Working with Adolescents

Julie Anne Laser, PhD, MSW, LCSW, is Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. She is a cofounder and Executive Director of Colorado Clinical Therapy. Dr. Laser has clinical and research expertise in experiential therapy, working with military families, posttraumatic stress disorder and trauma-focused therapy, parenting issues, child and adolescent healthy development, couple therapy, adolescent substance abuse, working with human trafficking victims/survivors, well-being and resilience throughout the life cycle, and school social work. She has worked as a clinician in the United States, in both rural and urban settings; Mexico; Peru; Italy; and Bolivia.

Nicole Nicotera, PhD, LICSW, is Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. Dr. Nicotera has a passion for teaching mindfulness and meditation techniques to support stress reduction and well-being among helping professionals. Her research interests include examining innovative ways to promote health across the lifespan and mindfulness practices as a pathway to well-being. She also conducts research on youth civic engagement and on issues of unearned privilege and oppression in social work practice, education, and research. As a clinical social worker, Dr. Nicotera worked with children, youth, and families in a community mental health center, and also has extensive school social work experience.