April Coakley earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is a provisionally licensed mental health practitioner (PLMHP) and provisionally certified master social worker (PCMSW) in the state of Nebraska.  She completed her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy at Colorado State University.

Her clinical training included work at the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers, where she provided clinical mental health services to adolescents in the juvenile justice system.  Throughout her professional career, she has worked in a variety of mental health settings – both inpatient and outpatient – providing services to adults and youth.  She has additional experience in child welfare and trauma-informed care.

In her role with the UNMC CAPS program in Kearney, April enjoys working with young adults and supporting students as they navigate personal, academic, and professional challenges.  She takes a whole-person approach and incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, mindfulness strategies, and relationship building into her work.  Her goal is to build a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to find solutions that work for them.

Outside of work, April enjoys singing, playing the piano, spending time with her husband, cheering on her son in his activities, connecting with family and spending time outdoors.