Philadelphia – Brigid Gallagher

My name is Brigid Gallagher and I am the 26-year-old middle sister of seven girls. Following my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Psychology from West Chester University, I am pursuing my Masters of Art Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University. I am the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Veterans House, a non-profit organization serving homeless veterans in Philadelphia. Coming from a large family, loving every minute of it and realizing the blessings that have overwhelmed my life, I have transferred my experiences into the work that I do and dedicated my service to the support of our military veterans and their families. I am an avid runner, having run competitive track and field for 14 years and I’m very much looking forward to completing my fourth marathon this October. I absolutely love art in all forms, especially when I have the opportunity to create it and have been lucky to enjoy graphic design as a part-time career. I love to travel, meet new people and spend as much time with family as possible. I am definitely most proud of my role as aunt to my nieces Mary Grace and Claire and nephew Ryan. I am a published illustrator of a children’s book that was written by my older sister, 2007 Philadelphia Rose, Colleen. I am a member of the West Point Society - Philadelphia Chapter, West Chester University’s Alumni Association Board Committees and one of the newest members of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. My Irish roots run back to great-grandparents lineage in Co Derry, Donegal and Kilkenny. I am so honored to have been chosen as the 2016 Philadelphia Rose and beyond excited to embrace all that this experience has to offer.