Impactful Women of the 918: Lindsey Baker, LCSW

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

Lindsey Baker says working in El Paso, Texas, on the border with Juarez, Mexico, taught her about herself and the world. “I got to work and live in an amazing community doing community development work with teens and their families,” she says. “My time there really broadened my views on community, culture and language. I am passionate about working with immigrant families. They inspire me with their passion for seeking better lives for their children.”

In Tulsa, Baker does therapy at Youth Services with primarily Spanish-speaking adolescents and their families from countries around the world. The youth may access mental health services at no cost. “I love that there are no barriers for youth or their families when they need assistance,” she says, emphasizing how difficult it can be to access services due to systemic inequalities. “I love that we are able to provide services in peoples’ native language. I know how isolating it can feel when you don’t feel confident in a non-native language.”

By visiting Latin America as often as possible, Baker says she can not only enjoy the sights and food of other cultures but can share experiences with the families she serves.

“I encourage people to get to know someone different from them,” Baker says. “One of the greatest things I think needs improvement is the State of Oklahoma needs to focus on supporting our public schools and making them better rather than demonizing certain populations like trans youth. They are already suffering enough and need support and kindness. At the end of the day, we have more in common as human beings than differences.”