Elizabeth Kjar, M.ed, LLMSW

My area of expertise is assisting, empowering, and supporting children, adolescents, and women. I am committed to working as a partner with individuals and families to address life’s difficulties, offer new skills and perspectives, and empower healthy relationships and personal growth. I have over twenty years of experience in the social services field, specifically working with diverse populations in child welfare, school-based mental health, and victimization/trauma. I particularly enjoy working with children and adolescents, ages 5 through 21, as they develop coping strategies to maintain emotional and mental health. I have extensive experience addressing traumatic experiences such as domestic violence and abuse, sexual assault and rape, human trafficking, and other forms of criminal victimization. I work eclectically, utilizing a variety of therapeutic modalities and approaches to support and assist individuals.

My Unique Approach to Therapy

I am wholeheartedly committed to providing person-centered, culturally competent care. I see myself as the co-pilot in partnership with my client, providing the support and resources needed to safely navigate through life’s challenges. I love to share tools, skills, and new perspectives as much as I love to learn from and with individuals. I believe that trust is the most important part of the therapeutic relationship.

Specialized & Extended Training

I received a Bachelor’s in Family and Human Development from Utah State University and worked within the child welfare and victim advocacy field for several years. I completed a Master’s degree in Education from Westminster College focusing specifically on what individuals learn from social services. In addition to teaching social work courses at colleges in Utah, Maryland, and Delaware, I directed the largest domestic violence shelter and transitional housing program in Arizona, developed early intervention and family literacy programs in Maryland, implemented follow-up services for Michigan’s Suicide Crisis centers, and managed school-based mental health services and programs. I completed a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2024.