I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel – Maya Angelou
Shirly is a Licensed Master of Social Work in New York State. Shirly completed the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Program at Columbia university, and attained her New York state licensure shortly afterwards. She is currently accruing hours towards her clinical licensure. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work Program at the City University of New York.
Shirly completed her graduate level field placement, and beyond, at The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) where she began to specialize in working with individuals and groups with an Asperger or similar profile. She completed her undergraduate level field placement at the Addabbo Family Health Center, an ambulatory clinic, in case management.
Prior to undertaking full time studies, Shirly had worked as a direct service professional for the intellectually and developmentally disabled community for several years.
Shirly also has a background in theater and the performing arts. She finds a great connection between social work and acting, as they share “trying to step into someone else’s shoes” and developing empathy.
Shirly first started learning about DBT in one of her Master’s level clinical classes. She was immediately drawn to this structured yet versatile therapy, as she believes its components deliver much needed support to many different populations, as well as the BPD community that it was originally designed for.
Shirly sought out, and is thrilled to be working at Suffolk DBT, as part of a unique team. Shirly strives to ensure that every individual feels “seen” and “heard,” and that they feel supported in meeting their full potential.
