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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.

Gena Rockwell
Title	Counseling Intern
Office	Gardiner Hall
Gena Rockwell is a graduate level intern counselor. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. Gena’s clinical focus is in mindfulness-based and somatic therapy and she works from a social justice and sex-positive lens. She enjoys the collaborative process of mental health counseling and seeks to meet people where they are so that they can develop therapeutic goals that meet their unique individual needs. Her approach to counseling is holistic and person-centered. Gena specializes in helping people who experience anxiety, depression, life transitions, and issues with body image, relationships and sexuality.

Leah Stambaugh
Title	Counseling Services Intern
Office	Gardiner Hall
Leah is a senior social work student at Shepherd University and is an intern with Counseling Services. Before attending Shepherd, she earned her associate’s degree in human services from Laurel Ridge Community College. After completing her undergraduate program, she hopes to go on to earn her master’s in counseling and then work in clinical practice. When not doing schoolwork Leah enjoys running, crocheting, watching TV shows, hiking, and spending time with friends.