Brenna graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Earth and Space Sciences and a specialization in geology. She spent several years working as an environmental geologist in Southern California while providing private chemistry tutoring and essay writing assistance to high school students in the evenings, and it was through this work that she discovered her passion for working with students to help them achieve self-actualization. She soon returned to graduate school, attaining her master's degree in Planetary Science from Washington University in Saint Louis, with a special focus in isotope geochemistry. While completing her graduate studies, Brenna published two peer-reviewed research papers in scientific journals, co-authored four others, was invited to present her research on potassium isotopes at the esteemed Goldschmidt Conference, and attained her secondary teaching certification.

After her graduate work, Brenna spent several years working directly with students. As a high school teacher, she helped dozens of students polish their college essays and navigate the arduous college application process. Brenna believes that the celebration of self, diversity, and curiosity are integral to successful education, and brings this mindset to every student interaction.