SHAWNA MARIE AARONS-COOKE

Shawna Marie Aarons-Cooke, LCSWR, has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. SHAWNA MARIE is currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Programs at The Guidance Center of Westchester, where they are responsible for providing essential and lasting support to over 5,000 individuals annually. Their role focuses on empowering participants to become active members of their community through a range of services, including mental health and addiction treatment, housing, and vocational support.

Prior to their current position, Shawna held the role of Chief Strategy & Program Officer at The Guidance Center of Westchester. In this role, they supported innovation and clinical excellence in the organization's behavioral health portfolio of services, overseeing various programs such as crisis response, supported housing, and vocational services.

Shawna also has experience as a Chief Operating Officer, where they coordinated change management initiatives and oversaw successful applications and funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Additionally, they were responsible for credentialing, contracting with insurance companies, and maintaining licensing, certifications, and accreditations with regulatory bodies.

Before joining The Guidance Center of Westchester, Shawna worked as the Director of Mental Health Programs, providing oversight and direction for outpatient mental health clinics and community-based satellite locations. SHAWNA MARIE also served as a Clinic Director and a Licensed Psychotherapist & Social Worker, providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups.

In addition to their roles at The Guidance Center of Westchester, Shawna has experience as the Founder and CEO of Healing Truth Center LLC, where they focused on providing holistic services. SHAWNA MARIE also worked as a Psychotherapist and Parenting Program Coordinator at Mount Sinai Medical Center, managing a program supporting pregnant and parenting adolescent girls and providing individual and group therapy.

Early in their career, Shawna worked at Altria as a Corporate Philanthropy Professional. In this role, they managed a national private charitable giving program for social services organizations and cultivated relationships with non-profit organizations across the country.

Throughout their career, Shawna Marie Aarons-Cooke has shown a strong commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and communities through innovative and effective programs.

Shawna Marie Aarons-Cooke, LCSWR obtained their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mass Communications & Public Relations from Boston University from 1991 to 1995. Following this, they pursued their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at New York University from 2006 to 2007. Currently, Shawna is continuing their education at Simmons University, where they are expected to complete their Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree in 2024. Their field of study throughout their education has predominantly been focused on Social Work.