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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.

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.

Amanda Shank -MSW, LGSW
Title	Counselor
Email	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.

Daisy Garcia
Title	Social Work Intern
Office	Counseling Services, Gardiner Hall
Daisy is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at Shepherd University, currently completing her field placement with Counseling Services as an intern. In this role, she partners with students to connect them to campus and community resources that promote student success and well-being. With a strengths-based and person-in-environment mindset, Daisy believes every student has the capacity to thrive when provided with supportive environments, access to resources, and a safe space to explore their goals and challenges. In her free time, Daisy enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and finding peace in nature.

Samantha Hoffman
Title	Counseling Services Intern
Email	SHOFFM07@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Office	Gardiner Hall, Counseling Services
Samantha is a graduate of Shepherd University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Concord University. She has experience in case management within a nonprofit organization. Samantha utilizes a strengths-based, person-centered approach and values collaboration in the therapeutic process. She believes in meeting students where they are and creating a supportive space for growth and self-exploration. As a recent graduate herself, she understands many of the unique transitions and pressures that come with college life and enjoys helping students build confidence and self-awareness as they navigate this stage. Her interests include working with anxiety, stress, depression, and identity exploration. In her free time, Samantha enjoys reading, listening to music, singing, playing piano, guitar, and ukulele, baking, and spending time with her family and dogs.