Style

Compassionate (and PASSIONATE), high energy (enthusiastic), authentic, and perceptive

Fun facts

Superpower
🦸 The ability to convey authentic caring. I have been told by many they feel like I genuinely care for them and I give credence to it because it's not something you can pretend. I believe each person is an individual with unique components in their systems that requires customized attention and intervention.

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Free Time
☀️ I LOVE to cook/ entertain, play tennis, read (all kinds of books but mostly enjoy memoirs, WWII historical fiction and self-help books), spending quality time with my dog :), spending time with my friends and family, pilates/ yoga, the list goes on and on! It’s a good thing I don't need a lot of sleep.

“She has been so helpful for him, we don't think they would have made it through the last year without her support, we are so happy that Sheila has provided a nonjudgmental, supportive environment that allowed him to thrive.”
— Manatee parent

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“Sheila is extremely engaged and invested it making a difference with my child and coaching our parenting. I respect her opinions and feel very comfortable with her approach.”
— Manatee parent

meet your

Associate Therapist

Sheila Verna

LCSW

✦ Supervised by

Jessica Espino

I am in what you would call in an “encore career”, pivoting after a fulfilling career in the fashion business, then many years as a stay-at-home mom. Channeling that experience along with acquiring a Masters in Social Work, serving on the local Board of Education for over ten years, dedicating several years to directing the “Youth Council” at a local non-profit and blending all of that together, I strive to provide a comprehensive, well thought-out, therapeutic experience for your child and your family.

Specialities

Adjustment

Acculturation Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Parent-Child Conflict

School Issues

Separation Anxiety

Social Skills Training

Substance Use

Approach

As part of Manatee’s care team,

Sheila Verna

is supported by supervision and care coordination. Manatee’s standard of care includes a structured plan, active parent involvement, and regular check-ins throughout care.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Family Systems

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Strength-Based Therapy

Works with

Preschool (0-4 years old)

Elementary school age (5-9 years old)

Tweens (10-12 years old)

Early teens (13-16 years old)

Parents & caregivers

Available in

Credentials

Masters in Social Work at Columbia University

Language(s)

English