Lauren Allen LMSW, M.Ed, RYT (she/her), is originally from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Lauren graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She earned a Master of Social Work and a certificate of Trauma Treatment and Practice in Social Work from Widener University. In 2018, she earned a Master of Education in Human Sexuality with an emphasis in Sex Therapy at Widener University. Lauren completed the Askable Adult certificate program through the Interdisciplinary Sexuality Research Collaborative. Through this program, she was educated on how to talk to young people about topics of sex and sexuality in a culturally and developmentally appropriate way. The topics of focus were but not limited to, intimacy, gender identity, sexuality, reproductive health, and sexualization. Also, Lauren is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. Lauren comes with over 11 years of experience in the social work field, and we are excited to have her here.
Kate Arbaugh, LCSW-C (she/her), graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Maryland, College Park, and with a Master of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore. She has over 8 years of experience working with survivors of trauma. Before coming to UMBC, she worked for a nonprofit agency providing trauma therapy, advocacy, and outreach to those experiencing intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Kate’s approach as an advocate is grounded in her ongoing study of disability justice, queer theory, and intersectional feminism. In her free time, Kate loves baking, reading queer fantasy/sci-fi, and hanging out with her three cats.
Julia Ki (she/her) studied psychology and biology at University of Maryland, College Park, graduating in 2023. Afterwards, she gained experience in human services by working at a nonprofit for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping to operate their crisis hotline. Julia is now a first-year student in University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Master of Social Work program, with aspirations of working as a clinical therapist. She is currently completing her practicum at UMBC’s Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center, supporting respondents through the advocacy team and co-facilitating Between Femmes, a discussion group for queer women. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and serving racial minority populations.