Client Communications Manager: Lauren Moskowitz
Not only are all our advocates trauma-informed, but every single one is deeply passionate for our mission to empower survivors and protect kids. We hope this mini-interview gives a small window into some of the talented, empathetic and driven advocates that work at our firm.
Can you tell me a little bit about your background before coming to Jeff Anderson & Associates?
Lauren: I kind of fell into this work in a way. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do post-college. I had always played around with different things and had switched career paths a bunch of times. In my senior year I started interning at a child advocacy center; it was an organization that coordinates responses to allegations of child sex abuse. It really ignited a passion and I just fell in love with the work. They ended up offering me a job when I graduated, so I worked there for a couple of years as an advocate. I was really involved with families from the moment they walked in through all their time at the organization; I connected them with resources and coordinated communication with other professionals.
After that, I moved back to New York and got a job at a child advocacy center out on Long Island, and I worked there for about 7 years in different roles. I started out as an advocate and then moved into a case coordinator role, working with youth in foster care. While working full time, I also got my masters in social work. While I was in school, I also interned as a therapist and facilitated support groups for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. When I finished school, I worked as a forensic interviewer, where I was conducting interviews with kids and teenagers pursuant to law enforcement and CPS investigations.
What is your favorite thing about working at Jeff anderson & Associates?
Lauren: The people – both the survivors and my colleagues that I work with every day. Of course, there are days that are harder than others and challenges that come up, but remembering, at the core of it, that this work is making a difference is so important for me. Both on an individual level (for the survivors) but also systemically, to help create a world that is safer for kids. That really is a driving force for me and is what I hold onto when I come to work.
What is your favorite thing about working with survivors ?
Lauren: This is a hard one for me to answer…it is holistically something that I feel really passionate about and something that I really enjoy doing, but at the same time, I wish I didn’t have to do this. I wish we lived in a world where this didn’t have to be a job. But since it is, and this is the world we live in, I really appreciate having the privilege to support people who are opening up about some of the most (if not the most) traumatic experiences that they’ve ever been through. Just being cognizant that each survivor has had their own individual path that has led to them speaking to me is important. I’m really in awe of human resilience and the different forms that that resilience takes. Some people would not describe themselves as resilient, but it shines through to me. I can’t say I’ve ever spoken to a person where I haven’t been able to recognize some of the ways that they’re resilient.
How have your grown as a person since working at Jeff Anderson & Assocates?
Lauren: I’ve definitely become more confident in myself. I feel like I’ve gotten much more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning to trust my instincts. I’ve been able to believe in myself more and use my voice.
What is your favorite food?
Lauren: I’m so terrible at answering favorite questions because my answers change a lot depending on the circumstances. However, I would say my most requested homecooked meal is my mom’s eggplant parmesan. I’ve never had a comparable eggplant parm to my mom’s.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Lauren: I really try to bring balance into my free time…by that I mean time rejuvenating by myself but also socially. For me I find that is really my happy place. When I’m alone I really enjoy reading, as I’ve always been a huge reader and that’s something that I’ve done my entire life. I would also say spending quality time with people in my life. That is also one of my favorite things to do and it doesn’t matter what we are doing – it could be a game night, it could be going on a weekend getaway or getting on a zoom for two hours. I just really enjoy connecting with the people in my life.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
Lauren: Within the country I would say my favorite state to visit has been Maine….I just love Maine and I feel like it is such an underrated place to visit. The coast is beautiful with all the lighthouses and the ocean views, Acadia National Park is wonderful and gorgeous, and Portland is a pretty unique city. I just the love the whole vibe of Maine….and the lobster rolls are unbelievable.
Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
Lauren: I have a dog named Hazel. She’s a rescue. She is about 40% yorkie, 25% chihuahua, and then she’s a little bit of a miniature pincher, dachshund , Pekingese, and “supermutt”. She’s such a sweet girl, everybody loves her. She just wants to snuggle and be on laps, she’s never met a lap that she doesn’t enjoy. When she’s tired, her tongue sticks out of her mouth and it is the most adorable thing. I’m so lucky to have adopted her!