Meet Dr. Jamie Freeny

Dr. Jamie C. Freeny is a public health leader, researcher, educator, and nationally recognized advocate dedicated to helping young people feel safe, supported, understood, and equipped to thrive.

With more than 20 years of experience in public health, Dr. Freeny has devoted much of her career to advancing youth mental health, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, school behavioral health, and violence prevention. She has led community and statewide initiatives, designed and evaluated youth-serving programs, trained educators and health professionals, advised organizations and policymakers, and elevated the voices of young people in the decisions that affect their lives.

Dr. Freeny holds a Doctor of Public Health and a Master of Public Health from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. Her research has explored the relationships among adverse childhood experiences, depression, resilience, and spirituality in adolescents. She has also served as an expert advisor, university instructor, legislative witness, media contributor, and trusted partner to schools, healthcare systems, nonprofits, caregivers, and community leaders. Her commitment to children has been recognized through honors including the Texas Child Advocate of the Year Award.

Her work is also deeply personal. As a godmother, Dr. Freeny has experienced the joy, responsibility, and lasting influence that comes with being a caring adult in a child's life. Her godchildren have taught her that children do not always need adults to have perfect answers. They need adults who are present, dependable, curious, encouraging, and willing to listen.

Through The Protective Factor, Dr. Freeny brings together research, professional expertise, real-life experiences, and honest conversations to help parents, caregivers, educators, mentors, clinicians, faith leaders, and other caring adults better understand and support the young people they love.

Her message is simple but powerful: You do not have to be a child's parent to make a meaningful difference in their life. Sometimes, one trusted and consistent adult can become the protective factor that changes everything.