A wellness champion provides advocacy, leadership and support for improving the health of Kaiser Permanente employees and SCPMG physicians.
Wellness champions are comprised of a cross-section of employees and physicians from across the SCAL region to represent a wide range of perspectives.
Brandie J. Pishny, MHA
San Bernardino County
Family Medicine
Operations Manager II
Q: How would your closest friend describe you in one word?
A: Adventurous
Q: What’s something surprising about you that your colleagues may not know?
A: I’m a passionate foodie who loves exploring new cuisines and experimenting with unique flavor combinations. I especially enjoy creating healthy, plant-based meals that are both nourishing and delicious.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it?
A: If I could choose a superpower, I’d love to be able to read minds. I find the idea of understanding others’ thoughts deeply fascinating. With this ability, I’d be better equipped to support the people I care about and more attuned to what they truly need—while also being able to recognize honesty and intention more clearly.
Q: What is your go-to activity when you need to recharge?
A: My favorite way to recharge is by hiking and spending time in nature—it helps me reset, refocus, and feel grounded.
Q: If your wellness journey had a theme song, what would it be?
A: Empire of the Sun – Walking on a Dream. This song is positive and upbeat and reminds me to keep pushing on.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a wellness champion?
A: What I enjoy most about being a Wellness Champion is the opportunity to connect with colleagues on their wellness journeys and to support them by sharing meaningful resources and encouragement.
Q: What is your favorite way to stay active during the workday?
A: My favorite ways to stay active during the workday are taking a quick walk around the block or practicing deep breathing exercises to reset and re-energize.
Q: What’s your favorite memory or success story about wellness at KP?
A: My favorite wellness success story at KP is actually my own. When I first joined in my early 20s, I had a few healthy habits, but overall, my lifestyle wasn’t very wellness focused. I had never been able to run a mile, and honestly, I didn’t believe I ever could. At the time, my manager was training for a half marathon. When I told him that even running a mile felt impossible to me, he encouraged me to start small and offered tips and a training plan. One piece of advice that stuck with me was: ‘If you can run a mile, you can run a marathon.’
Inspired by his belief in me, I picked up the book Chi Running, which helped me improve my form and breathing. I committed to the training schedule, gradually built strength and stamina, and eventually was able to run a half marathon. That achievement was a turning point. Not only was I proud of reaching a goal I once thought impossible—it also sparked a deeper journey into wellness and self-care. What began as a personal challenge grew into a lifelong passion that I now share with others as part of my role at KP.
Q: If you could host a dream wellness event for your service area, what would it be?
A: It would be an exciting opportunity for our service area to host the Get Fit Festival one year—I’d love to see our community come together around wellness in that way.
Q: What drives your passion for wellness?
A: What fuels my passion for wellness is the opportunity to support others and witness those powerful ‘Aha!’ moments—when something clicks and creates a meaningful shift in their well-being. Wellness is a deeply personal and often complex journey, but when someone discovers the activity they love, or the tools that truly support a healthier life, it’s a transformative and deeply rewarding experience.