Kawana Ripoll

Kawana Ripoll, LCSW, currently serves as the Executive Director of Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse, and School Based Programs at Ascension DePaul Services of New Orleans, a position held since January 2016. In this role, Kawana leads the design and implementation of integrated behavioral health services, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, while also directing the strategic planning of mental health and substance abuse programs. Prior to this, Kawana was the Director of Behavioral Health at DePaul Community Health Centers, overseeing operations for children's and adult programs. As the Owner and Principal of Ripoll and Associates, LLC since July 2009, Kawana provides consulting, training, and counseling services. Earlier experience includes serving as the Associate Clinical Director for the Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health, offering clinical and administrative support for youth mental health services. Educational achievements include a Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Loyola University New Orleans.