Research Scientist
Email: vanessa.klodnick@austin.utexas.edu
Vanessa V. Klodnick, PhD, LCSW (she/her), Research Scientist, TIEMH. Dr. Klodnick is a nationally recognized expert in: multidisciplinary young adult mental health service engagement, enhancements to evidence-based supported employment for transition-age youth, near-age youth/young adult peer support, and non-profit continuous quality improvement practices. Dr. Klodnick partners with young people and community providers to improve quality of and access to developmentally-attuned mental health care using mixed- and community-based participatory action research methods. In particular, Dr. Klodnick focuses on designing service models to promote positive outcomes among young people with serious mental health needs, in addition to those who are also: aging out of child welfare, pregnant and parenting, homeless, justice system-involved, and living in poverty.
Dr. Klodnick has trained 1000+ mental health professionals, consulted in 10 states, authored 30+ peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, delivered 60+ conference presentations, and created several publicly available practice manuals. Dr. Klodnick’s work is/has been funded by NIDILRR, NIH, states, and foundations. Dr. Klodnick previously served as Director of Youth & Young Adult Services Research & Innovation at Thresholds in Chicago where she successfully integrated continuous quality improvement and measurement-based care practices, as well as youth advocacy and evidence-based practice enhancements. Prior to Thresholds, Dr. Klodnick worked in child welfare as a case worker and therapist. Dr. Klodnick earned her PhD at The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy & Practice, a master’s degree at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin, and a bachelor’s degree at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. Dr. Klodnick is a licensed clinical social worker in Illinois and resides in Chicago. Dr. Klodnick loves people, a good story, running, live music and dancing with her daughter.
Current Projects
Career Opportunity Readiness Experience (CORE), NIDILRR-funded
Emerge Model Feasibility & Efficacy Study, NIDILRR-funded
EPINET-TX, NIH-funded
Skills for Expanding Expertise in Peer Support (SEEPS), NIDILRR-funded
