Brianna Tibbetts, MS Ed.
Brianna Tibbetts, MS Ed. is an Education Policy Advisor on the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, where she advises on elementary and secondary education, Early Childhood Education, Childcare, DoDEA, Foster Care, IDEA, and School Choice. A congressional staffer since 2020, Brianna has progressed from intern to legislative assistant to policy advisor, developing deep expertise in translating complex education priorities into effective federal legislation. She is recognized for her strategic policy analysis, bipartisan collaboration, and student-centered approach to reform.
Prior to her current role, Brianna served as Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-9) and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15). Across the House and Senate, she has contributed to more than 40 pieces of legislation, with multiple bills advancing through committee, passing the House floor, and becoming law. Her signature achievement is authoring and helping pass a FAFSA simplification bill signed into law in 2024. The legislation mandates FAFSA availability by October 1 each year—implemented beginning in 2025—reducing delays and uncertainty for students, families, and schools nationwide. This work has earned her informal recognition within congressional policy circles for its lasting impact on education access.
Brianna’s commitment to education policy is grounded in her personal and academic journey. Homeschooled using an AP-level curriculum and mentored by a state representative in Maine, she pursued a nontraditional but highly successful academic path from community college to a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a Master of Science in Education Policy from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. A former Head Start student now working on Head Start policy, she views her work as a full-circle opportunity to expand access and improve outcomes for students. Outside of her professional role, Brianna enjoys reading, food blogging, scrapbooking, volunteering at animal shelters, moderating an international women’s travel book club, and leading group walks with City Girls Walk DC. Looking ahead, she aims to transition to the U.S. Department of Education, continue shaping national education policy, and expand her influence beyond Capitol Hill into systems-level reform.
• Johns Hopkins University School of Education - M.S. Ed.
• Liberty University - BA Pol. Sci
• York County Community College - AA
• Dean's List
• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
• Community Service Award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my parents, the guidance of mentors, and the resilience I developed through an unconventional educational journey. Being adopted at age twelve and educated through homeschooling allowed me to learn at my own pace, cultivating independence, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the value of accessible education.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to be proactive and unafraid to reach out. Cold emails, coffee chats, and networking conversations can open doors you never expect particularly in policy spaces. Build relationships early, don’t be intimidated by titles, and remember that many people are learning as they go; persistence and curiosity often matter far more than having a “perfect” background.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is political polarization, which can cause strong, common-sense policies to stall. At the same time, there is a major opportunity for bipartisan progress many impactful bills pass quietly, creating real change without public attention.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, accessibility, empathy, and perseverance. Brianna is deeply motivated by fairness in education systems and believes policy should serve real people not just politics.