LET’S DO THE DAMN WORK, EH?
We’ve all gotten good at talking about how important it is to take care of your mental health . . . but the reality is that many of us have no idea how to start.
Our mission is to change that.
We aim to make guardian work sustainable by providing practical and research-backed support that is specific to the realities of your work.
Our name, Stack of Stones, indicates the cairns that lead the way on a particularly tricky part of a trail. We aim to do the same: provide markers and guidance along your path.
Guardian: Anyone who helps those in distress. From first responders to health care to death care to social services - we’re here for you.
Our Mission
Shannon Mead
As a therapist, adoptive mom, and friend/family member to a whole bunch of guardians - I know that helping takes a heavy toll on those who are willing to shoulder the burden. Whether I am working with individuals, couples, or an entire organization, my purpose is to strengthen those who sacrifice for our community.
I have a Masters degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University (NV License #4519) and a relational coaching certificate from Fielding University. I am intrigued by systems and patterns, and as a therapist I tend to be practical and straightforward. Perhaps that is because I spent many years as a tech and data consultant before pivoting into counseling.
I am deeply invested in the impact of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma, and focused most of my research on these topics. As a foster/adoptive parent I have felt the impact myself, but have also seen it in the lives of my guardian friends and family. I absolutely hate that those who step in to help are often chewed up by the roles and I’m working hard to do something about it.
When it comes to the realities of guardian work, I’m considered a culturally competent clinician, which means that you don’t have to explain the mechanics and stressors of your work to me. It also means that I find your dark humor equally hilarious and am not easily thrown by the details of a hard scene.
The Boss: Chuck
If you come to the office, prepare yourself for 100lbs of fluff. Chuck is a Turkish Akbash who completed his Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification in November 2021. He joins me for therapy sessions and is available to respond when teams need a little bit of doggy-love. Therapy is great, but sometimes we just need a dog.
If you are a leader or peer support team member who wants Chuck to come visit your team, email Chuck’s assistant at shannon@stackofstones.com.