Angie Senic Shockley announces the opening of Q&A Associates, located in Davis, WV. Q&A Associates opened in October of this year and offers several services including: Journey to Authentic Self, Journey to Authentic Parenting, and Faithful Parenting. Journey to Authentic Self is a program specifically designed for young adults who are "stuck" in negative behavior patterns. Highly individualized programming is developed for each client providing opportunities for self-discovery and confidence building. Journey to Authentic Self is especially effective for young adults who have participated in one or more therapeutic programs during adolescence. The program utilizes high adventure activities and equine assisted learning in the beautiful mountains, National Forests, and rural life of the Davis, WV area.
Journey to Authentic Parenting provides a positive and supportive experience for parents of a child who is or has been enrolled in a therapeutic program. We work in conjunction with the adolescent's program and clinical staff to provide weekend workshops and ongoing support for the parents and family. Journey to Authentic Parenting is a combination of relaxation opportunities and techniques, with skill appropriate high adventure activities which give the parents an intimate understanding of the work their child is completing while in a treatment setting. This program helps the parents become better prepared to receive the child home once treatment has ended. The program begins at noon on a Friday and ends at noon on Sunday.
Faithful Parenting is a non-denominational weekend workshop to assist clients in examining Generational Parenting Patterns and the effects on children from a faith-based perspective. Clients will utilize Spiritual Histories, Life Maps, Genograms, Ecomaps, and Ecograms to gain valuable insight and a basis for an individualized parenting plan. Participants will develop a "Tool Box" of resources and support specific for their family, to facilitate a smoother transition for when the child returns to the family environment. Both Parent Weekends include ongoing support and follow-up.
Shockley has worked in the industry for many years, as Director of Alldredge Academy and as a Regional Director at Eckerd Youth Alternatives, where she was responsible for the development of the Private Programming Division. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping and was recently voted incoming Board Chair. She has served on the NATWC Board for four years, chairing the National Conference for two years and currently serving as chair of the Membership Committee. Shockley also served on the Board of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) until September of this year. She remains active in NATSAP, focusing on Member Services.
Sandy Schmiedeknecht is a key member of the Q&A team. Schmiedeknecht has worked as a Director at Alldredge Academy, as Director of Alumni and Aftercare Services at Eckerd Youth Alternatives, and as a Director and Transition Specialist for Achievement Transitions Group. She is currently completing her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University. She serves on the Board of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping, serving as Secretary.
"I'm very excited to be working with young adults and parents," said Shockley. "After spending nearly 20 years working with adolescents, I know that the time following treatment is critical to the success of the whole family. Journey to Authentic Parenting and Faithful Parenting address this time with specific instruction and support." Shockley added, "Journey to Authentic Self provides an individualized experience for young adults who are struggling to implement the skills they learned as an adolescent. Young adulthood is a stressful time and this program provides experiences needed to build independence with improved skills in leadership, communication, employment and academics."