Education
Masters of Social Work from the University of St Thomas in St Paul, MN
Bachelors of Social Work from Luther College in Decorah, IA
About
Abby has been working as a social worker with children and families for the past seven years in a variety of roles. Most of her experience has been in children’s mental health, including case management, Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS), and early childhood development. Throughout her career, Abby has also worked extensively with immigrant and refugee families. She speaks Spanish and has specialized training from both her undergraduate and master’s education in working with immigrant communities. Abby is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), approved to provide Licensed Social Worker (LSW) supervision, and holds a certification in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).
Abby views all of her work through a systemic lens, recognizing that people and their environments continually influence one another. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, Family Systems Theory, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Her approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally humble, and she believes that authentic human connection is one of the most powerful tools for healing. Abby’s passion areas include women’s mental health, parenting, the Spanish-speaking community, body image and self-concept, and transition-aged youth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, making music, and biking around Rochester with her toddler.
Specialties
- Spanish Language
- Peripartum
- Anxiety and Depression
- Transition-aged youth
- Trauma-informed
