Shadena became a therapist in 2012, driven by her own experience of struggling to find therapists who reflected her background, which motivated her to help fill that gap and provide more inclusive, culturally competent care.

She is an AASECT Professional Member as she completes her hours toward becoming a Sex Therapist under the supervision of Dr. Chris Fariello. She holds two  Masters degrees—a Masters in Human Services and a Masters  in Clinical Mental Health—which reflect her passion for working in the mental health field.

With a strong mission to help couples with sexual and addiction-related issues, Shadena has trained with The Gottman Institute, earning certifications in Clinical Foundations of Gottman, Assessment, Intervention, and Comorbidities in Couples Relational Issues. She works with couples to repair their relationship after an affair, helping them rebuild trust and intimacy. She also incorporates Sensate Focus exercises when working with couples to enhance emotional and physical intimacy.

With a background of almost a decade of providing services at a premier addictions agency, Shadena is committed to serving clients struggling with alcohol or drug misuse, addiction, out-of-control sexual behaviors, and diverse sexual interests. She also has experience completing drug and alcohol assessments and a variety of other evaluations.

Prior to her work in addictions, Shadena was dedicated to Community Mental Health Services and has extensive experience in helping individuals and couples with a range of mental health issues, including those involved in the legal system and houseless individuals and families coping with mental health challenges.

As a former lecturer in Clinical Mental Health, Shadena has also taught Human Services and Criminal Justice courses at Elizabethtown College, where she empowered the next generation of clinical therapists to provide high-quality counseling services throughout Pennsylvania.

Shadena formerly led the largest team of Pro Bono and Sliding Scale Therapists in Lancaster County, where several of her Masters-Level therapists received formal EMDR training from The Institute for Creative Mindfulness.

Integrating a somatic approach, she is Certified in EMDR with EMDRIA and trained with the Personal Transformation Institute. She utilizes these techniques to help clients overcome trauma barriers in their lives.

Shadena believes everyone has the capacity to overcome obstacles with an active approach to treatment. Inspired by reading Bessel Van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score, she has pursued continuing trauma-informed training to help her clients address how trauma may hinder their lives. Additionally, she enjoys Reality Therapy in her work with clients to help them get their needs met.

Shadena is passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community, creating an affirming and supportive environmentwhere clients can feel safe and understood.

Other areas of focus in her practice include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, childhood trauma, family therapy, racial identity, low desire, differences in desire, overcoming anger issues, and grief & loss. Her breadth of experience allows her to work with people from all walks of life. Her calling in life is to help her clients make the changes they hope to see in their lives. With a systemic approach, she has facilitated educational programs and family support groups to help her clients and their families thrive.

Shadena welcomes individuals from all cultural and religious backgrounds, with a particular passion for serving people of color and providing a culturally sensitive lens in her practice.

Outside of work, Shadena enjoys traveling with her husband and two children, watching 80s and 90s sitcoms, playing board games with her family, and taking walks with her husband.