Shanda is an intern at Selah Counseling Center for 2024-2025.

Shanda believes that everyone has a valuable life and a story to tell, and that seeking out a counseling relationship is a courageous thing to do. Our greatest joys can happen within relationships, and yet some of our deepest hurts and greatest fears can arise there as well. She believes that our past hurts can show up in our lives, and the acknowledgement and processing of these difficult things is what leads to the wholeness, freedom, and joy of fully being who God created you to be. Shanda seeks to be a safe listener, walking through anxieties, confusion, emotions, and pain alongside you as a skilled helper on your journey of healing.

Shanda is finishing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling online at Concordia-University Irvine with the Townsend Institute. Her undergraduate degree is in Art Therapy, and she plans to receive certification in Art Therapy in the coming years. She believes that so much can be discovered, understood, and healed by creating something, no matter what it looks like. Shanda operates from a trauma-informed, emotion-focused, and person-centered approach, informed by a developmental and attachment-based perspective, integrating Biblical grace and truth.

Shanda’s work experience with the refugee community has equipped her with a strong understanding of cultural sensitivity and the importance of creating a safe, inclusive space for her clients. She is skilled in addressing trauma, stress, and the emotional hurdles that can accompany significant life transitions.

Shanda enjoys a good cup of coffee, spending time outside, playing guitar, and trying new things! She is always in pursuit of quality time with her close relationships, creating art (even if it’s just a doodle here and there), and petting every dog in sight. While she doesn’t yet have a dog of her own, she adores dogs and has made it her goal to win over the affections of Indy and Walter, Selah’s therapy dogs, as soon as possible.