Robbi O'Kelley, LCSW

Executive Director of La Europa and Mosaic House

Robbi earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Kansas. She has worked with children and families for 28 years in a variety of settings and with a variety of issues. Her early clinical experience was in the area of addiction and the ways in which it affects not only the addict but the families as well. She has witnessed incredible strength from both addicted individuals and their families in learning how to use their inner resources and community resources to create meaningful lives. Robbi has also worked with body image issues, mood disorders, trauma and somatic therapy. In 2003, she completed the intensive DBT training because Robbi observed that therapy would often create insight for people but they were not able to take action to stop destructive behaviors. Robbi likes the hands-on focus of DBT in strengthening resiliency and competency.

After working for 11 years in residential treatment centers both as Clinical Director and Executive Director, Robbi was drawn to La Europa Academy because of my personal experience with the arts. She is a singer and pastel artist and believes that having access to the arts is critical for creative young women to learn to express themselves and develop a sense of identity through their talents. Robbi is excited about the therapeutic and artistic opportunities offered at La Europa and our ability to help shape the futures of our bright young women.