USM School of Social Work

Laura Achter received her BS (emphasis in Social Work) and MSW from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her professional background includes mental health clinician with Pine Belt Mental Health Care Services, Family Preservation Specialist with Child Protective Services (CPS), child welfare social worker, and therapeutic foster care specialist, intensive in-home specialist with Mississippi Children’s Home Services/Canopy. She was a Transition of Care (TOC) Coach with Molina Healthcare. She was the Assistant Director to the USM Child Welfare Training Academy. She has been a Field Instructor with USM School of Social Work for students for over 20 years.  

She served in the Mississippi Air National Guard for 32 years. She started the military as an enlisted airman and was later commissioned as an officer. She has served as Medical Service supervisor, Equal Opportunity Officer and base Inspector General. 

Interests: Child Welfare, Family and Children, Ethics, Cultural Competency, School Social Work