LAUREN MILITELLO
Hi, I'm Lauren, a school-based Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #156169) in the Bay Area, CA.
For over 15 years, I've collaborated with non-profits and other organizations to create meaningful change in communities.
I work for Mt. Diablo Unified School District as a Mental Health Clinical Specialist (MHCS) within sped-hybrid programs. I serve elementary and high school students under the umbrella of Counseling Therapeutic Services.
During my first year as a clinician I completed my fieldwork hours as a candidate to earn a Pupil Personnel Services in School Counseling and Child Welfare Credential (as required for my current role as a MHCS). Supervision provided at Sun Terrace Elementary by Gabriela Toruno LMFT 96700, PPSC, and at Concord High, Michelle Sepe LCSW 83731, PPSC.
My mission is to show up for the students who are hardest to reach. At the core, my therapeutic approach is holistic, person-centered, and trauma-focused. With my training in strength-based interventions and multicultural counseling, I foster nurturing, authentic, and supportive connections with youth and adults in sensitive situations. I'm adaptive, endlessly curious, empathetic, and organized. I love working with families and collaborating with teams in educational settings.
This strong commitment to clients in nonprofit settings began at Cycles of Change. I assisted families recently sheltered at Alameda Point by helping their children learn bicycle repair. At Build's entrepreneurship program, I led a team of East Oakland high-school students through a small business launch. In West Oakland at The Crucible, I volunteered as a teacher's assistant, helped kids grow their confidence with industrial art projects. While at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland (CHO),
I adhered to HIPAA compliance while assisting Child Life Specialists with the CHO Show, helping patients with media therapy projects.
Testimonials about my work:
"I started a study to research communication gaps regarding the Northern California Wildfires. Our goal was to hear from the families and individuals involved from the ground up and learn how a community can effectively respond to a crisis and increase resilience. Lauren implemented the sensitivity training; this was imperative as many residents suffered from the psychological effects of significant trauma. Lauren consistently exhibited empathetic communication with survivors interested in being interviewed."
Dr. Valerie Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES
Professor of Communication
Cal State East Bay
"One of Lauren’s strengths is engaging the patients in play and expressive developmental activities. In her time at Children’s Hospital, Lauren proved to be a very warm-hearted and caring volunteer. She easily makes connections with families and children of any age. She is open, natural, and positive with the kids, and they responded with enthusiasm to her presence. Lauren is skilled at following a child’s lead, allowing patients of differing physical and cognitive abilities to create fun and meaningful experiences."
Katie Craft, Child Life Specialist
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
"As Lauren grew and adapted, she earned a promotion becoming the development and creative projects coordinator. In this more creative role, she visited our recipients, including school pantries, churches, and senior centers, interviewing food pantry community leaders. Lauren sensitively interviewed clients who
directly benefit from our services. She always made sure to have full consent and meet their thresholds of personal comfort when publishing the stories."
Eve Birge, Executive Director
White Pony Express
