LaShandra Walker, known to many as Shan, is a Supervisee in Social Work under the supervision of Dr. Ward. She is also a thriving military veteran outpatient therapist devoted to helping people overcome challenges and improve their lives through counseling, advocacy, and knowledge of local resources for all age groups. Shan started her mental health education with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She later joined the U.S. Navy and decided to further her education with a Master's of Education in Psychological Studies from Cambridge College. Afterward, she wanted to make sure she was equipped with the necessary knowledge for the identified needs around her. She returned to school and accomplished her Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California with a concentration in Families and Children Studies in addition to a sub-concentration in Military Social Work.

Through her dedication and commitment to serving her community, Shan acquired a wealth of knowledge and skills through numerous mental health work experiences: substance abuse counselor for group & individual therapy as well as psychoeducation to the military population; intensive in-home therapy to children and early adolescents; deployed resiliency psychoeducator for prevention services to deployed service members; mental health outpatient therapist.  

For years, Shan has been passionate about aiding the lives of others through their challenging times. Her belief in therapeutic practices is based on the quote, "That was who I was, but that is not who I am". Her goal is to empower individuals so that their present and future do not have to be their past circumstances. Change towards wellness is a journey we have to choose each day.

Shan's areas of experience include family and relationship issues, stress management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, eating disorders, separation anxiety, abuse, adjustments, improving communication skills, personal growth, confidence, self-love, self-worth, and self-esteem.  

Shan explores each individual's biological, psychological, social, and spiritual strengths as well as their needs. By integrating evidence-based practices to offer a highly personalized and eclectic approach to suit the needs of the individual with an array of treatment modalities, she is able to help the client meet their treatment goals.