In her role as a Research Associate, Shanada is responsible for leading research studies to identify, implement, and evaluate operational and procedural quality improvements within the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) at South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). Shanada is currently a doctoral student in the Learning Sciences program at Clemon University with an emphasis on adolescents critical consciousness of systematic injustice and how that impacts their learning and behaviors. Shanada’s research interests include examining and developing protocols in academia and the judicial system that criminalizes undesirable behaviors. Prior to graduate school Shanada worked as a Licensed Master Social Worker and has publications, presentations and news coverages that incorporate a variety of research areas. She was the lead researcher conducting a pilot study with Greenville County DJJ, appointed judges and the Greenville County Detention Facility to develop effective protocols that incorporated Adverse Childhood Experience Scores and a clinical assessment to decrease length of incarceration and reduce recidivism for juveniles. Shanada also has research publications from the South Carolina Opioid Safety initiative to promote safe opioid prescribing for veterans at the Community Based Outpatient Clinics as well as the Veterans Affairs Hospitals. Also, she has worked for the South Carolina National Guard, and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, in collaboration with the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, to implement the Star Behavioral Health Providers' Training Program in South Carolina (SC STAR). Additionally, she volunteers with other youth organizations that supports her research agenda.
Juvenile Incarceration, Helping Agencies involvement with Delinquent Youth, Adolescent Trauma,
Juvenile Incarceration, Effective Mentorship for Detained Youth
Create. Deliver. Evaluate.
Building individual and organizational capacity through development, evaluation and research.