Julie Kent-Partridge LMSW, CSSW

Julie Kent-Partridge, LMSW, CSSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker and dedicated Disability Advocate based in Surprise, Arizona. She is the CEO and Founder of Bridging Our Gaps, a nonprofit organization she launched in 2024 to provide case management, disability advocacy, and systems navigation for individuals, students, families, and Veterans. With a strong background in public education, family and child welfare, Veteran advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, Julie is known for her compassionate, solutions-driven approach. She also serves as a Mental Health Therapist with Gathered Connections Counseling, specializing in neurodivergent populations, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s, and Veteran support.

Julie earned both her Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Public Policy and her Master of Social Work (MSW) with an emphasis in Policy, Administration & Community (PAC) from Arizona State University. Her graduate work included a minor in Domestic Violence Advocacy and certification in Human Services Management and Leadership. Julie is also one of the very first Therapists in her state to offer Minecraft Therapy to teens and adults who seek to utilize this modality within sessions. She has completed 40 hours of EMDR training (EMDRIA) and also utilizes DBT, CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), play therapy, sand tray therapy and other therapy modalities within her sessions. Julie has also recently completed 180 hours of advanced professional development coursework in special education and disability advocacy through Northern Arizona University, reinforcing her commitment to staying current with evolving laws, policies, and best practices. In addition, she serves as a BSW, MSW Field Instructor for many accredited colleges and frequently speaks publicly on how to adapt therapy techniques for individuals with special needs and other varied cognitive impairments.

With more than two decades of leadership experience prior to entering clinical practice, Julie brings strong program development, crisis management, burnout prevention, and team-building expertise to every role she holds. She previously served as a School Social Worker within the Washington Elementary School District and has been an active Commissioner (and former Chair) for the City of Surprise Veterans, Disabilities, and Human Services Commission. Julie also serves on the Arizona Veteran Administration (VA) Mental Health Advocacy Council, the Arizona Department of Education Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) is an active member on the State of Arizona District West Division of Developmental Disabilities Independent Oversight Committee (IOC) and the Arizona Veterans Leadership Council (AZVLC). 

Julie’s advocacy work is deeply personal—she is a veteran spouse, a mother of a young adult with Autism, and an individual with ADHD herself. She works with clients across the lifespan, from age 5 to 85, providing individual therapy, couples counseling, IEP navigation support, and services tailored to those with Autism, ADHD, TBI, and other complex needs. Guided by compassion, dignity, and empathy, Julie remains committed to bridging gaps in care and creating meaningful systems change in her community.

• Arizona State University - Master of Social Work - MSW, Social Work
• Arizona State University - Bachelor's degree, Social Work
• Pima Community College - Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS

• LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)
• EMDR Certified through EMDRIA
• Play Therapist
• Sand Tray Therapist

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• School Social Work Associations

• Founder of Bridging Our Gaps nonprofit (May 2024) providing case management and disability system navigation
• Commissioner for city disability initiatives
• Multiple council memberships at state level for disability advocacy