1. What is your role at The Magdalen House, and what does a “typical” day look like for you?
I’m the Community Program Coordinator. A typical day for me looks like fun! I get to be creative with thinking of community events, growing the meetings program, engaging in the Maggie’s Women’s Group Facebook page, keeping up with meeting attendance, working with family support, among many other things.
2. What is your favorite line in the Big Book and why?
There are so many that resonate with me! But I think my favorite is page 25:
“Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which this process requires for its successful consummation.”
I love this part of the book because this is our solution! It’s also seemingly the most fearful/uncomfortable part, but because it tells us no one likes it – not just alcoholics, but no one – it makes me feel less alone. I personally have also found the most freedom and self-awareness from practicing looking inward, and with this attitude a lot of wonderful things have transpired.
3. What’s something you’ve witnessed at The Magdalen House that inspires or moves you?
This place really is special, you hear it all the time, but once you’ve witnessed it – it makes sense! One of the most beautiful things that has inspired me the most is the way these women love on each other. To see past women continue to come to the house and love on the current women, to be there for them, sponsor them. It really is the foundation of this program.
4. How has working at The Magdalen House impacted your life?
It’s inspired me to strive to be better and do better every day. I’m blessed to be surrounded by women who support and lift you up! I’m constantly learning, whether it’s about myself or others!
5. What are some of your hobbies, or things that you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
No lie, I love to binge watch a good show. In addition to that laziness, I love to thrift, craft, spend time outside with a book, hang out with my boyfriend and our wonderful dog, hangout with loved ones, or hit up a meeting and carry the message and fellowship!
6. What’s something that we may not know about you?
I love a good choreography challenge. I’m also a HUGE empath, a 4 on the enneagram, so I feel EVERYTHING.
About Brehn Hanson
Brehn was born and raised in Plano, TX. She lived a very active and disciplined lifestyle growing up, although she always felt different and uncomfortable until she found alcohol at 18. After 10 years, she was ready to make a change that would end the cycles of feeling sick and tired. She went into treatment for the first time, followed by sober living for a year. There she found the 12 steps, fellowship, and The Magdalen House. She consistently attends meetings, volunteers, and has the privilege of sharing her story.
Brehn gained experience working in opportunities as a house manager, recovery coach, and recovery advocate at various treatments. The Magdalen House mission always stood out to her for simply wanting to help as many women as possible at no cost. She is honored to create events that spread the message and create unity for The Magdalen House Community!
Brehn lives in Old East Dallas with her best friend and their rescue dog Marty. She loves to thrift, watch documentaries, hike, have a good game night, and spend time with loved ones. She is also very active in her area fellowship, creating events that continue to spread the message.
