My Background

I graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University Of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working in the mental health and medical fields for fifteen years. I am Certified by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) as an Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM).

I continue to work part-time at San Fernando Valley hospitals covering everything from geriatric psychiatry, intensive care and oncology to acute rehab and cardiac care, this keeping me up to date with the newest providers, policies and best practices available. I work as part of a multidisciplinary team with physicians, nurses, aides, physical and occupational therapists, dieticians, respiratory and speech therapists all to provide the best holistic care for those afflicted with a chronic condition or dealing with a new diagnosis.

I have obtained a Certificate in Aging from the Institute of Geriatric Social Work at Boston University and I have been part of a hospital's ethics committee. I have worked as a consultant for local Adult Day Health Care facilities and I supervise Social Workers working towards their license. I have trained with UCLA Anxiety Disorder Clinic professionals in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

My maternal grandmother who lived with us since I was born was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1984. Looking back we know she had been dealing with the early onset symptoms for a few years prior. We were very close, she was like a second mother to me and I was her caregiver over weekends while going through college. I use to look back in regret and wish I could have interacted with her differently...been less angry, argumentative, frustrated, mean, confused. I have now taken that painful time in my life when help and support for families affected by Alzheimer's was limited, and focused it on reaching out to help families, loved ones and caregivers. My purpose is to support, guide and empower you to know your choices, resources and strategies to create the safest and highest quality of life for your loved one and yourself.

I have been a resident of the San Fernando Valley my entire life and have become a local resource specialist. Some of the cities I offer my services in are: Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Studio City, Granada Hills, Canoga Park, Bel Air, Van Nuys, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, West Hills, Chatsworth, North Hills, Porter Ranch, and other local areas.

yvonnekarno@hotmail.com

818-389-5997