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
Pittsburgh, PA
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
Pittsburgh, PA
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
Pittsburgh, PA
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.
Pittsburgh, PA
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
Oakmont, Pennsylvania
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
York, Pennsylvania
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