Lindsey Feldman

Since graduating from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, the 2022 Milestone Achievement Award recipient Lindsey Feldman, AM ’12, has dedicated nearly ten years as a clinical social worker, working to improve the lives of veterans at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. The Crown Family School Alumni Association Awards Committee was impressed by the range of letters of support from her colleagues, supervisors, and peers. Said one nominator, “Her character, values, integrity, and competence separate her from others.”

At the VA, Lindsey has distinguished herself as an exemplary social worker, a skillful and compassionate caregiver, and an exceptionally generous supervisor. Colleagues and co-workers note her commitment to continuous learning and her certification in no less than seven treatment modalities, which allow her to apply the most current evidence-based treatments when working with her high-risk clients. She has acquired “an exceptional skill set and knowledge base for her clients, co-workers, and the social work profession.” 

As a supervisor, Lindsey has modeled social values to peers and clients alike and has consistently put her clients’ best interests first, challenging any injustice that may be a barrier. The Awards Committee noted how she embodies and promotes the honor, ethics, standards, and values of the profession in her daily practice and with each encounter. 

In addition to her outstanding clinical skills, Lindsey has acquired a deep understanding about the VA service system as well as available local resources. These in-depth and practical insights have been indispensable assets to her clients. One nominator who has observed her in action, said, “I witnessed her assess in-depth the overarching clinical needs of veterans and provide referrals with much clinical insight and thought….The VA is a large entity and she assertively uses her voice to support systematic changes all the while not wavering from maintaining ethical and moral values.” 

Never one to shy away from challenging cases, Lindsey continued to provide selfless, responsive services to many veterans during the pandemic under the most precarious circumstances. Said another colleague, she “has shown the ability to meet clients where they are, assist them in identifying good within their lives, and supports them while they pursue their goals and recovery.” 

Her support to other Crown Family School alumni also received high praise. She is someone who is “selfless,” who continues to make time for her fellow alumni and “does not hesitate to pick up the phone for peer consultation needs, directing peers to helpful resources and approaches from an evidence-based perspective.”

In a fitting tribute to this Milestone Award winner, a close colleague emphasized that Lindsey’s passion and dedication to advocacy, equality, and ethical clinical care is evident “in all aspects of life. I believe the social work field has grown and advanced as a result of her many contributions.”