Laura McDonald

Laura McDonald, LCSW comes to Full Circle Grief Center with a long and rewarding career of working with children and families, first as a special education teacher, and more recently as a clinical social worker. With a deep investment in working with individuals impacted by the traumatic loss of a loved one through overdose or substance use, Laura assists children, adults, and families on their path towards healing as our Overdose and Substance Use-Related Loss Bereavement Services Manager.

Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has completed post-graduate training in applied behavior analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. Beginning her career as a special education teacher, her interest in the family structure and dynamics led her to pursue graduate studies in social work. She has previously served as an individual and family therapist, adjunct faculty of the School of Social Work at VCU, clinical supervisor for MSW licensure students, and clinical director for two programs serving children with autism and their families. Additionally, Laura was able to apply her social work skills abroad in 2008, when she and her husband joined the Peace Corps and served in Cape Verde. 

Throughout her career, Laura has maintained an interest in and has continued her education regarding the impact of addiction, both to the individual and the families that love them. She believes that all loss should be honored, that those who grieve should be held in the arms of a caring and loving community, and that walking together on the path of healing is a sacred and powerful journey that all grievers deserve. 

Laura enjoys a good book, a hearty laugh, and a well prepared meal. She relishes her time spent with family and friends and loves to care for her garden. Laura is studying Spanish, enjoys embroidery, and makes a mean lasagne. Her favorite place in the world is a quiet beach, a cool breeze, and the warmth of the sun shining down on creatures big and small. 

Education 

Post-graduate Program, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Florida Institute of Technology 

M.S.W., Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University 

B.S., Special Education, Virginia Commonwealth University 

Training

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), 2004 – present

ADOS Assessment 

Attachment Assessment/UVA 

Connect Suicide Postvention Certified

EMDR 

MARI Assessment, Advanced 

Marshack Assessment

Narrative Therapy 

Theraplay