Dawn E. Shedrick, LCSW-R

Hi, I’m Dawn!

This all started with a burnt grilled cheese sandwich.

On a bright and shiny afternoon several years ago I was having a catch-up lunch with a social worker friend of mine.  Actually, she's one of my social worker sheroes. We've known each other for decades and she's done some amazing social justice work for women and families throughout the country.

As I'm bumming out about my burnt grilled cheese sandwich, she tells me she's so burned out and fatigued that she was considering a career change.

I threw down the hockey puck sandwich and clutched my pearls.  You see, I immediately knew she had to be burned worse than that sandwich, as this woman is the consummate social worker.  It's in her DNA.

This conversation inspired me to take the risk to finally establish my own full-time training and consulting firm for social workers and human services professionals.  I had the idea for at least 10 years, but after realizing that my friend was not the only one of my colleagues who was burning out, I knew it was time to create a space not only for professional development, but for validation, creativity and FUN in the social work profession.

I believe that our clients and communities are best served when the professionals trusted with their care have access to great training, adequate supervision and authentic peer support.

I've been in the human services for more than two decades and have worked in all areas of social work practice, including

• community organizing

• case management/direct practice

• administration

• clinical practice

I've been honored to work for and in partnership with people living with HIV/AIDS, the LGBTQ community, homeless and hungry individuals and families, and people of color.  My specializations include:

• supervision

• LGBTQ issues and inclusion

• self-care for social workers

• case management

• holistic psychotherapy models

Background

I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from Stony Brook University, am a certified life and business coach, ordained interfaith minister, Reiki Master Teacher and soon-to-be Clinical Aromatherapist (whew!).  I'm also an adjunct professor in the Human Services department of St. Joseph's College in New York.  My personal philosophy of equality, inclusion and "anything is possible" has led me to pursue education, training and mentorship in various areas of helping.  

I've been designing and facilitating community health and professional development workshops for more than 20 years. More recently, I've been delivering corporate wellness programs that center on mental and emotional wellness.  I'm grateful to have presented workshops and participated on panels throughout the United States and abroad.

Believe me when I say that I love this work!

Anna Rikka Aborro

Meet Anna

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Hello! My main role at JenTex is to help organize, maintain, and ensure smooth administrative workflow within the company. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeast Asian College. I received my license as a Nurse in 2012. 

Despite my busy schedule, I always find time to play and teach values to my young son, who is now a preschooler (how time flies!)—this is the reason why I chose to work from home, to be able to focus on child rearing and do what I love at the same time. 

I'm a strong believer in the ‘Law of Attraction’. I believe that the universe will create and provide whatever you focus on. ‘like attracts like’.

Life is what you make it, but of course it is not always a bed of roses so I maintain work-life balance by traveling, going to the beach, and having a massage. 

The JenTex story...

Many people ask how I came to name my company "JenTex" Training & Consulting.

Well, once upon a time, there were two lovebirds named Jen and Tex. They were sweethearts through middle school up until their adult years.  One day in 1973 they got married and several months later Jen gave birth to their first child...Dawn Elayne.

You see, Jen and Tex are my parents (smile).  After considering dozens of "social worky" names I just couldn't find one that captured the energy and essence of what I was trying to do through my company. I decided to name the firm after my parents, as they both are responsible for me being here...and in their own ways have nurtured me to be in service to others throughout my life.

But I must give my sister full credit for the name JenTex, as I tried to piece together their government names and it just didn't flow well.  One day, my sis texted me the name JenTex, a combination of their lifelong nicknames, and I knew we hit the jackpot!