Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Shawna Aarons-Cooke as their new President and CEO. Dr. Aarons-Cooke brings over a decade of transformative leadership in healthcare, human services, and social programs, making her the ideal leader to guide Blanton-Peale into the next chapter of growth and impact.
With a proven track record in program development, management, and evaluation, Dr. Aarons-Cooke has successfully led large-scale initiatives at The Guidance Center of Westchester, where she previously served as the Chief Operating officer, Chief Strategy & Program Officer, Senior Vice President of Programs, and Director of Mental Health Programs. During her time at The Guidance Center, Dr. Aarons-Cooke grew the revenue and scope of the integrated mental health and substance use clinics as well as led the organization’s transition into a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Center expansion grant program. Prior to these leadership roles, Dr. Aarons-Cooke served as Clinic Director and Psychotherapist at the New Rochelle Children & Families Clinic, where she provided individual, family and group psychotherapy and successfully managed a diverse, multilingual, interdisciplinary team of 20 professionals.
Dr. Aarons-Cooke’s leadership experience spans multiple sectors, including mental health, addiction, social services, and corporate philanthropy, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Dr. Aarons-Cooke’s focus on data-driven decision-making, trauma-informed practices, and organizational transformation will support Blanton-Peale’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible mental health services to diverse communities throughout New York City.
As President and CEO, Dr. Aarons-Cooke will lead the Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center in fostering strategic partnerships across all sectors, including government, healthcare, and philanthropy, while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Her collaborative, solution-focused leadership style aligns perfectly with Blanton-Peale’s values of compassion, service, excellence, and social justice.
Blanton-Peale is excited to welcome Dr. Aarons-Cooke as their new CEO and looks forward to the continued positive impact she will bring to Blanton-Peale and the communities they serve.
About Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center
Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center, a licensed mental-health counseling and training center located in New York City, promotes holistic mental health and wellbeing by nurturing mind, body, and spirit. Provided by a diverse team of trained and licensed therapists, Blanton-Peale’s counseling services aim to be culturally responsive, address challenges to mental health, and unlock strength and resilience. They amplify their impact through training, offering licensure and professional development, and advocating for equal rights to quality mental health care.
For more information, please visit https://blantonpeale.org/
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