About Katie
Katie Heffernan Farrell, LCSW, is a respected behavioral health and criminal justice professional with more than two decades of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities facing complex social, emotional, and legal challenges.
As Chief Social Worker for the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services, she provided leadership and expertise in integrating social work practice into the legal system, helping ensure that vulnerable populations have access to comprehensive support and advocacy. Her work has addressed behavioral health, trauma, substance use, housing, and family issues through collaborative, person-centered strategies.
Previously, Katie served as a Crisis Clinician, providing direct intervention and support to individuals experiencing mental and behavioral health crises. This front-line experience, combined with her leadership responsibilities, gives her a distinctive perspective at the intersection of healthcare, human services, and public policy.
As an Executive in Residence, Katie shares real-world insight through mentoring, guest lectures, career guidance, and experiential learning, helping prepare future professionals to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service.
Areas of Expertise
- Behavioral & Mental Health Services
- Social Work Leadership
- Crisis Intervention
- Community Resource Coordination
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Public Policy & Systems Change
- Criminal Justice & Public Defense
- Equity, Access & Advocacy