Discovery Is Growing: Brenda Dachner’s Vision for the Future

As Discovery Austin approaches 20 years, Brenda Dachner shares the vision that will carry its mission into the future.

The vision was born to bring Discovery to Austin by four friends who had gone through the program: Bob and Estrella Posey and David and Brenda Dachner. Two decades later, that same spirit of friendship, faith, and purpose continues to drive Discovery forward.

IT’S TIME FOR THE SECRET TO SPREAD.

The goal for Vision 2030 is to create a plan outlining the structure for future generations to continue the extraordinary program that is Discovery.

DISCOVERING SOMETHING MORE

Brenda’s Discovery journey began in 2003 after she started dating David Dachner. During a visit to Austin, she met Mike Reeder and several Discovery volunteers. Although she had already invested deeply in her faith walk, she saw that they had something more.

She attended Discovery in Dallas that spring, and the experience continues to shape her life more than twenty years later.

Claiming her contract in D1 was a powerful moment. The tools and principles she gained still guide her daily decisions. Discovery also taught her to stretch, have fun, and embrace joy –not having to be so serious all the time.

One lesson above all others changed her perspective: taking care of herself isn’t selfish –it’s necessary. It removed the feeling of guilt for taking care of myself first.

D2 became Brenda’s “aha” moment. One lesson from Traps continues to help her navigate challenges:

“What’s one step I can take to get out of this trap?”

That simple question brings clarity when situations feel overwhelming.

Brenda also attended the very first D3 class. At the time, David was facilitating D2 and had been developing the next level after being inspired by the book The Path. Watching Discovery evolve has given Brenda a unique perspective on how powerful this journey can be.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

After several years away, Brenda and David reunited with Bob and Estrella Posey last year with a shared purpose: preparing Discovery for generation to come.

“It really feels like we’ve come full circle,” Brenda said. “We started this journey together, stepped away after passing the baton, and now we’re back to help build something that will last long after we’re gone.”

For years, the Board of Directors managed both governance and monthly class facilitation, leaving little time for growth. The Board is now supported by an Executive Committee and eight committees focused on key areas of the organization. Additional committees will be added as needed.

Committee chairs and vice chairs have been elected, and terms are one year for all committee leaders. This allows fresh ideas, new energy, and more alumni opportunities to get involved and serve.

Committee members are volunteers who bring their gifts and passions to help Discovery grow. This structure creates room for each area to thrive while ensuring the mission continues strong for the future.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE

Brenda believes Discovery’s vision of becoming the most authentic and effective personal development organization in the world is more than an aspiration –it is an achievable goal.

As President of both the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, she remains committed to helping build the leadership, relationships, and organizational structure needed to make that vision a reality.

Most of all she wants the Discovery community to know that her door is always open.

THERE’S A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

Discovery needs people with all kinds of gifts and passions. Not everyone is called to facilitate –and that’s okay. Whether your strength is in hospitality, administration, marketing, technology, fundraising, prayer, finance, or behind-the-scenes support, there’s a place for you. Serving is where people discover abilities they never knew they had. Those experiences often open doors to leadership opportunities on committees, the Executive Committee, or even the Board of Directors.

A HEART FOR SERVING

Serving others has always been central to Brenda’s life. In 2007, she and David founded the Abundant Life Foundation in Roatan, Honduras, providing education, affordable housing, employment opportunities, and community development. Their work has created lasting change for countless families and over the years they’ve also introduced several Roatan residents to Discovery.

Brenda is a strong and worthy woman with a servant’s heart. Her mission is simple but powerful: to inspire others to fully live the life they were created for.

VISION 2030 AT A GLANCE

·      Strengthen leadership at every level

·      Expand alumni involvement

·      Build scholarships and financial support

·      Develop and train future facilitators

·      Grow Discovery into new communities

·      Ensure Discovery thrives for generations