CHILD WELFARE TRAINING STAFF
Shaneka was born in Alabama and moved to Chattanooga in her elementary school aged years. She is the oldest of two children. She graduated from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received a BSW degree in 2003, and in May of 2007 completed her MSW degree at Alabama A and M University. While completing studies at Alabama A and M University she was inducted into Phi Alpha, the social work national honor society. Before completing studies at Alabama A and M University she was employed by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services working in prevention services. While working within the Department she gained knowledge in all areas such as prevention, adoption, foster care, drug and alcohol abuse, and working with both children and adults who were mentally disturbed.
Shaneka resides in the Brainerd area and enjoys going to cabins in Pigeon Forge, shopping, eating, and reading certain literature. She is engaged to a fabulous man named, Jason. Shaneka enjoys shopping, and spending time with her family.
Keshma was born on the West Indian island of Dominica. At the age of eleven (11), her family migrated to St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Keshma completed her bachelors as well as a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology at Lee University. Her specialty is in the area of clinical pathology and mental health development. Keshma has served in two primary vocational positions. She has served as an In-Home Therapist; providing family systems counseling and individual therapy, conducting psychoeducational groups and case management for families placed in the system. Keshma has also served as a research professional; coordinating research on rural-minority families and on issues in adolescent development into adulthood. This lady enjoys being in the classroom and has lectured /instructed several courses in Psychological Theory, Human Development, and Research in Social Sciences. Ms. Fontaine enjoys working with people and engaging herself in challenges that foster professional growth. She plans to begin her Doctoral studies in the fall of 2008. Keshma enjoys LAUGHING, wine tasting, and spending time with her siblings and friends in the wonderful city of Cleveland, TN.
Latisha Simmons was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She obtained an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services Specialist from Chattanooga State Technical Community College and a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2005. Latisha plans to further her education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW)in the very near future.
She has worked with at risk youth, children and families in a school setting, group home setting and as a case manager at a counseling center. In September, 2007 she joined the UTC Social Work Department as a Child Welfare Trainer. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and currently serves on the Leadership Committee for the Southeast Branch of NASW.
She is married to Lemichael and they have a blended family that consists of a daughter, Brittany who is almost 18 years old and a son, Makalyn who is almost 16 years old.
Holly began on the Social Work path at Chattanooga State Community College. She graduated from the Human Services Specialist program there in 2000. After receiving her Associates Degree she worked for an Early Head Start (EHS) program as a home visitor. After 2 years with EHS, Holly decided to pursue her education and began the BSW program at UTC. After receiving her BSW in 2004, she began working for Tennessee’s Early Intervention System (TEIS). Holly remained at TEIS for 3 years before joining the UTC Social Work Department as a Child Welfare Trainer in September, 2007.
Holly is currently researching programs in order to pursue her MSW. She enjoys spending time with friends, family and her dogs. Holly also enjoys cooking and decorating/remodeling her home.