Shawna Dobson

Shawna Dobson, M.A., Greek Life and Graduate Student Coordinator

Pronouns: She/Her

Specializes in:

• Life transitions 
• Relationships 
• Substance abuse  
• Eating disorders 

Fun Facts:

Love being on the West Coast and all things outdoors, but still have a little East Coast flair

 

 

Ms. Dobson has spent the past ten years working in a variety of settings including community-based organizations, treatment centers and school-based counseling centers.  Ms. Dobson's first internship experience was in a college counseling center while earning her Master's degree, since then, she has felt a pull to return to working with college students.

Throughout her career, Ms. Dobson has found her passion working with young adults and teens from diverse backgrounds.  She has a deep regard for how systems impact students, both academically and personally.  Having spent many years in treatment facilities, Ms. Dobson has gained specialized experienced with substance abuse disorders and co-occurring disorders.  Ms. Dobson values the counseling relationship first and foremost and strives to create a safe, accepting and non-judgmental counseling space.  Using holistic, strength-based and client-centered approaches she works collaboratively with students to help create positive change.  Ms. Dobson tailors her counseling to the individual needs of her students and also incorporates skill building, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution-focused treatment, to assist students in their personal growth and goal achievement.

Ms. Dobson was born and raised in Connecticut, where she completed her education.  She was pulled West by the "California dream," and has not been disappointed.  Ms. Dobson and her husband have lived all over California, and she still marvels in all the beauty she finds in new corners of the state.  In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and dog, she also enjoys yoga, running, biking and camping, and being in nature.