Hi, I’m Shannon Criniti

I have 27 years of experience working in the nonprofit and academic sectors, including about 20 years working as a supervisor and nearly 10 years in executive leadership as a Vice President. For the past 8 years, I have been learning and applying a trauma-informed and anti-racist approach to my leadership style, and have completed courses, conferences, and trainings to deepen my understanding and practice of these intersecting approaches.

I have coached professionals in the sectors of public health, medicine, behavioral health, human services, education, philanthropy, and more. I have provided trainings to thousands of staff and leaders on issues related to organizational culture, social justice, racial equity, and implementing a trauma-informed leadership approach. I have consulted with nonprofit leaders on implementing organizational change while building and maintaining staff trust. I have facilitated white affinity groups to guide engagement in anti-racist discourse and behavioral change initiatives.

Academic credentials:

  • BA in journalism and women’s studies - Syracuse University

  • MPH in community public health - Hunter College of the City University of New York

  • M.Ed in human sexuality studies - Widener University

  • PhD in human sexuality studies - Widener University

    Trauma-Related Education and Experience

    Selected trainings I have co-authored and/or facilitated:

  • “Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care”

  • “Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care for Providers in Behavioral Health Settings”

  • “Addressing Trauma and Sexual Health in SUD Treatment Settings – Recognizing Trauma”

  • “Addressing Trauma and Sexual Health in SUD Treatment Settings – Responding to Trauma”

  • “Trauma-Informed Leadership”

  • “Restorative Justice”

    Certifications

    ·         Youth Mental Health First Aid (July 2022)

what i’m about

As part of my anti-racism training work, I co-developed CPR: The Racial Microaggressions Reparative Response Model. It was developed for individuals to implement after they commit a microaggression, and is intended to guide people through a series of steps that centers the feelings of the person or people who were harmed through the microaggression, while initiating a process of accountability and relationship repair. This model is both an in-the-moment tool for interrupting racism and other forms of oppression, as well as an ongoing practice. The underlying values and principles of this reparative response model – including humility, relationship-building, empathy, and social justice – permeate my approach to my coaching and consulting services.

My perspectives are informed by my social locations as a white, cisgender, currently able-bodied woman who was raised middle class with access to private education. I continue to educate myself on the lived experiences of BIPOC, transgender, disabled, and neurodivergent people so that I can better use my privilege to dismantle systems of oppression as well as to continually inform my coaching and consulting practice.  

what i’m not about

  • I will not lead anti-racism trainings. I can provide referrals if you are interested in those.

  • I will not support union-busting, and when working with unionized organizations, I will only work with orgs whose leadership is acting in good faith in union negotiations.

  • I don’t provide legal advice.

  • I am not a quick fix for HR issues. Transforming your leadership approach and your organizational culture take an investment and commitment of time and effort.