Kristen A. Olson-Gaia, LCSW, J.D.
Pittsburgh
Summary
Hardworking therapy practitioner driven to improve patient lives with high-quality and caring support. Excellent planning and problem-solving skills paired with methodical and thorough approach.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Counselor and Assistant Clinical Director
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
07.2024 - Current
- Assist clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educate clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Improve client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Assist Clinical Director to optimize clinical workflow and support clinical staff as necessary.
- Facilitator - Living Through Grief: A Spousal Support Group.
Licensed Counselor and Resident
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Counseled individuals, groups or families to help understand problems, deal with crisis situations and develop realistic action plans.
- Administered, scored and interpreted psychosocial examinations for assessment of different client markers.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Facilitator - Living Through Grief: A Spousal Support Group.
Master's Level Social Work Intern
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
09.2020 - 04.2022
- Counseled individuals, groups and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Tracked progress according to goals for interventions.
- Encouraged clients and family members to practice and use skills and strategies for confronting problems constructively.
- Prepared and led support group - Living Through Grief: A Spousal Support Group.
Associate Attorney
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
02.2018 - 10.2019
- Assessed cases for probable outcomes by researching black letter law and other legal authority, comparing fact patterns to those of precedential cases.
- Developed strategies to resolve cases in clients' best interest.
- Drafted estate documents, special needs trust documents, and guardianship documents on clients' behalf by balancing objectives and legal requirements and prohibitions.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
- Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- Tracked and researched developing precedent and legislation in estates and trusts law to maintain expertise and to best advise and advocate for clients.
- Conducted legal research and conferred with colleagues with subject matter expertise to develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Advised clients on legal matters such as estate administration, special needs trusts and guardianship.
Associate Attorney
John P. Donovan & Associates, LLC
03.2008 - 02.2018
- Prepared various legal documents including estate planning documents, divorce pleadings and responses, custody agreements, and civil pleadings and responses as appropriate for client's needs.
- Counseled clients with regard to their estate document and estate administration needs from initial meetings to reviewing and explaining documents through final execution of required documents.
- Resolved post-judgment litigation settlements and default judgment orders in favor of clients.
- Prepared Deeds and reviewed agreements of sale for real property.
- Presented key evidence and exhibits during civil trials.
- Questioned and cross-examined witnesses throughout course of trials.
- Researched, wrote and filed all motions, writs and briefs for cases.
- Participated in trial preparation for case litigation, including developing strategies and arguments for cases involving a variety of legal issues, including estate administration matters, guardianships, family law matters and civil matters.
Law Clerk to the Honorable Maria Musti Cook
York County Court of Common Pleas
01.2006 - 02.2008
- Prepared legal memorandums detailing legal issues, analyze Pennsylvania case law regarding civil and family law matters.
- Prepared Opinions based on legal research and analysis for cases to be decided based strictly on pleadings filed.
- Reviewed Divorce Complaints and filings, recommended approval of marriage dissolutions, communicated necessary revisions to attorneys.
Education
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA2022
J.D. - Law
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA2005
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts - Communications
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA2001
Skills
- Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- One-on-one sessions
- Documentation requirements
- Therapeutic Plans
- Progress assessments
- Cultural Awareness
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - June, 2024
Licensed Social Worker - June, 2022
Pennsylvania Bar Admission - October, 2005
Timeline
Licensed Counselor and Assistant Clinical Director
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
07.2024 - Current
Licensed Counselor and Resident
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
05.2022 - 07.2024
Master's Level Social Work Intern
Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry
09.2020 - 04.2022
Associate Attorney
Tucker Arensberg, P.C.
02.2018 - 10.2019
Associate Attorney
John P. Donovan & Associates, LLC
03.2008 - 02.2018
Law Clerk to the Honorable Maria Musti Cook
York County Court of Common Pleas
01.2006 - 02.2008
Master of Social Work - Social Work
University of Pittsburgh
J.D. - Law
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts - Communications
Duquesne University
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