Katie Leerburger
Denver,CO
Summary
Passionate and compassionate Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s in Social Work, dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and families facing mental health challenges, including, but not limited to, suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation. I especially love working with children, and I take pride in creating a safe, nurturing space for their growth and healing. Deeply committed to honoring diverse cultures and backgrounds, I build genuine, trusting relationships with clients from all walks of life—including asylum seekers, survivors of trauma, and individuals navigating substance use recovery. Known for my empathy, cultural humility, and collaborative spirit, I navigate complex care systems with patience and grace, while fiercely advocating for client needs. Driven by a heartfelt desire to create safe spaces where clients can heal, grow, and discover hope in their unique journeys.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Clinician
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
Aurora, Colorado
04.2023 - Current
- Conduct high-acuity crisis assessments for pediatric and adolescent patients presenting with suicidality, homicidality, psychosis, and behavioral dysregulation.
- Make clinical determinations for the level of care, and coordinate complex patient dispositions (e.g., inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, PHP/IOP referrals, or discharge with safety planning).
- Serve as Lead Night Disposition Coordinator, overseeing after-hours psychiatric placements and transitions of care
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with external providers to streamline admissions, and support continuity of care.
- Communicate clinical assessments and placement decisions to parents and legal guardians, applying de-escalation strategies, and escalating complex cases to leadership when needed.
- Support interdepartmental care transitions, liaising with ED teams, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and care coordination.
- Engage in difficult, emotionally charged conversations with families resistant to inpatient or higher-level care decisions; utilize de-escalation techniques to ensure safety and understanding
- Maintain detailed documentation in Epic EMR, ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and clinical standards.
- Participate in regular case conferences, clinical education, and quality improvement initiatives under PMHI Consultation Service
Clinical Case Manager
The Medical Center of Aurora
Aurora, Colorado
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Provided individual, group, and family therapy to clients enrolled in Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), ages [insert age range]
- Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, and created individualized treatment plans
- Facilitated evidence-based therapeutic groups (e.g., CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, psychoeducation) to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and social functioning
- Served as primary case manager for a caseload of 20 clients, coordinating care with internal clinicians, psychiatry, schools, and outside providers
- Monitored client progress and updated treatment plans in accordance with insurance and program requirements
- Led discharge planning, including safety assessments, aftercare referrals, and coordination with outpatient providers
- Held weekly family sessions and provided parent education to support treatment progress and promote continuity of care
- Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to conduct case reviews and adjust care plans as needed
- Managed crises on-site, including suicidal ideation, behavioral escalation, or psychiatric decompensation, with timely safety interventions and possible higher-level-of-care referrals
- Maintained documentation in Meditech per state and program guidelines
- Advocated for clients’ access to community services, including therapy, psychiatry, education support, and housing resources
Clinical Case Manager
Asylee Women Enterprises
Baltimore, Maryland
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Provided trauma-informed case management to asylum seekers and trafficking survivors
- Assisted with housing, immigration legal services, healthcare access, and community integration
- Completed advanced trainings on trauma, EMDR, neurobiology, and domestic violence
Clinical Case Manager
AsylumWorks
Washington, District of Columbia
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Served asylum seekers with trauma-informed clinical case management
- Coordinated access to medical, mental health, housing, and social services tailored to asylum seekers’ unique circumstances
- Advocated for clients’ rights and needs within immigration and social service systems, helping to empower client self-advocacy
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of immigration law basics and cultural humility to enhance service delivery
- Participated in specialized trainings on cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and best clinical case management practices for immigrant populations
- Trained in cultural humility and immigration law basics
MSW Clinical Intern
Chrysalis House
Crownsville, Maryland
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Provided individual and group counseling to adults recovering from substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health conditions
- Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans based on client assessments, incorporating evidence-based practices and ASAM criteria
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic groups focused on relapse prevention, coping skills, trauma recovery, and domestic violence awareness
- Conducted thorough intake assessments, discharge planning, and aftercare coordination to support long-term recovery goals
- Completed all required documentation, including discharge summaries, progress notes, treatment plans, and ASAM level of care updates, ensuring compliance with regulatory and program standards
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including medical providers, social workers, and case managers to ensure holistic client care
- Led 12-step facilitation groups and supported clients’ engagement in recovery communities
- Assisted clients in navigating challenges related to trauma, domestic violence, and mental health crises, providing crisis intervention when necessary
- Maintained strict confidentiality and upheld ethical standards in all clinical interactions
- Participated in ongoing clinical supervision and professional development to enhance counseling skills and knowledge of addiction treatment modalities
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development & Family Relations
University of Maine
Orono, ME05-2019
Skills
- Crisis assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Behavioral intervention
- Treatment planning
- EMR management
- Patient advocacy
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Trauma-informed care
- Conflict resolution
- Emotional intelligence
- Psychoeducation
- Mental health assessment
- Suicide risk assessment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Self-care promotion
- Suicide prevention
- Teamwork
- Mental health advocacy
Affiliations
- Global Volunteer: Passionate about making a difference internationally, immersed in diverse cultures while supporting communities in Ghana and Italy.
- Culture Explorer: Constantly inspired by the richness of diverse cultures through travel and meaningful community connections.
- Nature Enthusiast: Recharge with hiking adventures and peaceful nature walks with my dog, boosting wellness and clarity.
- Strength Training as Self-Care: Dedicated to strength training as a powerful way to nurture both physical health and mental well-being.
- Arts & Music Aficionado: Frequent concert goer and museum visitor, always seeking inspiration and creativity.
Accomplishments
- Full Scholarship Recipient – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), 2013
Selected by faculty for leadership potential; participated in intensive leadership training with students across the state. - Magna Cum Laude – University of Maine, 2019
Graduated with honors for academic excellence in Child Development and Family Relations. - Member – Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity (2017–2019)
Recognized for high achievement in scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. - Member – Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education (2017–2019)
Selected for excellence in academic performance and commitment to the field of education. - Member – Sigma Alpha Pi, The National Society of Leadership and Success (2017–2019)
Honored for leadership potential and commitment to personal and professional growth. - BHWISE Lifespan Scholar – University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work (2021–2022)
Selected for a prestigious behavioral health training program focused on interprofessional education and work with underserved communities.
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Timeline
Behavioral Health Clinician
Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
04.2023 - Current
Clinical Case Manager
The Medical Center of Aurora
10.2022 - 04.2023
Clinical Case Manager
Asylee Women Enterprises
01.2022 - 05.2022
Clinical Case Manager
AsylumWorks
08.2021 - 12.2021
MSW Clinical Intern
Chrysalis House
08.2020 - 05.2021
Master of Social Work -
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development & Family Relations
University of Maine
Similar Profiles
Danielle StoryDanielle Story
Pediatric Registered Nurse, Neurology at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, AuroraPediatric Registered Nurse, Neurology at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
Rachel MillerRachel Miller
RN at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, AuroraRN at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
JULIE BRADLEYJULIE BRADLEY
Nurse Care Coordinator, Solid Tumor Team at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, AuroraNurse Care Coordinator, Solid Tumor Team at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
Alexandria LaBrieAlexandria LaBrie
Certified Nursing Assistant at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, AuroraCertified Nursing Assistant at Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
Laura LeeLaura Lee
Senior Accountant at Scrum AllianceSenior Accountant at Scrum Alliance