Shameka Raines

Someone recently asked me a simple question, “Why did you get into the counseling profession?” My answer may seem unimaginative, but it was simple. I wanted to change the world. Sounds like an impossible task. It was my dream to impact the lives of others and help them reach their true potential. I began my profession as a substance abuse counselor for the Florida Department of Corrections. I worked with incarcerated men who suffered a lifetime of substance abuse and mental illness.
My four years in the field solidified my passion for the work and shortly after, I decided to return to school to obtain my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I would describe my professional identity as someone who is deeply compassionate for helping impoverished individuals find greater opportunities for success, support families and individuals who suffer from substance abuse and rebuild the culture of community and family. My strong background in Criminal Justice has played a tremendous role in my professional identity and over the years. I found the work to be both challenging and rewarding.