Brenda Chambers PSS QMHA CDAC
Brenda Chambers is a dedicated social work student at Portland State University and an experienced community health professional based in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. She currently serves as a Board Member and Volunteer Chair for Multnomah County Community Health Centers, providing leadership in support of community-based health initiatives. Brenda holds certifications as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS), Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA), and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CDAC), and is actively seeking roles in addiction counseling and mental health services.
With nearly two decades of experience in public and community health, Brenda has a strong background in HIV prevention, education, and program leadership. She successfully directed an HIV/STD program for six years at the Indian Walk-In Center in Salt Lake City, reporting to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Utah State Department of Health, and Indian Health Services. Her work emphasized culturally responsive care, mentorship, and advocacy for underserved communities, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Brenda is widely recognized for her professionalism, dependability, and ability to build trust across diverse settings.
Brenda’s professional philosophy centers on meeting people where they are, honoring each individual’s dignity, and helping others find hope during times of crisis. Having maintained long-term recovery herself, she is deeply committed to supporting individuals navigating addiction and mental health challenges and believes strongly in the transformative power of recovery. She is a Dean’s List scholar and member of multiple honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa, Delta Alpha Pi, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Guided by values of compassion, perseverance, and service, Brenda strives to leave the world better for future generations through meaningful, ethical, and sustainable social work practice.
• Portland Community College
Certificate , Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling
• Salt Lake Community College
Associate of Science (A.S.), Social Work
• Salt Lake Community College
Associate of Science (A.S.), Social Work
• Multiple honor society memberships
• Theta Kappa
• Delta Alpha Pi
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Honor Society
• Volunteer chair for Multnomah County community health centers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being a natural people helper and to my deep commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity. I have worked in the HIV field for more than nine years, including six years successfully managing an HIV/STD program at the Indian Walk-In Center, where I reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Utah State Department of Health, and Indian Health Services. These experiences strengthened my leadership skills, accountability, and dedication to culturally responsive care.
My work is grounded in addiction recovery and substance-abuse advocacy, with a strong belief in meeting people where they are and recognizing that every client is a person with feelings, hopes, and dreams. I am guided by values of family, service, and perseverance, and I strive to leave the world better than I found it—both for the communities I serve and for my grandchildren.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to treat each person as a person—never look down on those you serve. Meet people where they are, build trust through consistency and respect, and always maintain healthy professional boundaries. Equally important is taking care of yourself. Seek your own counselor or support system so you do not over-identify with clients and can sustain both your well-being and your effectiveness in this work over the long term.