Meet Sheri
My passion for growth and effective living began when I was 16, serving as a certified nursing assistant at a predominantly white nursing home—my first job. I was committed to doing it well, focusing on taking accurate blood pressure readings and safely transporting participants. However, one resident focused on me. He asked what I thought of him. I shared the positive qualities I had noticed and asked him more about himself. He opened up, telling me something deeply personal, revealing that I was the first person he had ever confided in. I empathized with him, having experienced something similar, and thanked him for sharing. He went on to live a long life, and I reflected on how his story showed me that anyone could live a fulfilling life, regardless of their past. He also shared his limited understanding of Black people, expressing regret over missed opportunities for positive relationships. He asked, in his own imperfect way, how he could do better. I explained that I couldn’t speak for everyone, but I shared what made me feel safe and respected, and asked him what made him feel the same. At over 80 years old, he was still growing. This experience taught me that growth means recognizing something greater than our current circumstances, past experiences, and limited understanding—and choosing to evolve. I believe every person deserves to live their best life, and that begins with the decision to pursue growth. I graduated in 2007 with a dual degree in psychology and social work and began providing case management and advocacy services to people experiencing homelessness. I earned my master’s degree in 2009, and transitioned from clinical case management to creating safe, therapeutic spaces for children to heal and grow. Over the next decade, I worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as trauma survivors across all ages and genders. This led me to various clinical and residential leadership roles, advocacy work, and research opportunities. My current practice and research are grounded in three evidence-based, relational frameworks: the Sanctuary Model (Bloom, 2008), Growth Mindset (Dweck, 2008), and the Culture of Care (Greenhough, Davies, & Bowlby, 2022). While developed for systemic purposes, each emphasizes the importance of relationships, values, and accountability. Over time, I’ve come to understand that these elements are crucial for fostering the culture and conditions necessary for healing, recovery, and thriving—particularly after crises. I treat individuals as young as five, as well as couples, families, and groups. I work with a wide range of issues, with a special focus on generalized anxiety disorder, men's mental health, relationship challenges, trauma, and spirituality.