Dr. Wolf’s Journey
Dr. Lauren Weber Wolf, DSW, MSW, LCSW
Lauren Wolf, DSW, MSW, LCSW (she/her) is a doctor of social work and a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience in community agencies, hospitals, medical clinics, and physical medicine rehabilitation settings. She has served individuals and families across the lifespan. Dr. Wolf began her career in social services working as a prevention educator for a sexual assault center. As Dr. Wolf entered her Master of Social Work program in 2007, she was drawn to health care issues and working with older adults and thus chose to specialize in these areas. Her close family ties and relationships with her grandparents and great-grandparents inspired her work ahead. An internship in a hospital during her master’s program solidified her interests in supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Dr. Wolf has conversely worked at times with women, children, and youth facing issues related to health and trauma.
In 2013, Dr. Wolf had an opportunity to engage in a transformative international professional social work exchange. This life-changing experience led her to engage more deeply in citizen diplomacy and champion international social work education. These collective experiences have supported Dr. Wolf’s journey as a lifelong learner while she continues to serve individuals and families through a holistic and global lens.
In recent years, Dr. Wolf has served in various positions at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab of Chicago, IL, an acute rehabilitation hospital and affiliated rehabilitation clinics in the Chicagoland area. Her recent work has included serving individuals and families who have faced serious illness, injuries, disabilities, and trauma. The gun violence survivors and families she met further inspired her pursuit of a doctorate. She began her most intense learning journey during the pandemic in 2020, while also continuing to serve the individuals and families who displayed deep fortitude during challenging times. Dr. Wolf graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 2024 with a Doctor of Social Work. Her research, based in Chicago, focused on social workers’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to community gun violence.
Dr. Wolf has also experienced family crisis, disabling conditions, loss, and transition planning directly. These experiences have widened her knowledge and deepened her commitment to aging life care™ management and disability support.
Dr. Wolf is an accomplished pianist and double majored in music during her undergraduate studies. She loves spending time entertaining and has taught music with older adults. She spends her free time engaged in activities that help her build resilience and protect her peace. She enjoys being spending time outdoors, listening to live music, and practicing yoga and pilates. Taking time for mindfulness practices helps her rest, recharge, and prepare for the challenges that arise. These activities help her remain joyful. Dr. Wolf believes serving others is her true calling.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve others, and it provides deep meaning and purpose.
