Shepherd University | Counseling

Shanan Spencer – MS, LCPC
Title	Director of Counseling
Email	sspencer@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5276
Shanan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University. She has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years in a variety of settings from residential service to community mental health to private practice. She came to Shepherd in 2011 as a counselor and was promoted to Director of Counseling in the summer of 2014. Shanan primarily uses a cognitive behavioral approach in her work. She also teaches as an adjunct professor in the Psychology Department. She loves interacting with the students in a variety of settings. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her family and she enjoys being outdoors as much as possible playing with her dog, gardening, and swimming.

Rhonda Jackson – MSW, LICSW
Title	Counselor
Email	rjackson@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5681
Rhonda earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Catholic University and has worked in the mental health field for 25 years in community mental health and private practice. She came to Shepherd in 2007 and has loved the opportunity to work with college students where she utilizes mindfulness as an integral part of her practice. Rhonda is also the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at Shepherd. In this role she ensures that victims of Interpersonal Violence receive the support and resources they need. She is also involved in IPV education on campus and promotion of our “Stand Up, Don’t Stand By” campaign. When away from work Rhonda enjoys taking care of her horses, kayaking, running and anything else outdoors she can find to do.

Wendy Baracka – MSW, LICSW
Title	Counselor
Email	wbaracka@shepherd.edu ( Email )
Phone	304-876-5053
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.

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