Ep. 16: Veterinary Social Work with Kelly Bremken, MSSW, CSWA, VSW

On today's show, we talk with Kelly Bremken, a veterinary social worker from Oregon Humane Society. Kelly sheds light on:  What is a veterinary social worker and what her role looks like day to day. How veterinary social work is similar to and different from traditional social work.  How veterinary social workers can support staff and volunteers with managing compassion fatigue, trauma, grief, or burnout. How Kelly personally maintains healthy boundaries and manages her own compassion fatigue in such an emotionally demanding role. How does the Oregon Humane Society prioritizes mental health and wellness for its staff and volunteers. Where can veterinary social workers be utilized?  What organizations can do to promote employee wellness--with or without the help of a veterinary social worker.  Resources mentioned:  To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior Kelly Grace/Second Growth Jessica Dolce’s Compassion in Balance Program International Association of Veterinary Social Work University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Social Work Oregon Humane Society Free resources: https://www.beyondcompassionfatigue.com