- MORE ABOUT LEAH -

What are your areas of experience?
Prior to joining Transitions as the residential manager, I earned my Bachelors of Social Work with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. During this time, I completed an internship through the Iowa Department of Corrections Drug Court/Mental Health Court, giving me many differing perspectives on an array of areas within the social work and mental health field.

What are your clinical interests?
My clinical interests vary from children and adults with interests in working with all kinds of individuals. Within the field of social work and mental health, it’s important to be able to target your clinical focuses to fit the needs of many differing individuals.

How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
My therapeutic approach has always lied in the hands of empathy and trauma-informed care. I believe clients have the right to self-determination and want to approach my practices with the understanding that everyone is not the same. Everyone has different needs and it’s essential that my approach is able to capture the needs of all different ages and backgrounds.

Are there any specialized trainings or treatment models that you frequently incorporate?
There are many differing ways in which I use what I have learned from trainings throughout college and my internship, revolving around the implementation of trauma-informed care practices, client-centered case management and cultural competence. My goal is to work with my clients to build a tool box of coping skills that they can use throughout all therapeutic interventions.

What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I love to read and watch films. I have a cat named Tia who loves to go on walks. I personally do art and like to be creative therapeutically.