Dena Appleby, LMSW

Dena Appleby, LMSW has provided consultation services, care coordination and mental health support to children, families, and communities for over 7 years. She currently supports multiple projects within the Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Pediatric Care (MD-BHIPP) program. Dena works on the MD BHIPP warm line to support primary care providers and as an Emergency Department Post-Discharge Care Coordinator to support children and their families leaving the Emergency Department after a mental health emergency.  

Dena graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She has been a Licensed Master Social Worker since 2022. During her time at UMB, she engaged with community-based mental health services and research work. Dena completed her advanced clinical field work at the Center for Infant Study at University of Maryland Medical Center counseling children 0-5 and facilitated early childhood social-emotional learning at Harford Heights Judy Center in Baltimore City. She supported the work of Dr. Lisa Berlin at the University of Maryland School of Social Work in studies pertaining to early parenting interventions and home-visiting programs to support early childhood development and social-emotional health for Spanish speaking families in Baltimore City. Dena also gained community-based experience working at the Baltimore County Family Crisis Center for survivors of intimate partner violence.  

Dena obtained her Bachelors in Science with a degree in Family & Human Services from Towson University. During her time at Towson University, Dena worked with recent immigrants to the U.S. as a Student Ambassador at the International Students and Scholars Offices. Through this opportunity, she gained a better understanding of the U.S. immigrant experience.  

Dena is most interested in increasing access to mental health services to Maryland’s most vulnerable populations. Particularly undocumented Spanish speaking children and families. In her free time, Dena enjoys swimming laps, camping, and learning Spanish.