Anil Arora, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker and Care Navigator at Magnolia
Anil Arora is a licensed clinical social worker whose passion for community-based mental health has guided his work with individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Anil was a first-generation college student at the University of Colorado Boulder. It was during his time working with the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services that he first recognized the critical role community plays in mental health and wellbeing.
That experience set him on a path to social work. He went on to earn his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2017 and is currently completing his PhD in Social Work at the University of Houston, with plans to graduate in May 2026.
Anil has worked with families at every stage of the dementia journey. One of the most consistent challenges he sees is the breakdown of communication as cognitive decline progresses. His approach centers on being present, attuned to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and working closely with caregivers to maintain structure, routine, and dignity in care. His earlier work in veteran services and hospital settings gave him a strong foundation for adapting care to each family’s unique needs.
As a Care Navigator at Magnolia, Anil helps families build individualized care plans grounded in a deep understanding of their social, cultural, emotional, and financial circumstances. He supports caregivers experiencing burnout by listening, validating their emotions, and offering tools like mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and healthy boundary-setting. He emphasizes empowerment over quick fixes, creating space for caregivers to process what they’re experiencing while also offering practical guidance.
One moment that stands out in his career involved a family who kept canceling appointments during periods of crisis. Rather than moving on, Anil reached out with a simple phone call to check in. That call helped the family feel seen and supported during a difficult time—and reminded Anil of the power of consistent, human connection in care.
At Magnolia, Anil is an active part of an interdisciplinary team, contributing to weekly case consultations and ensuring families receive coordinated, holistic support. His approach is grounded in authenticity and trust. He takes time to listen and makes it a priority to align care goals with each family’s lived experience—recognizing that the dementia journey is not just clinical, but deeply personal.
Above all, Anil sees caregiving as a shared experience. Whether through one-on-one navigation sessions, support groups, or caregiver trainings, he works to ensure families feel prepared, informed, and never alone in the care they provide.