Lauren Cieslak
Lauren works at the MHARS (Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services) Board of Lorain County as a Program Officer, working under the Children and Adolescent Services Director on the Community Services Team.
Lauren has worked passionately in direct mental health services for 11 years. Most recently, six of those years were spent in Lorain County. Lauren is a Board Certified Art Therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor. She is currently a professor at Ursuline College where she teaches practicum and internship students in the double master’s program, of which she is also an alumna. Previously, Lauren was a mental health therapist at The Nord Center where she led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Trauma Informed Care initiatives. Lauren is a founding member of two community nonprofits: The Lorain County LGBTQ+ Taskforce and Public Art Vermilion. Earlier in her career, Lauren worked at The Emily Program, The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities and Westside Community House. Lauren has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University, and a double masters in Art Therapy and Counseling from Ursuline College.
Lauren is excited about her work here at the MHARS Board.
Lauren says, “I think that something I’m most excited about is effecting change, starting needed conversations, and destigmatizing mental health and recovery needs in our community by providing support, training and education to our community.”
