Shanteria Owens is a native of Stone Mountain, Georgia. She decided to pursue a career in psychology because she wants to help people overcome the challenges they experience. She attended Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She later pursued a Master of Science degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Brenau University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling and School Psychology at Florida State University. Her clinical and research interests are in the areas of trauma and suicidal experiences. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.