I’m Lauren Katz and I love connecting with others in the sharing of their stories.  I am a transracial adoptee born in Bolivia and raised in a primarily Italian family in Northern New Jersey.  I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College in 2007.  I then served a year in Americorps’ City Year-New York.  I spent a year leading a team through full-time community service in an elementary school in Harlem.  Before enrolling in graduate school, I worked with pregnant and parenting teens in a foster care group home. I earned my Master’s of Science in Social Work in 2011 from Columbia School of Social Work in New York, NY.   I returned to working in the group home where I supported parenting education, breastfeeding education and coordinated volunteer birth doula services.  In 2014, we moved our family to Bozeman, MT.  I have had the privilege of working in various schools both in Livingston and Bozeman as a Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) program therapist as well as a Safe-ti (School and Family Engagement – Trauma Informed) counselor.

My education and experiences have supported my ability in working primarily with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.  I strive to see as much of a whole picture as possible.  Especially as a parent, I understand that children are one piece in a much bigger puzzle.  Adults can also carry their childhood trauma and lived experiences in them which can come out sideways when least expected or welcome.  I am always learning from my clients and their families and it’s my hope they feel heard, seen, and supported.

My husband and I have three children who teach us daily about enjoying the simple things such as hot cocoa after sledding.  I love dogs, coffee, tea, knitting, and crocheting.