Laura L. Benesch

Profile

Laura (Luna) Benesch joined the Department of Social Work in 2011 as an adjunct faculty member and off-site practicum instructor for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students. She has taught in both the BSW/BSSW and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs and, in 2017, became the Department's first full-time BSSW Director of Practicum Education.

Prior to joining the Department full time, Laura worked in federal and state employment and training programs, worked as a school social worker, and practiced as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), providing mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults. She also partnered with the Department by supervising BSSW and MSW students in a variety of practicum settings.

Laura is clinically licensed through the Minnesota Board of Social Work and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She has also served for several years as the Awards and Scholarship Chair for Region 9 of the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA).

Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning and professional development, with a focus on preparing students for successful and meaningful careers in social work.