Shannalee Otanez began her career working with youth at Spy Hop Productions as the Documentary Film and Youth Radio Mentor. She taught diverse populations at Spy Hop for nine years before transitioning into social work. She has clinical experience working with children and young adults with Autism, teens in residential treatment, and has been working in a private practice setting specializing in working primarily with children, teens, and young adults struggling with self-harm, suicidality, and trauma. She uses CBT, DBT, expressive art therapy, and EMDR modalities in sessions to address the individual needs of each client. She is also a licensed school social worker and has worked with students and families experiencing homelessness overseeing the McKinney-Vento program at a local school district. She currently serves as the Education Advisor for the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness and is the host of Saturday and Monday Breakfast Jam on 90.9 fm KRCL.
Marijean Woolf is a professional mentor, facilitator, and advocate specializing in school leadership. She has served as an educator working with advanced and challenged learners, school administration, and as a director in administrator development for decades. She is accomplished and recognized at a former student level, a school district level, a state level, and a national level for her ability to mentor and guide others in the practice of leadership. She is driven to support others in a way that is supportive, positive, and fun. Education and leadership are avenues for personal celebration – she will assist you in finding that celebration.
I believe effective therapy involves having a rapport with the client, where the client and therapist work together to improve understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe that the client has the power to succeed inside. They just need to be given the proper tools. My style of therapy involves using the strengths the client possesses along with modalities such as DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness.
Clients will be better able to handle things like anxiety, depression, and even past trauma. I believe life is a journey. At some points its trails are filled with switchbacks that are mostly uphill, and sometimes you just feel stuck on the trail and not sure where to go. Clients do not have to travel alone. I can help you down the road of processing life experiences and other unexpected challenges life gives you. I can help you adapt to life stressors as they come along and help you feel more confident during your journey. I understand that life can be challenging and that we all walk down different roads. I have experience working with groups of adolescents experiencing anxiety and volunteering as a coach and collaborating for several years with the Special Olympics. I currently work with children, adolescents, and young adults in all aspects of life.
Whatever walk of life you are in, I believe I can help you. I use evidence-based informed practice, empathetic listening, grounding skills, cultural humility, intervention planning, along with emotional support to help you find your way to living a life full of happiness, empowerment, and peace. When clients meet with me they will better understand themselves, have increased coping and communication skills, and be empowered to feel heard and accepted.
