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Guest Name
Natalie Graves
Guest Occupation
AM, LCSW, CADC, Mental Health Counseling Specialist for Athletes
Guest Biography

Natalie Graves, AM, LCSW, CADC

Natalie Graves has a private practice specializing in athletes’ mental health & wellness. She received her master’s degree from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and her Bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University. She was a visiting student at the University of Maryland where she studied abroad in London, England in the Sport, Commerce, and Culture in the Global Marketplace Program. Natalie also completed an Addictions Studies Program at City Colleges of Chicago Kennedy-King College. 

Natalie has worked in social service agencies for many years and has also worked in Illinois School Districts in the role of a school social worker. As part of her private practice she now consults with schools, social service agencies, organizations and sports teams. She also created the only one of its kind sport social work clinical supervision group. Here, Natalie meets with social work students and professionals to discuss sport social work cases and best practices.Natalie also works with athletes individually with issues that affects them on and off the field.

Natalie is a member of the University of Michigan's Social Worker and Sports Association.Natalie is also the founder and president of the 1 in 4 PROJECT. This organization is comprised of social workers focused on bringing awareness of mental health and wellness to the sport community. Natalie is a guest lecturer at the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

In April 2018 the NBA asked Natalie to present on mental wellness to their the players in a new gaming league. In New York City, she presented three days at their rookie transition program on mental health, self-care and goal setting.

Natalie was interviewed by the magazine Social Work Today for their 2014 July/August article Youth Athletes off the Field.Natalie speaks throughout the United States and England on topics relating to mental health and sports. She has been a guest on several radio shows discussing various issues within sports. Natalie Graves is a Certified School Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Natalie has two published magazine articles on mindfulness and runners. 

Info:

Email: socialworkandsports@gmail.com

Blog: nataliethesocialworker.blogspot.com 

Twitter: natalie_graves1