Counseling Services Staff

Wendy Baracka - MSW, LICSW |
|
---|---|
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 |
|
---|---|
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. |

Kelli Manzano - MSW, LICSW |
|
---|---|
Title | Counselor |
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. Kelli has developed special interest areas in trauma informed care and gender expansive care. When not in the office, you can find Kelli with a strong cup of coffee and a good book (book recommendations always welcome!). |