the crux of the holistic, strength-based approach I utilize when working with my patients,” she says.

As a psychologist on the spinal cord injury unit at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, Jessica considers it an honor to support veterans in their time of need.

She counsels veterans and their families who are coping with the challenges associated with spinal cord injuries: adjustment, stress, health behavior change, mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and grief and loss.She is also a member of the interdisciplinary spinal cord injury treatment team that collaborates to provide comprehensive health care to veterans.

“The veterans I work with are extremely resilient in many ways,” she says. “It is an honor and privilege to provide support to them as they face various life stressors and help them build upon their strengths to enhance their overall health and adaptive coping capacities.”

Since joining the spinal cord unit in December 2011, she has been involved in the supervision of psychology practicum students, interns and postdoctoral fellows — a chance to pass along the knowledge she has gained in her training and on the job.

“Plus, trainees keep me on my toes when it comes to contemporary research and bring a fresh energy to the unit as they are eager to learn and immerse themselves in the world of spinal cord injury,” she says.

Get to Know: Dr. Jessica Thull Brundage

Hometown:  Campbellsport, Wis.

Favorite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi

Someone past or present she’d like to have dinner with: Irvin Yalom

The Marquette faculty or staff member who had a great impact on her:  Dr. Sarah Knox was her rock during her years at Marquette.

In grade school Jessica wanted to be a teacher.