Meet Functional Family Therapist Sara Leavitt, LCSW

Read time: 3 minutes

Sara has been part of Together for Youth for six and a half years, joining in August 2019. Her career in social work and human services spans about a decade, beginning with roles in a domestic violence shelter and later as a CPS domestic violence advocate. After completing graduate school, she transitioned into her current clinical work.

What Drew Her to Social Work

Sara discovered her passion for social work at sixteen, when she realized how much she enjoyed supporting others and listening deeply. As she explored career paths, she was drawn to the field’s breadth and the opportunity to work with people in a variety of meaningful ways.

Why She Chose Together for Youth

Her connection to the organization began during her graduate school internship in 2018, when she trained as a clinician and found herself energized by the diagnostic and systems‑focused work. After earning her master’s degree, she applied for a clinician role, and recruitment encouraged her to consider the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program. After reading about the model and speaking with the program’s Assistant Director, she realized it was the right fit for her next professional step.

A Family Story That Stuck with Her

One of the most meaningful cases Sara has worked with involved a child and parent struggling after a difficult divorce. The child’s distorted beliefs about the parent they lived with made daily life challenging. Through FFT, the family learned to challenge unhelpful thinking, recognize triggers, and communicate about difficult topics. Radical acceptance became a key part of their progress, resulting in the family being in a place where they could coexist.

Watching both the child and parent shift their perspectives – and seeing those moments of clarity happen in real time – left a lasting impact on Sara.

What Keeps Her Motivated

Creativity is central to Sara’s approach. She enjoys tailoring interventions to each family to help them engage and practice skills in ways that feel natural and accessible. She values the variety in her work and the opportunity to continually learn new methods.

Working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds also enriches her practice. Their experiences help her refine how she teaches skills in ways that are both respectful and effective.

Her Advice for New Social Workers

Sara encourages new professionals to strengthen their case management skills. She believes that understanding systems, staying organized, and knowing how to advocate effectively are essential foundations for supporting families.

How TFY Supports Her

Sara describes the Together for Youth culture as one that emphasizes humanity and genuine care. She feels supported by her team, who provide space for validation, self‑care, and honest conversation. This environment helps her stay grounded and confident in her work.

Life Outside of Work

Outside of work, Sara embraces her love of fandom. She enjoys anime, international shows, and getting lost in compelling stories. Star Wars is a particular favorite, and she often finds meaningful parallels between its themes and real‑life journeys. She also loves attending K‑pop concerts and follows groups like Stray Kids and ATEEZ.