Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Bretting.
Hi Hannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It began in college when I formed a close bond with a dormmate diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As her condition made daily tasks tougher, I found deep fulfillment in helping her, whether helping her with her injections or being a supportive friend. That experience ignited my passion for nursing, revealing my purpose in helping people regain their independence.
Years later, I joined TIRR Memorial Hermann in the medical center, working on the brain injury unit. Seeing patients rebuild their lives through rehabilitation was like witnessing quiet victories every day—it truly anchored my love for this field. But as my children grew, the 12-hour shifts started clashing with family life, so I moved into a management role under Dr. Alianell, an exceptional physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in The Woodlands. For 10 years, I managed a dedicated team, even finding time to mentor. Through an apprenticeship, I successfully trained an employee to become a nationally registered certified medical assistant, a achievement that felt as rewarding as patient care itself.
Today, I’m thrilled to have stepped into the healthcare administrator role at the Chronic Pain Recovery Center in 2024, Dr. Alianell’s sister organization. Leading a CARF-accredited chronic pain program is the perfect blend of my nursing roots, rehabilitation passion, and leadership experience. I’m eager to guide patients toward recovery and support a team committed to making a difference.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been far from smooth, with significant challenges shaping our journey. The COVID-19 pandemic was a major hurdle, disrupting operations and straining resources. It forced rapid adaptations, like implementing telehealth services, which required staff training and infrastructure investments. Since then, recruiting dedicated, full-time, in-person healthcare staff has been an ongoing struggle. Many candidates prefer remote or part-time roles, making it difficult to fill critical positions. Additionally, retaining staff has required fostering a supportive culture. These challenges have taught resilience and the importance of adaptability, positioning us stronger for future growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the Chronic Pain Recovery Center (CPRC) in Spring, Texas, we specialize in helping patients navigate and recover from complex chronic pain conditions through an interdisciplinary, outpatient approach. Our goal is to support patients not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically as well.
We understand that chronic pain is never just about the physical symptoms—it impacts every part of a person’s life. That’s why our program combines physical therapy, behavioral health, and medication management under one coordinated patient centered care plan. Our team includes pain management physicians, licensed therapists, physical therapists, and support staff who work collaboratively to provide highly personalized care.
What sets us apart is the depth of integration among our disciplines and our genuine commitment to the long-term well-being of every patient we serve. We don’t believe in temporary fixes; we focus on building the skills, insight, and resilience patients need to live fuller, more independent lives—even if pain remains part of their experience.
We are proud to be CARF-accredited since 2006, and we strive to maintain the highest standards in pain rehabilitation. Most importantly, we value the relationships we build—with our patients,
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I absolutely love being based in The Woodlands. It offers the perfect balance—peaceful, community-oriented living, while still being close enough to enjoy everything Houston has to offer. It’s truly the best of both worlds for our staff and patients alike.
If I had to pick something I like least, it would definitely be the traffic—especially during peak hours. Like most growing metro areas, getting around can be a challenge at times. But even that’s a small tradeoff for everything else Houston area provides. I’m grateful to call The Woodlands home.
