Lauren Richards, BA, MSW, LCSW is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Social Work, and has been employed at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support at Athens Regional Medical Center since November 2001. In addition to her studies at the University of Georgia, Lauren has received training in psychosocial oncology at Johns Hopkins Medical Center (Baltimore, MD), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Mt Sinai School of Medicine (New York, NY), and child and adolescent bereavement at the Center for Loss and Life Transition (Ft Collins, CO). Lauren has completed both Integral Yoga Level One Hatha Yoga and Yoga for People with Cancer Teacher Training (Buckingham, VA) and is a Certified Yoga Teacher. She is a member of the Association of Oncology Social Work, Georgia Social Work Oncology Group, and the National Association of Social Workers. Lauren provides psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families at Athens Regional Medical Center, bereavement counseling to adults, adolescents, and children, facilitates a support group for individuals with a chronic illness, and offers cancer risk assessment counseling and genetic testing services.