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. 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, 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 deepest learning journey during the pandemic in 2020 while also continuing to serve the individuals and families who showed deep fortitude during these 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 is also an accomplished pianist and double majored with a music degree during her undergraduate studies. She loves spending time entertaining and teaching older adults music. She spends her free time engaged in activities that help her build resilience and protect her peace. She enjoys being a pianist, spending time outdoors, listening to live music, doing yoga, pilates, and running. Taking time for mindfulness practices helps her rest, recharge, and prepare for the challenges that come in life. These activities help her remain joyful. Dr. Wolf believes serving others is her true calling.

The honor and privilege to serve others provides deep meaning and purpose.