Criss Joins Social Work

By: Boone County Health Center

September 22, 2021: Earlier this month, Karlie Criss, Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP), joined the Social Work department at Boone County Health Center.

Criss received her undergraduate degree at UNL studying Speech Pathology, and in 2017 graduated with a Masters of Social Work degree from UNO. “After working with families that were involved in Child Protective Services I decided to go back to school to get my Master’s Degree in Social Work. I knew that’s where I could help people most and be an advocate for them,” said Criss.

Previously, Criss worked at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. The nearly 4 years with Faith Regional offered a variety of experiences including providing emotional support to patients, assessing phycological needs and offering services for a safe discharge. Criss also assisted with hospice and home health care. During graduate school she completed two practicums, one at Children’s Hospital in Omaha and the other at a skilled nursing facility in Lincoln where she also became employed in their social work department.

At BCHC Criss is involved with patients and their families in a multitude of ways including connecting families to resources and assisting with struggles such as drug and alcohol concerns, mental health challenges, financial strain or an unexpected death. “Helping families adjust to life changes is a lot of what social work is,” said Criss.

Criss, daughter of Mike and Sandy Klassen, grew up on a farm near Lindsay. She and her husband Justin recently moved to Albion with their two young children, Jude and Lowyn. Justin is a heating and air-conditioning technician for Criss Co Inc out of Spalding. When not at work, Criss can be found hanging out with her husband and kids. She most enjoys the outdoors and visiting with family.