Counseling Services Staff
Wendy Baracka - MSW, LICSW |
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| Title | Director of Counseling |
| wbaracka@shepherd.edu ( Email ) | |
| Phone | 304-876-5276 |
| Wendy graduated from Shepherd College with her Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology and went on to complete her Master’s of Social Work with West Virginia University. She has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years providing a variety of counseling and educational support services in both community and school-based settings. Wendy describes her therapeutic skill set as eclectic; combining mindfulness, motivational interviewing and solution-focused skill building to support students in tapping into and nurturing their own strengths and abilities to thrive. When not working Wendy enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. | |
Jami Cross - MSW, LICSW |
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|---|---|
| Title | Counselor |
| jcross11@shepherd.edu ( Email ) | |
| Phone | 304-876-5053 |
| Jami is an alumnus of Shepherd University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work and Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University. She has worked in the community and school mental health field for 7 years. She has experience providing therapeutic care and treatment for adults with co-occurring disorders as well as school aged students. Jami loves the opportunity to collaborate with clients utilizing a person-centered eclectic approach. This includes utilizing mindfulness, brief solution focused strategies, cognitive behavioral therapy strategies, as well as other creative outlets such as journaling and art. Jami enjoys working together with students to help encourage introspective growth, self-care, and awareness. When away from work, Jami enjoys spending time with her family and friends, laughing, listening to music, swimming, and traveling anywhere with a beach. | |
Amanda Shank -MSW, LGSW |
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|---|---|
| Title | Counselor |
| ASHANK@shepherd.edu ( Email ) | |
| Phone | 304-876-5681 |
| Amanda graduated from Shepherd University with her Bachelor’s of Social Work and went on to complete her Master’s of Social Work with West Virginia University. Amanda considers herself a lifelong student and enjoys pursuing trainings and experiences to expand her skills and knowledge. She has worked in the child welfare and school mental health fields for 14 years, addressing childhood trauma and attachment, as well as treatment of many mental health disorders across the lifespan. She collaborates with others to create a network of support for students. Amanda utilizes a person-centered approach, drawing on cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy strategies, as well as incorporating mindfulness and motivational interviewing interventions. She practices meeting students where they are and encouraging growth, exploration, and self-love & care. When not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing video games, and baking. | |