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Welcome to Counseling Services!

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Counseling Services Staff

Wendy Baracka - MSW, LICSW
Title	Director of Counseling
Email	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
Title	Counselor
Email	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.

Kelli Manzano - MSW, LICSW
Title	Counselor
Email	kmanzano@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5681
Kelli earned a Bachelor’s of Social Work from Shepherd University and Master’s of Social Work from West Virginia University. She has worked in behavioral health since 2007 providing therapeutic services in outpatient, judicial, and residential settings to adolescents and adults. Kelli enjoys utilizing a strengths-based approach to connect with the existing skills and talents clients bring to care. When not in the office, you can find Kelli with a strong cup of coffee and a good book (book recommendations always welcome!).

Karen Martin - MSW, LGSW
Title	Counselor
Email	kmart03@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5163
Karen graduated from Shepherd University with her bachelor’s in social work and from the University of New England with her master’s in social work. She has worked in the community and mental health field for 10 years. Karen utilizes an eclectic solution-focused approach in therapy combining mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavior therapy, and accelerated resolution therapy. She enjoys a client centered approach with skill building and assisting others to recognize their inner strengths and true authentic self. When not working Karen enjoys spending time with her family, listening to books, and traveling both near and far.

Kitanna Rakestraw, BSW
Title	Graduate Assistants for Title IX, Multicultural Student Affairs, and Counseling Services
Email	krakes04@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Tanna Rakestraw is a Graduate Assistants for Title IX, Multicultural Student Affairs, and Counseling Services at Shepherd University. She assists in managing the Multicultural Leadership Team(MLT) and all affinity organizations on Shepherd’s campus. She works alongside Counseling Services, to ensure a safe, equitable environment for all members of the campus community. Tanna has earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Shepherd University and is currently earning her Master’s in College Student Development and Administration (CSDA) here at Shepherd University.

Lauren Durning
Title	Intern
Email	ldurni01@rams.shepherd.edu ( Email )
Lauren is an undergraduate student working toward her Bachelor’s in Psychology. She will be interning for the Fall 2023 semester to gain further experience and deepen her understanding in the field of psychology. In her leisure time, Lauren enjoys taking walks outside with her dog, making jewelry, and hanging out with friends. Lauren has a deep passion for mental health awareness and yearns to help children and adolescents with trauma-focused therapy after obtaining a Master’s degree.