Laura Ribeiro holds an MSW degree from University of Missouri – St. Louis and a Bachelor of Human Services and Psychology degree from Missouri Baptist University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri and has over 10 years of social work experience in faith-based organizations where she provided school-based mental health services to children and adolescents from diverse backgrounds. She is a Registered Play Therapist and is passionate about using play to engage with children in therapy. She also maintains a small private practice where she works with children, adolescents, and adults. Her practice experience involves working with individuals and families experiencing a variety of presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and divorce. Her teaching interests are evolving but include social work practice with individuals of all ages, play therapy, work with refugees, perinatal bereavement, and supporting clients through loss.