LAUREN MILITELLO
For over 15 years, I've collaborated with nonprofits to create meaningful change in communities.
Hi, I'm Lauren (she/her), a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at CSU East Bay. My grad program focuses on social justice via strength-based interventions and multicultural counseling education.
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At the core, my therapeutic approach is holistic, person-centered, and trauma-focused. I foster nurturing, authentic, supportive connections with youth and adults in sensitive situations. I'm adaptive, endlessly curious, empathetic, and organized. Currently, I work for Mt. Diablo Unified School District as a Behavioral Health Specialist Intern practicing restorative justice milieu therapy with elementary students served by the Counseling Enrichment Program.
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The heart of my past work with nonprofits is rooted in creative and administrative roles dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion for underserved communities in California. Most recently, I worked for the food and goods rescue nonprofit White Pony Express in campaign fundraising roles, supporting school food pantries and recipient sites.
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My commitment to clients in nonprofit settings began at Cycles of Change. I assisted families recently sheltered at Alameda Point by helping their children learn bicycle repair. At Build's entrepreneurship program, I led a team of East Oakland high-school students through a small business launch. In West Oakland at The Crucible, I volunteered as a teacher's assistant, helping kids grow their confidence with industrial art projects. While at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland (CHO), I assisted Child Life Specialists with the CHO Show and helped patients with media therapy projects.
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I'm interested in the intersection of mental health and the natural environment. In early 2024, I completed an ecotherapy training via the Holos Institute. As a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance North America (CPA-NA), I've also completed training in climate-aware therapy and as a climate cafe facilitator. For my graduate capstone, I'm creating an 8-week workshop that will help transition-age youth with life skills and career development resources. ​​
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I love hiking Bay Area trails with my husband, and our senior chihuahua, Booger. I also enjoy nature photography, gardening, and camping. As a nature-lover and aspiring climate-aware ecotherapist, I'm also trained by the Conservation Society of California as a California Naturalist, and volunteer with Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT). BAWT's mission is to provide equitable ​access to outdoor experiences for BIPOC youth and low income youth. My UC Climate Stewardship Capstone as a Naturalist focuses on access to wild spaces via centralized public transit resources and local programs.
Testimonials about my work:
"I started a study to research communication gaps regarding the Northern California Wildfires. Our goal was to hear from the families and individuals involved from the ground up and learn how a community can effectively respond to a crisis and increase resilience. Lauren implemented the sensitivity training; this was imperative as many residents suffered from the psychological effects of significant trauma. Lauren consistently exhibited empathetic communication with survivors interested in being interviewed."
Dr. Valerie Smith, PhD, MPH, CHES
Professor of Communication
Cal State East Bay
"One of Lauren’s strengths is engaging the patients in play and expressive developmental activities. In her time at Children’s Hospital, Lauren proved to be a very warm-hearted and caring volunteer. She easily makes connections with families and children of any age. She is open, natural, and positive with the kids, and they responded with enthusiasm to her presence. Lauren is skilled at following a child’s lead, allowing patients of differing physical and cognitive abilities to create fun and meaningful experiences."
Katie Craft, Child Life Specialist
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
"As Lauren grew and adapted, she earned a promotion becoming the development and creative projects coordinator. In this more creative role, she visited our recipients, including school pantries, churches, and senior centers, interviewing food pantry community leaders. Lauren sensitively interviewed clients who
directly benefit from our services. She always made sure to have full consent and meet their thresholds of personal comfort when publishing the stories."
Eve Birge, Executive Director
White Pony Express
