Born and raised in the Gentilly area of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Shawnell Ware completed high school at St. Mary’s Academy. She then went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at University of Southwestern Louisiana, a Masters degree in Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans, and a doctorate degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She currently holds a Specialist Certificate in Children, Youth, and Families, Crisis Intervention and Trust Based Relational Intervention. Dr. Ware is big on family- her two proudest accomplishments are becoming a parent and then a grandparent and also traveling with her family to have them witness her acceptance of her doctorate degree. In her words, “Family means everything to me!” Dr. Ware’s time at The Roots of Music has been rewarding as she feels she’s been given the opportunity to advocate for those in need, empower, and transform lives. She believes that by incorporating music, scholars are encouraged to use the platform for expression, resilience, and growth, while enabling students to find their voice and strength in ways they never though possible. Additionally, Dr. Ware believes in an open door policy and meeting the client where they are to build a trusting relationship; “in order to be a change agent, we must remember to touch the soul.”