Laura Peña

I have 7+ years of experience working in the mental health field with children, youth and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous identities, refugees and newcomers. I have proficient skills in supporting folks explore and reach their social, emotional, mental, spiritual and physical goals. I centre relationships and incorporate a holistic lens that prioritizes personal strengths, diversity, and inclusivity.

Social Worker - Clinician - Metro Vancouver Indigenous Counselling - Vancouver, BC

(2025-05)

• Offer in-person and Telehealth counselling to Indigenous youth and young adults using a trauma-informed lens and cultural safe practice

Social Worker - Canuck Place Children's Hospice - Vancouver, BC

(2025-04)

• Support children, youth, parents/caregivers with end-of-life transition planning and offer bereavement care
• Manage emotionally charged conversations around grief and loss
• Work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to offer best care to children and families, aligned with their value systems

Social Worker - BC Children's Hospital - Vancouver, BC

(2024-09 - 2025-03)

• Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments with children, youth and families
• Worked collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams
• Maintained organized, confidential clinical documentation/reports
• Completed assessments/offered resource navigation to families

Youth and Family Worker - Vancouver School Board (Alternative Schools) - Vancouver, BC

(2023-03 - 2025-03)

• Applied strength-based practice while working 1:1 with students navigating stress, anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, academic struggles, self-harm, among others
• Created and implemented individualized intervention plans

Program Coordinator - Capilano Community Services Society - Vancouver, BC

(2019-09 - 2022-08)

• Led a team of Youth Workers, hired and trained new staff
• Developed and implemented relevant needs-based programming
• Provided individual and group counselling to youth ages 12 - 24 experiencing grief and loss, trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, racism, isolation, suicidality
• Liaised with MCFD Social Workers, community providers, school personnel and maintaned organized documentation and records

Student Resident Life Advisor - Concordia University - Montreal, QC

(2013-09 - 2015-04)

• Established professional relationships with students, offered guidance and support as they navigated school-related and personal challenges
• Addressed concerns raised by students and responded appropriately to student behaviour misconduct

Master of Social Work - Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency - University of Toronto (2022 - 2024)

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Major - Concordia University (2012 - 2017)