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Leela T. Kausch
EDUCATION
2006 Western Michigan
University
M.A., Blindness and Low
Vision Studies
Vision Rehabilitation
Therapy
Internship: Michigan Commission
for the Blind
1991 University of Michigan
M.S.W.
Interpersonal Practice and Medical Social Work
Internship: Oncology Medical Social Work
1987 Central Michigan
University
B.A., Sociology
B.S., Public Health
Education
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2007 DiabetiVision, Executive Director
2007 Washtenaw Community College, Seminar
Instructor
2007 Michigan Commission for the Blind Vision
Rehabilitation Therapy Vendor
Past human service agencies served:
Lamaze Association of Ann Arbor
Planned Parenthood of Ann Arbor
University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor
Oakwood Hospital,
Dearborn
St. John Hospital,
Detroit
WomanCare of Lansing
Health Care Clinic of Saginaw
Big Brothers/Big Sisters
of Midland
Listening Ear Crisis Center, Mt. Pleasant
Michigan Diabetic
Children’s Association
CREDENTIALS
Licensed Master Social Worker, State of Michigan
Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Social Workers
Association of Educators and Rehabilitation
Professionals for the Blind and Visually Impaired
American Association of Diabetes
Educators
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Leela’s interest in the area of
diabetes began at the age of 15, when she was diagnosed with Type 1
diabetes. Coping with this new
health condition was difficult, but Leela was blessed with a supportive
family, access to good health care, and a personal desire to take care of herself.
Early on as a diabetic, Leela became
involved with Camp Midicha, the camp for children with diabetes in Michigan. Through her role as a diabetic youth
counselor at the camp, Leela not only learned how to care for herself as a
diabetic, but she learned how to reach out to others. She experienced the
beauty which comes from sharing a common struggle, like diabetes. And she learned that as a teacher for
someone experiencing a new diabetes diagnosis, the teacher and student have
much to learn from one another.
Leela believes that we each have our own
unique set of circumstances, questions, struggles, joys and sorrows
concerning diabetes. By sharing
these, we can come to understand how to live the life we want, embracing
diabetes as a part of our journey.
Leela believes that in order to make positive health related changes, we need to start right where we are, today,
without blaming or judging. We need
to work towards acceptance of our situation and towards a love of self, in
order to be ready to face our own personal health challenges, whatever they
may be.
Leela brings these personal experiences with
diabetes to her professional role as counselor with DiabetiVision:
·
multiple daily injections
·
daily blood glucose monitoring
·
insulin pump therapy
·
urine testing for glucose and ketones
·
dealing with a diabetic retinopathy diagnosis
·
overcoming the fear of diabetes complications
·
traveling to foreign countries with diabetes
·
diabetes and dating
·
diabetes and marriage
·
diabetes and pregnancy
·
diabetes and parenting
·
diabetes and college
·
diabetes and employment
·
diabetes and aging
·
diabetic frozen shoulder syndrome
·
supporting a family member with type 2 diabetes
·
navigating health insurance paperwork
·
locating durable medical equipment providers
Leela has been a Type 1 diabetic for
nearly 30 years. Her personal desire
is to assist others who are affected by diabetes in any way, so that all
may enjoy life, achieve goals, and be healthy, taking diabetes right along
on the journey.
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