10.28.2019

April McElhenny, MSW has more than six years of experience with children and adults who have been impacted by childhood trauma. She’s worked in different settings – child welfare, juvenile justice and substance abuse treatment. At ACMHS, she really enjoys working with families and their caregivers. She’s seen that working with children is way more successful when she’s also having success with engaged caregivers. April focuses on validating and normalizing kids’ experiences, providing active intervention when needed, and noting the positives.  She makes sure to provide praise for the children and caregivers for their efforts.

April thinks people’s life experiences often lead them to the work they do – and serving these families is definitely her passion. “There are kids in crisis, and in this job you can be that one person who helps them navigate their emotions. I know that what I’m doing makes a difference.” April provides individual, family, and group psychotherapy and uses CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and ARC interventions during treatment.

Outside of work, April’s favorite activities are cooking, baking, and spending time with her family playing board games. Since arriving in Alaska, her family has enjoyed living in a place with snow, a first for them.