For Leah Jackson Kean, social work wasn’t always the plan. As an undergraduate studying counseling psychology, she initially saw herself on the path to becoming a licensed mental health counselor. But during her final-year internship at a residential program for girls, her perspective shifted—thanks in part to an inspiring mentor who encouraged her to consider social work. That advice set Leah on a path that would lead to a career of deep impact, growth, and leadership.
Leah went on to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Smith College, an experience that was as unique as it was formative. The program’s structure—integrating nine months of rigorous academic work with two nine-month intensive internships—allowed her to dive deep into the many dimensions of social work, from direct clinical practice to research and administration. This broad scope of experience would prove invaluable throughout her career.
What drew Leah to social work, and what keeps her passionate about it, is its range and diversity. “Social work allows you to tap into more than one interest,” she says. “You can be a clinician, a researcher, an administrator—you’re never stuck in just one role.” That variety has defined her own journey at Eliot Community Human Services, where she has spent the last 15 years moving across programs and leadership roles.
Leah’s journey at Eliot began with an unexpected twist. After graduate school, she was contacted by a recruiter about a clinical supervisor position in Lynn. She didn’t get that particular job—but another opportunity soon opened up, leading her to Eliot’s North Shore team. From there, she became part of the evolution of community-based mental health services, growing alongside the agency as programs like Community-Based Flexible Supports (CBFS) transformed into today’s Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS) model. She later transitioned into a Director role with Eliot’s Behavioral Health Community Partner program, continuing to expand her scope and leadership impact.
“At Eliot, I’ve ‘social worked’ in ways I never imagined,” she reflects. “Client-facing work, residential supervision, building care management and insurance programs, administration—it’s been a chance to grow right alongside the field itself.”
That growth has come not just from roles and responsibilities, but from the culture of Eliot itself. “One of the great things about Eliot is that you’re constantly connecting with others, learning from your colleagues, and expanding your perspective in meaningful ways,” she says. “It’s a collaborative, open environment that really supports both personal and professional development.”
Leah also brings humor and humility to her work. When asked about the most unexpected thing she’s experienced on the job, she laughs: “Animals! I’ve had some surprising run-ins with pet ferrets and rats that have informed my decision to never bring bags into clients’ homes—or wear open-toe shoes!”
Still, the work is deeply meaningful. “Every day, I am astounded—and humbled—by the resilience of the clients we serve,” she says. “It really puts things into perspective in our own lives and reminds me why I do this work.”
Now serving as Eliot’s Division Director of Mental Health, Leah is passionate about mentoring and supporting the next generation of social workers—particularly women and people of color.
“It feels really good to be supported as a woman of color in leadership,” she says. “And Eliot has done a great job of elevating women into visible, front-facing roles. Mentorship is essential, and it’s something Eliot truly cultivates.”
She believes a big part of what makes social work so powerful is its ability to change not just systems—but people. “The most underrated part of being a social worker is what you learn about yourself from the clients you work with,” she says.
If she could go back in time and offer herself one piece of advice at the start of her career? “Try to have the same compassion for yourself as you do for the clients you work with,” Leah says. “No one is perfect. Everyone has something they’re working on.”
And perhaps most importantly: “You are never done learning,” she adds. “If I had a dollar for every time I thought I’d seen it all, I’d be retired by now.”
Leah’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and curiosity. At Eliot, she has not only built a career—she’s helped shape the future of mental health services, one connection (and maybe one surprise pet encounter) at a time.