Shelby Black-Couch

Shelby Black-Couch has worked in a variety of roles since 1994. From 1994 to 2008, they served as Campus Director at Kent State University for CCO. In 2008, they became the Director of Spiritual Formation for Vineyard Community Church. In 2012, they were a Social Worker for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and an WIN Pregnancy & Parenting Program Intern for Catholic Charities of Beaver County. In 2013, they were a Service Coordinator/MSW Intern for the Housing Authority of the County of Beaver. In 2014, they were a Palliative & Supportive Institute MSW Intern for UPMC East. From 2015 to 2016, they were a Company Director for Trades of Hope and a Clinical Palliative Social Worker for UPMC PRESBYTERIAN SHADYSIDE. Since 2016, they have been a Hospice Social Worker for Mother Teresa Hospice Inc. In this role, they provide Reminiscence Therapy & Life Review, connects patients/families to community resources, provides education to the community at-large on end of life planning, and oversees two intern programs.

Shelby Black-Couch began their education in 1984 when they earned their high school diploma from Madison High School, where they studied College Prep. From 1988 to 1994, they attended Kent State University and earned a BA in Sculpture, Fibers, and Graphic Design. From 1994 to 2007, they audited courses through an annual professional development program at Geneva College in Theology & Ministry. From 2009 to 2012, they earned a BA with a major in Social Work from The University of Akron. Finally, from 2013 to 2014, they earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus in Gerontology & Direct Practice from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, graduating Magna Cum Laude.