Leading change, making progress

Laura Martin ’11 LISW uses the tools she gained in Mount Mercy University’s social work program in her career as a Mediator at Kids First Law Center.

Laura had an innate desire to help people, and her time at Mount Mercy kindled her passion for social work. Now, Laura works daily with families as a Mediator at Kids First Law Center. While many mediators have a background in law, Laura’s social work education gives her a unique perspective. Her experience and knowledge allow her to work effectively in high-emotion cases.

Laura began her path to social work at Mount Mercy. She could tell Mount Mercy was a good fit when she visited. She enjoyed the small campus, proximity to home, and it didn’t hurt that her mom is a graduate of Mount Mercy’s elementary education program. The social work professors especially stood out.

“When I got to do a tour and meet the professors, I felt like they all really enjoyed being there, which made me want to come and enjoy being in class.”
—Laura Martin '11

“When I got to do a tour and meet the professors, I felt like they all really enjoyed being there,” said Laura, “which made me want to come and enjoy being in class.”

Professors Joni Howland, April Dirks, and Rick Zingher in particular impacted Laura’s time on the Hill. Laura felt that each professor’s distinctive style helped her learn and expand her worldview.

“I really liked the way that Joni did things from a micro and macro level,” Laura shared. “I don’t feel like I ever really looked at the world in the same way after taking some of her classes.”

Laura was drawn to social work by a desire to help people. She thought social work would give her the chance to fully understand the people she would work with.

“I felt like social work gives you that opportunity. You can really see change and progress, and get to know the actual person,” said Laura.

After graduating from Mount Mercy, Laura went on to Saint Ambrose University for her Master of Social Work. Her time at Mount Mercy prepared her well for her graduate degree.

“I had a strong foundation of a broad range of social work topics and areas from Mount Mercy,” Laura shared.

After receiving her master’s degree, Laura worked in addiction counseling. She was looking for an opportunity to work closer with kids and families when she learned about Kids First.

Kids First opened in 2005 to represent children whose parents are in high-conflict divorce or custody matters. The organization now has five programs and serves more than 1,500 children per year in Linn and Johnson counties.

Along with giving children a voice, Kids First works to teach children and parents effective conflict-resolution skills. In her role as a Mediator, Laura leads parents through joint parenting sessions. These mediations help people co-parent effectively and create practical parenting plans.

“When parents are able to come to agreements—versus being told what they have to follow—they’re much more likely to stick with it and not end up back in court fighting over other things,” said Laura.

Laura is the only person in her area at Kids First, which allows her to work with individuals from start to finish. The program has grown significantly during her time there.

“One thing that I’m super proud of is growing this program into what it is,” said Laura. “I’ve been working in the program for almost seven years. We started really small, averaging a few mediations a week. Now I’m at over 20 a month.”

In addition to her role as a Mediator, Laura serves on the Community Accountability Board and the Client Services Advisory Committee for the Department of Correctional Services.

“Learning at Mount Mercy prepared me for my career. We learned about motivational interviewing, and solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Those are skills and techniques I use every day with parents.”
—Laura Martin '11

Laura finds her background in social work to be extremely helpful across all of her responsibilities. Laura shares that her experience helps her take a more holistic view of situations.

“It’s super important to acknowledge the environment that families live in or come from,” said Laura. “It’s not ‘one-size-fits-all’ for how a family can function when we’re trying to create parenting plans.”

Laura’s time at Mount Mercy proved invaluable in her current job. Many of the techniques that Laura uses on a daily basis are things she learned on the Hill—like remaining calm in high-conflict situations. Laura is able to make space for difficult emotions that come up in sessions. She’s also familiar with community resources that can benefit parents.

“Learning at Mount Mercy prepared me for my career,” said Laura. “We learned about motivational interviewing, and solution-focused and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Those are skills and techniques I use every day with parents.”