About Sarah Brannon, Ph.D.
Bridging the gap between what we know and what we do
I am a brain health scientist, public health practitioner, educator, and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach.
My work has focused on a practical question:
How do we take what research tells us about healthy brain aging and make it useful in everyday life?
I began my career in biomedical science, psychology and cognitive aging research, studying how factors such as health and behavior influence cognitive function. That work led me into health and behavioral sciences, public health, and the growing field of dementia risk reduction. Most neurological diseases and neuropsychological conditions are notoriously hard to treat. This work led me to focus on protecting the brain, preventing disease. And optimizing function wherever possible.
Along the way, I have worked in research, healthcare, education, and public health implementation. I have taught biology and public health, participated in the CDC Healthy Brain Initiative, worked on chronic disease self-management in community settings, and conducted health assessments with older adults in primary care.
These experiences have shaped how I approach brain health today.
Building something that can reach more people
My individual coaching practice is also part of a larger mission.
Through The Healthy Brain Connection, I am developing practical approaches to help communities and health systems put evidence about healthy brain aging into practice. This includes developing structured approaches to help people build the knowledge and skills they need to make and sustain healthy changes.
Working directly with individuals keeps this work grounded in the realities of people's everyday lives—the decisions they face, the obstacles they encounter, and the approaches that can make meaningful change more workable.
Life is beautiful
I hail from Austrlia, and have lived and worked in the USA for more than 20 years. Together with my husband and two children I live in Denver, Colorado. We are active members of a local Christian church, and love to hike, camp and paddle board together when we can. Our home is full of life: chickens, fruit trees, flowers, dogs, fish, a cat. Birds and bird keeping are a lifelong passion of mine. I like to keep active with running and other outdoors activities. Meeting with friends for tea is always a delight, as is reading a good book. I personally juggle multiple chronic conditions and live a healthy, purposeful life.
A practical approach to brain health.
Knowledge should be useful.
There is no single program, habit, or strategy that works for everyone. Healthy brain aging is influenced by many factors, and meaningful change often happens through a series of manageable decisions and actions over time.
My role is to help you make sense of what is relevant, and support you as you determine how to put it into practice.
That is the work of The Brain Health Coach.
Sarah Brannon, Ph.D.
