Shayla is a board-certified, licensed therapist who works with nonprofits and healthcare organizations to provide art therapy and substance use counseling to clients navigating addiction, chronic stress, trauma, and severe mental illness. She holds a Master's in Counseling and Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is completing her doctorate in Counseling at Regent University. She also holds certifications in yoga (RYT-200), mindfulness (MBSR), and brain injury care (CBIS).

Beyond her clinical practice, Shayla brings nonprofit experience in fundraising and program development, helping organizations translate their missions into sustainable, lasting impact. She holds a gubernatorial appointment to Virginia's Advisory Board on Art Therapy, serves on the board of directors of The Art Therapy Project, and actively volunteers with organizations throughout Virginia. Across all of these roles, she is driven by a passion for advancing mental health and medical programs that empower individuals and strengthen communities.