Her Story
About Briana
Briana Moran, LMSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Director of Social Work at Merriam Gardens Healthcare & Rehab. She brings extensive experience in social services, crisis intervention, adult protective services, mental health, case management, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. In her current leadership role, she oversees social services operations supporting residents and families through advocacy, care planning, resource coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a strong focus on dignity, quality of life, and person-centered care.
Moran has developed her expertise through roles with the Kansas Department for Children and Families, where she investigated cases involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults. She has also worked as a Mental Health Therapist and completed a social work internship within the Olathe School District. In October 2025, she was invited to speak on a multidisciplinary panel with Johnson County community partners, mental health professionals, Economic Crimes Division specialists, and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, where she shared social work tools and Adult Protective Services assessment practices related to vulnerable-adult safety.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Moran earned a Bachelor of Social Welfare in 2019 and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work in 2021. She was recognized with the NextGen Under 30 Award in 2024 for her professional contributions and leadership in Kansas. Beyond her professional work, she supports Kansas refugees through community donation efforts and provides practical assistance to neighbors through food, lawn care, and personal support. Guided by the resilience of her mother and grandmother, Moran is committed to using her voice, professional expertise, and advocacy skills to protect human dignity and strengthen the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Briana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother, who was an incredibly tenacious single parent and worked hard to create opportunities for me and give me the foundation to build the life she wanted for me. She taught me to have the courage to be fully myself, use my voice, and advocate strongly for what I believe is right. My grandmother reinforced that confidence with a simple but powerful message: “I am woman, hear me roar.” The strength, determination, and advocacy I learned from the women in my family continue to shape the way I approach my career and service to others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to understand that I am responsible for advocating for myself, protecting my reputation, and preparing for my next opportunity. I have learned that work is ultimately about doing the job well and building a professional reputation, rather than relying on workplace friendships to advance my career. I believe in approaching every position as though it could become my long-term role, giving my best effort and maintaining a professional standard every day. I also believe in preparing for the next step by developing myself and presenting myself in a way that reflects where I want to go.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The information provided highlights an important opportunity for social workers to strengthen collaboration across agencies, disciplines, and community organizations when serving vulnerable adults. My experience with Adult Protective Services has shown me the value of multidisciplinary partnerships involving healthcare professionals, community organizations, law enforcement, and legal professionals. There is also an ongoing need to close gaps in resources, particularly when addressing self-neglect, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Expanding education, coordinated intervention, and community-based resources can help improve safety and quality of life.
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