Monica C Braun

Retired Parole Officer, Speaker, Advocate

Introducing Monica Braun, a resilient and courageous individual whose journey through life has been marked by remarkable strength, transformation, and a powerful commitment to helping others.

Monica's story begins in Paterson, NJ, where she grew up as the oldest of three siblings. Her path led her to a career in law enforcement that commenced in 1998 in Jersey City, NJ. She started her journey in the field of justice as a Probation Officer for the Judiciary, a role she held until 2001.

In July of that year, Monica embarked on a new chapter of her career when she entered the Parole Officer police academy in Sea Girt, NJ. Graduating exactly one month after the tragic events of 9/11, she was thrust into the world of parole and law enforcement during a challenging and tumultuous period.

Monica served as a Parole Officer in the Jersey City office until December of 2004 when she transferred to the Trenton office, where she has dedicated her service ever since. Her commitment to her profession is exemplified by her 25+ years in law enforcement, during which she has faced numerous challenges and experiences that have shaped her journey.

In 2011, Monica's life took an unexpected turn, leading her into a dark place. A buried childhood memory, triggered by one of her female parolees, unleashed a series of nightmares and flashbacks that sent her spiraling into a struggle with addiction and mental health.

Her battle was fierce, but Monica's strength prevailed. She found the courage to ask for help, despite her lifelong belief in her self-sufficiency. On March 3, 2019, she stood at a crossroads, with a gun under her chin, contemplating ending it all. Instead, she found the strength to reach out to God and ask for help. This marked the beginning of her journey to recovery, with her sobriety date set at March 6, 2019, the day she entered rehab in Florida.

Today, Monica's mission is to share her story and inspire others to seek help and healing. She emphasizes that it's okay to ask for assistance, even for first responders who often carry the heavy burden of their profession. She speaks to recruit classes, sharing her journey during their in-service training, and is a presenter at the CIT Training in Burlington County, where she bravely recounts her experiences.

Monica's ultimate goal is to support first responders in dealing with trauma and addiction when she retires. She hopes her story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging individuals to seek the help they need to heal their minds and souls. Her message is clear: asking for help is an act of bravery, and nobody should face their struggles alone.

In Monica Braun, we find a true hero, not only for her service in law enforcement but for her resilience, her commitment to recovery, and her unwavering dedication to helping others find their path to healing and wellness.