Biography

Shana’s Journey

My name is Shana Merrick. My values include social justice and working with high-risk and marginalized communities. I was born in Macy, Nebraska, and am an enrolled member of the Omaha tribe.

I received my bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. I am a licensed social worker for the State of Ohio. I have a Master’s certification in Contract Management from George Washington University and ESI International. I am a certified parent educator through the Strengthening Families program developed by and trained by Dr. Marilyn Steele. I am a certified facilitator/trainer in ASSIST, a suicide prevention program. I hold a CDCA, certification in Chemical Dependency for the State of Ohio. I graduated from the inaugural class of EXCEL, a leadership training in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have been trained by Debra Jay in Love First Intervention, a Structured Family Recovery Model. Ms. Jay is the co-creator of this successful model of care. I was a member of the first Quick Response Team in the nation through my work at the Addiction Services Council.

I have 30+ years of professional experience as a front-line social worker and administrator working predominately in county government and nonprofits in my region. I am currently privileged to be the Director of Harm Reduction for Hamilton County Public Health. My professional values move me to influence or assure community-wide access to access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and basic human rights.<

I am professionally and personally influenced by these beliefs due to my own life experiences. I am a person in recovery with 36 years of sobriety. I was diagnosed and was in residential treatment for alcoholism at the age of 17 and did not choose recovery until the age of 18. I am a survivor of child sexual abuse.

I understand and practice trauma-informed care in my personal and professional life. I grew up in a loving environment but still suffered negative consequences due to alcoholism and addiction within my family. I was fortunate to have received treatment as a young adult that then allowed me to pursue a meaningful and rewarding career to serve others. It is my desire to share my experiences with others. My goal is to provide hope, offer options, and support positive growth for individuals and communities.