Laura Vargas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has spent her career developing grief support programs for individuals, families, and communities bereaved by the overdose crisis. As a Latina living in the US and working in behavioral health, she has focused on ensuring resources and services are offered in culturally appropriate manners. Laura finds great passion in developing and expanding SADOD's outreach programs.
Prior to becoming SADOD's Director of Outreach Programs, Laura created and led Philly HEALs, a nationally recognized, holistic grief support program for loss due to substance use in Philadelphia. Laura has had the honor of working with over 2,000 individuals grieving the death of a loved one to substance use. Laura has presented at national conferences, been featured on podcasts and local news stations, and consulted to various jurisdictions looking to create grief support programs for deaths due to substance use.
Laura is certified in grief counseling, trauma treatment, cognitive behavior therapy, and has trained and studied various other therapeutic models. As a native Spanish speaker and fluent French speaker, Laura has been able to connect with individuals in their preferred language.
Laura earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice. Laura received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and International Studies from the University of Michigan. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
