Cailey Shanahan
Cailey Shanahan is a reentry case manager and trauma-informed peer support specialist with the Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP) in Miami, Florida. She supports women transitioning from incarceration by helping them secure essential resources such as identification, housing, employment readiness, and access to benefits. In addition, she facilitates Seeking Safety groups for incarcerated women, where she teaches coping skills, emotional regulation, and recovery strategies rooted in trauma-informed care.
Cailey’s work is deeply shaped by her own lived experience as a previously justice-impacted individual and graduate of a reentry program. Having navigated incarceration and reintegration herself, she brings empathy, understanding, and authenticity to the women she serves. Her journey from program participant to case manager has fueled her commitment to ensuring others have the tools, dignity, and support needed to rebuild their lives.
Currently pursuing an Associate of Science in Human Services and Addiction Studies at Miami Dade College, Cailey plans to continue her education in psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. She is passionate about addressing trauma early, expanding access to mental health support, and helping women realize that their past does not define their future.
• Certified in Motivational Interviewing
• Certified in Seeking Safety
• Peer Specialist Certificate (in progress)
• Miami Dade College- A.S.
• Ladies Empowerment and Action Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mentors, Dr. Samuel Heastie and Dr. Donna Shaw, who have guided me over the past 4 years. Dr. Heastie has been my professor and mentor throughout this time, and Dr. Donna Shaw has also been a huge mentor of mine. Beyond that, my most notable professional achievement has been stepping into a leadership role with confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome. My biggest professional goal is stepping out of that imposter syndrome and stepping into my role, feeling confident that this is what I'm doing now. I've learned not to let my past defeat me - it doesn't matter what happened 10 years ago or what obstacles I've already endured, what matters is keeping on track of where I'm going.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is actually advice that I gave myself: I'm not gonna let my past defeat me. I can do this, it doesn't matter what happened 10 years ago. It doesn't matter what obstacles I've already endured as much as it matters on keeping on track of where I'm going. I'm not the same person I was in the past anyway. We were kind of just going over this with a meeting or a group that we had with the women here, and it really resonated with me that I need to stay focused on my future path rather than being defined by my past.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is don't let the stigma keep you from your path. Everybody has their own opinions, and it doesn't really have anything to do with me. Don't let what other people think or the stigma surrounding this work stop you from doing what you're meant to do. It's really important to stay focused on your own journey and not let outside judgments affect your confidence or your direction. The same advice I give myself applies here: don't let past obstacles or other people's perceptions define your future success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is managing my time, which I am pretty good at, but it took a lot of work to get here. As for opportunities, I think the most important area for growth is educating myself as much as I can to really get an objective view on things. Especially in my profession and the things I'm dealing with - working with people and clients every day - it's crucial not to let my emotions get involved and to be completely professional and objective. Continuing my education and maintaining that professional objectivity is key to providing the best service to my clients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are, number one, honesty, compassion, and empathy. I believe in just having a safe space for somebody, holding a safe space for somebody, even when they don't feel like talking - it's okay just to be there. Creating that environment where people feel safe and supported is fundamental to everything I do, both professionally and personally. These values guide how I interact with my clients and how I approach relationships in my life.