Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantanique Jackson.
Hi Shantanique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into mental health work really started when I was a playground director at the age of 19. That role opened my eyes to how deeply children needed emotional support, not just supervision. Around that same time, I lost my sister, and that experience changed me. Being at the playground gave me a sense of purpose and grounding when everything else felt heavy. It was the one place where I could show up fully…more than I could at my job at Old Navy. That’s when I realized that working with kids wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was the population I was meant to serve.
That clarity pushed me toward becoming a therapist, and as I continued working with children, teens, and families, I saw so many ways they needed support outside of traditional therapy. The idea of creating my first children’s book actually came from a close friend who needed guidance with her kids. I wanted to create a simple and relatable way to help children understand their feelings and mental health.
Separately, as I continued my work as a home-based therapist in Metro Detroit, the idea for mental health workshops grew naturally. I realized there were conversations and skills that kids, parents, and schools needed in a deeper, more interactive way. That led me to build a school-based and community workshop/program, H.E.A.R.D. H.E.A.R.D. was designed to make mental health education accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant.
Over time, my work has become a blend of therapy, education, creativity, and advocacy—all rooted in the same purpose I felt back on that playground: to help kids and families heal, express themselves, and feel understood in the moments that matter most.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road definitely hasn’t been completely smooth, but the challenges I’ve faced have taught me a lot. Earlier in my career, balancing my personal life with my role as a therapist was something I really had to learn. Over time, I’ve found tools and routines that help me stay present and grounded, even on the tougher days. It’s still something I stay mindful of, but it no longer feels as overwhelming as it once did.
As a therapist and helping professional, the marketing and business side of things were not naturally my strong suits. Stepping into the book world and developing mental health workshops required me to learn a lot very quickly. I entered both spaces without prior experience—everything from finding a reliable illustrator to understanding contracts, formatting, production, and even how school districts operate was new to me. The process of shaping the workshops and exploring what districts look for in partnerships has been a learning curve, and growing beyond my immediate network has taken intentional effort and patience.
Getting my book into Detroit Public Schools was a huge accomplishment, and it showed me what’s possible when I advocate for my work. Now I’m focused on expanding into additional districts( with both my book and the workshops) to reach families, schools, and educators on a broader scale. It’s an ongoing process, but each step forward reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of Your NeighrborHOOD Therapist. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Your NeighborHOOD Therapist has two main entities: YNH Therapist, PLLC, which is my private practice, and Your NeighborHOOD Therapist, the nonprofit, which expands my mission into community spaces.
Through my PLLC, I operate a solo private practice where I work with clients ages 10 to 25. I’m a trauma-focused therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and childhood and adolescent trauma, and I’m TFCBT certified. I’m known for my down-to-earth approach and the way I can meet young people exactly where they are without judgment.
Outside of therapy, I’m also an author of two books and a mental health coloring book. I offer book readings in a variety of settings and I’ve developed mental health workshops for schools and organizations to make conversations about wellness more accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is my relatability and authenticity. I’ve always been able to genuinely connect with my clients without having to force anything or pretend to be someone I’m not. I strike that balance between being professional and still being real, and that’s something that has never been a struggle for me. It’s one of the things that sets me apart and allows people (especially young clients) to feel safe, seen, and understood.
What I want readers to know about Your NeighborHOOD Therapist is that my brand isn’t just about services—it’s about connection, education, and creating safe, meaningful spaces. Whether I’m in a private session, a classroom, or writing a book for kids, my goal is always the same: to make mental health feel approachable, relevant, and rooted in genuine care.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is resilience. Life hasn’t always been easy, and there have been moments where things didn’t go as planned—whether in my personal life, my therapy practice, or even with my books. Each time, I’ve had to pick myself up, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward. That ability to keep going, even when things get tough, has been the foundation for everything I’ve built and achieved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ynht.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ynhtherapist/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOKLXZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqRmVRbkc0azNpMXIzUDM1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrma0g_hItEExn0lDxiuX4WBqq_6-S8S_nqRexk8QPOVX5rIFFD946qtUOwq_aem_3MU1nUF8PzVzzxlv0I_yAQ#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556117163912
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@neighborhoodtherapist313?fbclid=IwY2xjawOKLY1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqRmVRbkc0azNpMXIzUDM1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHq3YBuJIjRktuRG1pveLcPtYLWCTWZwvI3dZLmpYL-6aqSvKjxwfxcIeCyla_aem_V31dJRUdhRKnIrfDnwA5Rw
