This Week We Feature Young Professional Shaunice A. Leonard
Meet the 25 year old Shaunice A. Leonard, a trained and well qualified clinical psychologist who is dedicated to the counseling field and who hopes to make a difference in the lives of young people.
The St. Thomas USVI born Leonard is the child of Roxane Sylvester and Wallace Leonard Sr. both of whom were born in Tortola, Virgin Islands.
Our Young Professional was an outstanding student from her early years as she embarked on her long educational journey.
“I attended Alexandrina Maduro Primary School. I was a member of the Brownies Girls Guide,” she told this news site, adding that she was always an A student who was also active in sports especially track and field. Her favourite subject areas were Maths and Science.
In her formative years, Shaunice attended the BVI High School, now called Elmore Stoutt High School, but transferred to Charlotte Amalie High School in St. Thomas to complete her education.
“During my time at Charlotte Amalie High School I played on the basketball and softball team. I was a member of S.P.A.R.K.S (Students, Promoting, Awareness, Responsibility, Knowledge, and Service) organization where I volunteered and was involved with numerous community service projects,” she said.
Further, she said, “I traveled to Ohio State University where I worked with Homeless Youths and to the University of Michigan School of Public Health [where I worked] as a Research Assistant on Substance Use Influence on Youth development.”
She is also a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an Incorporated Certified Mandated Reporter and a Certified Infant Mortality & Preconception Peer Educator.
Shaunice is no stranger to pageantry as she is a former Miss East End/Long Look 2006 where she managed to claim all segments of the pageant. She is also Miss S.P.A.R.K.S 2007 of St. Thomas.
Our young Professional began her undergraduate studies at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania in 2007 where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Counseling Psychology. “During my tenure at Lincoln University I was on the Dean’s list from my freshman to senior year. I was the Vice President of Phi Chi-Honor Society in Psychology. I graduated in 2011 Magna Cum Laude,” she said.
In 2012, she furthered her education at the Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois, graduating on October 19, 2014 with a Masters of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Shaunice said that from a very young age she always wanted to do something that required her helping others.
“As I got older I just had to figure out which helping profession was best for me. Then I found my love, which was Psychology. I discovered my niche, which is working with the children, and adolescent population. Having compassion and dedication are significant in making a difference in the lives of others,” she said.
Shaunice currently works at the Ministry of Education and Culture where she is a temporary staff in the Accounting Unit. “However, I will be taking up a new post as a Guidance Officer at the Primary school level. I’m excited to begin this new journey and I anticipate its challenges. I love children and I am privileged to begin my career in my field of study,” she said.
“I intend to lead them on a journey of grow as well as self-discovery,” said Shaunice, who is also a trained Clinical Counselor having previously worked at the Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago.
“My goal is to obtain my Doctoral degree and open my private practice,” she said.
Asked what some of her greatest concerns for her community were and how she thought she could help address these, Shaunice said, “As a young therapist/ young professional one of my main concerns within the community are the youths. The youths are seemly not being able to interact with the different structures of society as society seems to have set them aside.”
Our Young Professional said she intends to ask businesses to sponsor forums in the various community centres throughout the Territory to meet the youths and figure out their needs with a view to assisting them.
“As a young person, I believe in doing so I will be able to impact and use my area of certification to be able to make a positive contribution to the society in which I live. It is also imperative that we contribute to the society we live in and not just be a part of it.”
Shaunice advises young people that they are the men and women of tomorrow. “They are society’s most important assets. I encourage all youths to stay in school and stay focused. A valid education will be one of your greatest assets. It won’t always be easy, but perseverance and determination will get you through your academic journey. Also, surround yourself with positive people, as well as set realistic goals to achieve,” she advised.
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