Navigating Queerness in the Clinic

Meet the Presenters

Kasi Oxendine, MSW, LCSW (they/them)

Kasi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing therapist since 2015 (with a brief break as a Certified Personal Trainer). Kasi received their Bachelor of Social Work from Indiana State University (ISU) in 2014, then went on to complete their Master of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. Born and raised in Terre Haute, Kasi understood the challenges of a queer person living in a Red state and sought to advocate for this population through both direct and indirect service. At their first job working for Hamilton Center (Child & Adolescent Services), Kasi began developing LGBTQIA+ cultural competency training for service providers and presented to various agencies around the state. This work continued as Kasi practiced as an individual therapist in various locations. Kasi has presented their work on best clinical practices for the LGBTQIA+ population several times to both the BSW and MSW students at ISU. Kasi is now a clinical supervisor at Catalyst Counseling and Consulting, a group private practice that primarily serves queer and gender-diverse individuals. Kasi also supports LGBTQIA+ employees at large corporations through a digital mental health organization specializing in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Sara Church, MS, LMHC, CMIP (she/her)

Sara is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has been practicing therapy since 2009. Sara received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) in 2007 and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana State University in 2009. After working in community mental health leadership for several years, Sara opened Catalyst Counseling & Consulting, LLC in 2015. Catalyst is now the largest LGBTQIA+ centered private group therapy practice in the state of Indiana. Along with her work as a therapist, Sara has provided consultation to organizations across the state on ways to make environments safe for LGBTQIA+ clients, patients, colleagues, etc. Sara has also presented her experience with integrating somatic/body-based strategies with LGBTQIA+ clients both locally and nationwide. Alongside her clinical work, Sara has been a faculty member at SMWC since 2019 and is currently the director of the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Sara is also the President of the Board of Directors of GenderNexus, an Indy based nonprofit, whose mission is to empower gender-diverse people and their loved ones to live healthy, authentic, and joyful lives.

Learning Objectives

· The learner will understand the mental health disparities and legislative discrimination that the LGBTQIA+ community faces.

· The learner will get the latest information on gender affirming care in Indiana.

· The learner will understand best practices in the treatment of LGBTQIA+ clients.

· The learner will be given recommendations on assessment and documentation of their work with LGBTQIA+ clients.

· The learner will explore local resources dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ community members and their loved ones.

For more information or questions, contact: Amber Barnhill at [email protected]