My Story
I began my journey into mental health in elementary school earning the nickname "Shrink Shawna." Becoming a psychologist was always my journey, though the path to becoming the one I am today has come with many peaks, valleys, successes and failures.
I earned a BA in psychology from Colorado State University in 1999. After a brief stint in day care, I landed a job as a coordinator within the Developmental Disability system in Aurora, CO. After a few years in this field, I began my graduate school adventure in 2003 at the University of Denver, College of Education. I earned a MA in counseling psychology in 2005, and obtained my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in 2009. Then in 2010 I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology through the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver; becoming a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in 2011.
My specialty focus in my doctorate was adult psychopathology. I spent the first 6 years as a clinical psychologist focused on intensive services within community mental health. In 2016 my path altered and from this point I worked as a Behavioral Health Consultant within primary care clinics in the healthcare system up until July 2024.
My move into full-time private practice, in July 2024, was to honor myself, my passions, and those I am meant to connect with. While working within a system came with benefits, being my own boss allows me the flexibility to do my work at my best due to the ability to obtain a work-life balance. Establishing this makes me that much more committed to the work I do, which is something I bring into every interaction I have with people. From consultation, to intake, to therapy, and eventually to graduation!
Finding the "right" therapist can be a daunting journey and there is an abundance of us to choose from. Finding someone who is caring, compassionate, well-educated, and who has years of both professional and "real-life" experience is important.
I have been within the mental health realm since 2003 and have been passionate about it since childhood. I have served as both a Committee Chair and Board Member of the Colorado Psychological Association, held a volunteer position through National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), and was one of the production crew to bring a This is My Brave production to Denver, CO in 2016.
My life outside of psychology involves spending time with my husband and our two dogs, enjoying the nature that Colorado offers, discovering new and unique adventures, and being a member (both on and off stage) of a local immersive theater company for the past 7 years.
I thank you for taking the time to get to know me and discover whether you wish to connect with me to understand your path.
If interested in getting to know me more, please click on any of the icons below and be sure to check out my Random Rays to Contemplate page!
