Brugger grew up in Palmer, NE, and now lives at Akron, west of Albion. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with her bachelor’s degree and then completed her clinical mental health program through Chadron State College.
Brugger is married to Joe, a native of the area and co-founder of Upstream Farms. Brugger has a private pilot’s license and is a Beaver Valley Flying Club member. She is a part of a local Nebraska band called Pioneer Band as a pianist and background vocalist. In her spare time, she enjoys working outside, organizing, weight lifting, flying and traveling.