Who is Lauren Kominkiewicz?
Pronounced Common-Kay-Witz, I hail from the Midwest, where everyone knows their neighbors dating back generations. My mother has been a social worker my entire life, and we would often get stopped at the grocery store to hear the latest news on a cousin or distant relative. With this long-view of history, I bring optimism and hope to the realities of interpersonal relationships during my practice as a clinical social worker and work as a young lawyer. I always seek to be of service to communities and have done my best throughout life to build the skills to help people in crisis.
I obtained my BSW from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and completed my MSW at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I moved to Washington to serve in AmeriCorps, then entered clinical social work with individuals, groups, and families in community-based settings and hospitals. After obtaining my law degree from Seattle University, I served as a lawyer working with dependent youth and brought a passion for working with families at a crossroads.
I am an avid baker and craft enthusiast who finds a new home improvement project every week in my free time. I take every other spare moment to enjoy San Diego with my husband, daughter, and 85-pound doggo named Stout.
Why I chose to work in mediation
I have worked on multidisciplinary teams balancing interests that are sometimes in opposition throughout my professional life. Moving into law from social work has allowed me to meld clinical skills with the technical knowledge to help clients on many fronts. Mediation has been a through-line in my career, and I look forward to continuing to grow that passion with West Coast Family Mediation Center.
My community involvement
What I want clients to know
I am eager to join with families and individuals experiencing life changes to come to terms with current circumstances and witness how much they can grow. Mediation is an opportunity to forge a path with only an idea of where you will end. I value clients’ willingness to honor the relationships in their lives and move forward consciously. I hope to be an effective partner on this journey.
Education
- Bachelor of Social Work - Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana
- Master of Social Work - University of Michigan, School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Juris Doctor - Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - California Board of Behavioral Services #85577
- California Bar #315767
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst – Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts
Training Highlights
- Mediating with Adult Families (Dana Curtis under Mediate University)
- Divorce Financial Planning Certification (Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts)
- 40-hour Mediation Training (Mosten-Guthrie Academy)
- Trauma-Informed Interviewing
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Suicide Assessment and Prevention
- Gender Identity
- Telemental Health and Public Health Disparities