Winston School of Education and Social Policy

Faculty

Sara Lafkas

Academic Title

Assistant Professor of Practice, Master of Social Work

Education

  • Ed.D., Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
  • MSW, Social Work, University of Washington
  • BA, Psychology with a Specialization in Education, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Professional Experience

Dr. Lafkas began her career working as an elementary school teacher in South Los Angeles. After receiving her MSW, she was a social worker in Child Protective Services in Northern California. Some of her additional professional experiences include working as a psychotherapist in private practice and at college counseling and community mental health service centers. Dr. Lafkas has also previously served as a social work faculty member and as an instructor for graduate-level counseling courses. Dr. Lafkas’ dissertation focused on Latter-Saint (Mormon) Women who experienced parental divorce. She has also presented and written on many other topics, including self-compassion practice. Some of her recent research has focused on women’s perceptions of self-compassion.