Springfield College – M.S. Human Services, Mental Health Counseling
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts – B.A. English Communications, Literature & Theatre Concentration
About Sharon
Sharon has lived in New England her whole life and currently resides just a short jaunt “over the river, through the woods” in Vermont, where she and her husband raised their four sons. Sharon attended the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, MA receiving her BA in English Communications. Her career took her on a journey through many roles in various industries while focusing on raising her family.
As her family grew up and began to set out on their own, Sharon began to feel the draw to change her career and focus her energy and talents on helping others. As an adult-learner Sharon received her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College. Initially intending to work with adults, Sharon had the opportunity to engage with adolescents in her work to get her degree and found that she had, not only a true skill but a passion for helping young people. Her desire is to help young people overcome their struggle, improve their communication and connection with their families, and to gain a sense of autonomy and self-acceptance that can be so difficult to achieve when facing multiple types of challenges.
Sharon initially worked with adolescents in substance abuse treatment and then was an early member of the clinical team at Mountain Valley Treatment Center for five years. Sharon subsequently worked in an assessment program for boys in the foster care system, and most recently worked as a therapist at a specialized boarding school for students that have struggled in more traditional settings. Sharon’s unique combination of parenting experience, volunteering with children and adolescents, and life and professional experience brings a special set of skills to her role as Director of Family and Transition Services.
Sharon believes there is a promise of possibility in every young person that has been clouded over by numerous life circumstances and challenges. She has a passion for helping kids and families wade through the many barriers that can get in the way of reaching this possibility; helping them blaze their own path towards finding meaning, purpose and contentedness while discovering and following their passions. Having raised her sons who are each walking their own paths and watching her grandchildren navigate their own challenges keeps Sharon motivated to help children and families. Building relationships that allows them to feel a sense of safety while exploring, healing, and connecting is a passion that is more of a calling.
Sharon and her husband enjoy the outdoors, and spending time with, their children, grandchildren, and their dogs.
