Karen Brantley - Secretary

Please share why you became a Women's Board member. Why is Baptist important or special to you?

I wanted to be involved with a group of women who had a heart for helping our community. Baptist Hospital is what brought us to Gulf Breeze. My husband has worked here for over 20 years, we brought our babies home from Baptist and we have made lifelong friendships. We owe so much to this hospital, and I wanted to be a part of its community.

What would you like Women's Board members to know about you — your experience, background, education and family?

My husband and I have been married for 25 years and have two amazing kids who are about to make us empty nesters. My background is in special education, specifically with elementary-aged children with autism, both verbal and non-verbal. 

Please share a moment or experience that you, a friend, or loved one experienced as a Women’s Board member.

In 2018, I did the “Bras Across the Bridge” run. The race was a fundraiser that the Foundation hosted/held. All bras collected during the fundraiser were donated to local programs in Escambia County to give to women in need. I volunteer at Samaritan Hands in Pensacola, and our program received some of the bras that were collected. I personally gave bras to women who came to us needing clothing. I loved being a part of raising awareness, running with friends from the hospital and then being able to complete what we started by handing out the bras to women who needed them.