STACY GHERARDI, LCSW, PhD

Working in Schools Only

I was born and raised in Albuquerque, NM before spending about 15 years in Chicago where I earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work and a PhD in Policy Studies in Urban Education. During my time there, I spent 8 years as a School Social Worker. Since returning to New Mexico in 2016, I have maintained my Clinical Social Work Licensure and School Social Work Licensure while working as a faculty member in the School of Social Work at NMSU.

I have a passion for working with children, youth, and families from all backgrounds. I have a special interest in supporting children and youth who experience challenges in school, working directly with young people in addition to supporting parents and educators to effectively meet their needs. As a clinician, I utilize a range of modalities in my work including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have extensive experience in trauma-informed care and am deeply committed to helping youth and families who experience adversity to move through challenges into thriving.

Areas of specific expertise include: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism and Neurodiversity, caregiving and disability, childhood grief and loss, family transitions, parenting issues, trauma and PTSD.

Education:

2016 Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago Policy Studies in Urban Education: Social Foundations
2008 M.S.W. University of Illinois at Chicago, Jane Addams School of Social Work.
2006 Teacher Certification Dominican University, Major: Elementary Education
2005 B.S.W. Valparaiso University Major: Social Work Minor: Urban Studies