Shea Lamanna

Shea, an alumna of West Virginia University and American University, has dedicated the last five years to the nonprofit sector in Washington, DC. She excels in building connections and fostering growth among diverse students with various neurodiverse backgrounds.

Her passion for helping students discover their purpose through community-based, experiential learning was cultivated during her time in both West Virginia and DC, where she served as a service-learning instructor and trainer. Shea’s experience extends beyond the classroom, as she has also been an educator in Reggio-Emilia classrooms, guiding students to nurture their own curiosity and questions to facilitate their learning journey.

Shea’s expertise isn’t limited to traditional education settings. She possesses a deep understanding of clients with ADHD, Generalized Anxiety, and Social Anxiety diagnoses, and she has successfully worked with college athletes in compliance with NCAA guidelines. Her focus with athletes centers on time management and prioritization, helping them achieve both personal and academic success while maintaining eligibility for competition.

What sets Shea apart is her own neurodivergency, Synesthesia, which presented challenges during her childhood education but also ignited her creativity. She harnessed this unique perspective to excel in storytelling and painting, publishing a nonfiction novel during high school and establishing a successful business selling her artwork as an adult. Post-college, Shea was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that empowered her to make meaningful improvements in her executive function skills. She intimately understands the obstacles associated with executive dysfunction and firmly believes in the potential for growth with the right tools and support.