As our first guest speaker this season, the Juvenile Justice Committee is delighted to welcome Karen Buckner, Director of Children’s Community Services for the David Lawrence Centers (DLC) for Behavioral Health. Based in Southwest Florida, DLC is a not-for-profit provider of behavior health solutions for children and adults who experience mental health, emotional, psychological and substance abuse challenges. Karen has been with DLC for over 24 years in a variety of outpatient and inpatient programs. She is committed to the Centers’ mission to provide lifesaving and life changing behavioral health care through education, intervention and treatment available to all. In her current position, she oversees Children’s Case Management, Prevention and Education Services, Therapeutic Behavioral Onsite Services, Wraparound Collier and the Community Action Team programs. Karen holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from Illinois State University. She is licensed as Clinical Social Worker in Florida and is a certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) and certified Behavior Healthcare Management Supervisor. She has completed specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Trauma Focused Behavioral Therapy. She has been named Employee of the Year and received recognition for her Leadership and Service Excellence. To learn about the personalized care David Lawrence Centers provides to in-need kids for the best possible chance of a healthy, vibrant future, we encourage you to join our Zoom meeting on September 27, at 12:30 pm.