Kana Lastovica
Cypress,Texas
Summary
Social worker focused on driving positive outcomes for disadvantaged adults and youth. Proven success in crisis intervention and resource allocation, leveraging collaboration with treatment teams to improve access to essential healthcare and psychiatric services.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Director of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program
THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD
Houston, Texas
01.2013 - Current
- Works with HCPC and Probate Court #3 to provide services to clients enrolled in the Houston AOT program.
- Coordinated healthcare and psychiatric services by advocating for consumer needs and monitoring internal and external service delivery.
- Conducted patient and family needs assessments to guide case management services, creating treatment plans and connecting clients to essential resources.
- Presented case histories for review and discussion with psychiatrists and treatment team members to enhance client care strategies.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments in a relief role at Harris County Jail
Child Protective Services Investigator II
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Houston, Texas
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Established positive relationships with families and children on caseload through effective communication and engagement.
- Employed creative solutions to address each family’s unique needs while delivering tailored support and resources.
- Educated families and substitute care providers on developmentally appropriate care practices, covering social development, nutrition, and behavior modification techniques.
- Promoted stable home environments by encouraging family participation in services and activities that support healthy development.
Trauma Focused Therapist-Intern
UCAN Therapeutic Services
Chicago, Illinois
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Championed the core elements of the UCAN Clinical Philosophy surrounding development, attachment and trauma.
- Facilitated counseling for recovery from abusive and traumatic childhood experiences.
- Provided outpatient therapy services to youth, families and adults recovering from trauma.
- Addressed complex issues including abuse, neglect, separation, loss, and domestic violence.
- Enhanced parenting techniques and strengthened family relationships for individuals at risk of losing child custody.
- Instructed on effective parenting tools and skills to promote better family dynamics.
Child Advocate-Intern
COOK COUNTY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN
Chicago, Illinois
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Collaborated with Child’s Attorney Ad Litem to advocate for children in state conservatorship, enhancing support for those in foster care, residential homes, shelters, or TLPs.
- Monitored safety and well-being of children in program, implementing measures to address needs and improve care.
- Monitored progress of families and conducted home visits.
- Managed operations of emergency children’s shelters, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining safe environment for children.
Education
Master of Social Work -
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
Chicago, Illinois05-2012
Master of Science - Child Development
ERIKSON INSTITUTE
Chicago, Illinois05-2011
Skills
- Program development
- Crisis management
- Policy and procedure improvements
- Team collaboration
- Case management
- trauma-informed care
- Adult grieving support
Research
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR EARLY EDUCATION RESEARCH (NIEER), Chicago, Illinois, Research Assistant, 01/2008-12/2011, Conducted early mathematics education research., Orchestrated and performed studies to develop and improve child mathematics assessment methodologies.
Professional Publications
- Washburn M, Gearing RE, Lastovica K, Johnson C, Frank M, Kovach JV. Enhancing Implementation of a Multisystem Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program to Support Positive Mental Health Outcomes in High-Need Populations. Soc Work. 2025 Oct 1;70(4):295-302. doi: 10.1093/sw/swaf033. PMID: 40882988.
- Kovach JV, Gearing RE, Washburn M, Robinson A, Lastovica K, Britt L, Young W. Exception Reporting: A Novel Approach to Tracking of Multiple Behavioral Health Outcomes. Community Ment Health J. 2024 Apr;60(3):620-625. doi: 10.1007/s10597-023-01195-x. Epub 2023 Oct 7. PMID: 37804403.
- Gearing, R. E., Washburn, M., Kovach, J. V., Olson, L., Lastovica, K., Clark, D., Robinson, A., Foo, S., Cunningham, K., Johnson, C., Rose, D., Renteria, A., Alkhadra, H., Brown, A., Collins, K., Gadison, C., Nelson, K., McCullum, D., Woods, K., … Young, W. (2024). Evolution of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program Through the Application of a Social Work Lens. Research on Social Work Practice, 34(3), 256-264.
Affiliations
- Harris County Civil Mental Health Committee (2023-present)
- Treatment Advocacy Center peer auditor (2026-present)
- LEAP certified trainer (2026-present)
- Volunteer Chair, Bridgeland Barricudas Swim Team, 2021-2026
- Overnight Supervisor, Lincoln Park Community Shelter, Chicago (2007-2010)
Speaking & Training
- speaker at 2026 Maryland Statewide Assessment Outpatient Treatment Symposium
- speaker at 2022 National Assisted Outpatient Treatment Symposium
- LEAP Trainer Certification 2026
Timeline
Program Director of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program
THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD
01.2013 - Current
Child Protective Services Investigator II
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES
01.2012 - 01.2013
Trauma Focused Therapist-Intern
UCAN Therapeutic Services
01.2011 - 01.2012
Child Advocate-Intern
COOK COUNTY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN
01.2010 - 01.2011
Master of Social Work -
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
Master of Science - Child Development
ERIKSON INSTITUTE