Lauren Ivy Sieja, DSW, LCSW-S, is a social work scholar-practitioner whose career spans direct clinical practice, supervision, policy work, teaching, and research. She grounds her professional identity in the belief that social work education and practice are inseparable, emphasizing that effective teaching must be informed by ongoing engagement in the field. Lauren holds a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin (2014) and a Doctorate in Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University (2025). Her research focuses on the impact of poverty, rurality, social support, and mental health on maternal burnout, and she is building a research agenda centered on maternal well-being, rural health disparities, identity erosion and development, and the development and testing of evidence-informed interventions.

Lauren’s professional experience bridges micro and macro practice. In her current position with Texas Health and Human Services, she works in school-based Medicaid public policy, collaborating with stakeholders and translating complex policy guidance into actionable practice. She also maintains a small private practice caseload and provides clinical supervision to LMSWs pursuing advanced licensure. Her clinical background includes training in TF-CBT, DBT, and EMDR, as well as extensive experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in school and community settings. Prior to her policy work, Lauren spent eight years as a school social worker and served with Communities in Schools, roles that strengthened her expertise in crisis intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, program development, and school–community partnerships.

Lauren has taught at the graduate level in both social work and school psychology programs, delivering courses in online, hybrid, and in-person formats. She is proficient with Brightspace D2L, Zoom, and a range of digital learning tools. Her doctoral program has included extensive training in course development, instructional design, and alignment with the 2022 CSWE EPAS competencies. She is deeply committed to creating inclusive, anti-oppressive, and student-centered learning environments that honor diverse perspectives and promote professional growth.

Research is an integral part of Lauren’s professional mission. Her scholarly work is grounded in practice-informed and community-engaged approaches. Her current research explores maternal burnout in rural contexts, and her long-term goal is to advance a program of intervention-focused scholarship, including testing and refining the intervention developed through her doctoral work.

Across teaching, research, practice, and policy, Lauren strives to model ethical leadership, critical thinking, and a commitment to social justice. This portfolio offers a comprehensive view of her professional journey, philosophy, and contributions, demonstrating the strengths, experience, and perspective she brings to an academic role in social work.