A few months ago, Laura Knight, LCSW, joined Telluride Regional Medical Center as a Behavioral Health Counselor. We’d like to take this opportunity to introduce Laura to the community.
Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Telluride?
I’m originally from Minnesota, and that’s where I went to school. I first came to Colorado to work at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, teaching people with disabilities how to do outdoor sports. When I was in high school, I also helped my brother, who lives with a disability, to learn how to ski. So perhaps we can say that through skiing, my path towards living in the mountains began long ago.
How did you choose to pursue a career in mental health?
I always volunteered growing up, and I knew I wanted to be in a helping profession. I love talking to people, and hearing people’s stories, with no detail left out. I still get butterflies when I can create a space where people can share their vulnerabilities, feel heard in their vulnerabilities and have a new direction to go in.
What was your educational experience?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies and Sociology. I received a scholarship to go to graduate school, which shifted my focus to social work. I like learning about culture, people and dynamics, which influences my work in the therapy room.
What are your specialties and areas of interest within clinical practice?
I am especially focused on children and families. I like being able to help them function in a better way. Helping to change unhealthy patterns of interaction and create new moments and spaces for positive memories is something that I’m honored to be a part of. I like helping people to process and move through grief and loss. After a significant loss it can feel like you will never move through the feelings, but along the journey, this can change. People can laugh and find joy again, and this is a special thing to witness.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy bowling, anything that has to do with water, playing games, like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride, reading adventure books, spending time with my family, international travel, yoga, fishing in the North Woods of Wisconsin and cross-country skiing. A big passion of mine is crafting and sewing; in fact I moved to Telluride with three sewing machines!
Any fun facts about yourself that our community should know?
My bowling team in Illinois was named “It’s Pinspiracy.” I am currently seeking a way to bring bowling to Telluride!
We all experience difficulties in coping from time to time, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need behavioral health support. Contact your primary care physician or schedule an appointment with Lindsay Wright or Laura Knight at Telluride Regional Medical Center by calling 970-728-3848.
TRMC patients can also message us through the patient portal on our website. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call Colorado crisis services: 844-493-TALK (8255)
