Laura Kinney began her human services work 20 years ago in Omaha, becoming a volunteer for the WCA (then YWCA) domestic violence crisis line. She served as a volunteer and professional advocate through her late teens and early 20s for local survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, eventually winning an organizationl award for her dedication to the volunteer program. 

 

During this time, Laura pursued her psychology degree at Creighton University, and then trained as a clinical social worker at the Grace Abbot School of Social Work / University of Nebraska Omaha. During her time there, Laura was selected to receive a competitive fellowship and appointed as a graduate teaching assistant to the school's director. 

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After a clinical practicum at Heartland Family Service, Laura was hired as a staff therapist and completed her provisional training in a rigorous and varied setting, providing office based co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) treatment as well as in shelters, child welfare/criminal justice systems, and schools. Laura led Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups for teens in middle schools. During this time, Laura also served on a mobile crisis response team in the field, assisting police and emergency medical staff with mental health crises, in Iowa and Nebraska.  Laura is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) as well as all 4 phases of cutting edge treatment, Brainspotting.

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Laura has honed her skills in assessment and trauma work inside many area hospital emergency departments (Immanuel and Children's Hospital), through, in-home family support work and therapy consulting rooms.

 

She is an advocate for the team-centered group practice model, and is a sought after mentor and consultant nationally in the development of strong and well rounded clinicians. Laura also provides consultation to owners. leaders, and healthcare practice managers.

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Laura is a graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 43, a former member of the executive Board of Directors for Nebraska National Association of Social Workers, co president of the Board for Brighten Our Future Early Learning Center, and serves on guild boards for Omaha Children's Museum and the Rose Theater. She has served as adjunct faculty for the UnO Grace Abbott School of Social Work.

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All of Lifespan's clinicians receive direct and indirect mentorship and oversight by Laura, and are alongside her committed to the embodiment of client-centered care and clinical excellence in the Heartland. 

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Contact: laura@lifespanco.com