I have been working in the field of child welfare for over three decades, starting as a family teacher (house parent) at Father Flanagan's Boys Town in 1992. My passion is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families, whether as a foster parent, adoptive parent, educator, counselor, or administrator. I have a proactive and flexible approach to my work, always striving to exceed expectations and deliver quality outcomes. I strongly believe that Meaningful Relationships are the foundation for creating and sustaining attachment and bonding between children and their parents, which can prevent family breakdown and promote Educational Success.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with a special focus on adoption, attachment and bonding issues. I have extensive experience as an expert witness in court cases involving adoption, foster care, and child welfare. I have also been trained in adoption competency and attachment-focused therapy. I can provide evaluations, assessments, and interventions for children and families who struggle with reactive attachment disorder and other attachment difficulties. As a former certified professional educator in exceptional student education, I understand the educational needs and challenges of children with attachment disorders. As an adoptive parent of three children, one of whom has a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder, I have lived the joys and pains of raising children with attachment issues. I am passionate about helping children and families heal from trauma and form healthy and secure attachments.
Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, is the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc. With over 30 years of experience working with "At-Risk" Children, he is a licensed Mental Health Counselor, Trauma-focused Therapist, and Adoption Competency Trained Professional. Dr. Shoemaker holds a Doctorate in Psychology and is dedicated to improving the lives of children with attachment difficulties through his extensive research and expertise.
Welcome! I am Tonya A. Sharrett-Shoemaker, your Co-Founder, Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer at Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust, Inc. With over 30 years of experience working with "At-Risk" Children and being an adoptive parent to three special needs adults, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. Certified in Exceptional Student Education and Elementary Education, I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children. My educational background includes a master's degree in counseling psychology, a bachelor's degree in child psychology, and an associate degree in business administration. Join us in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for all children!
Hi I’m Nancy Hancock, a motivated School Psychologist with over 28 years of experience in educational settings across diverse student populations. Under the clinical supervision of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, Nancy will be a valuable asset to our community. Nancy is certified and licensed in Florida and specialize in gifted evaluations and counseling services for school adjustment issues. I’m excited to work with youth and families who are dealing with emotional and behavioral concerns that impact participation in school and other activities. My credentials include a Master of Arts in Psychology, an Education Specialist, and Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Retired. My experience includes providing psychological services in public and charter schools with students in grades K -12, 8 years adjunct professor of psychology, and 6 years of experience in an inpatient psychiatric treatment program for children, adolescents, and adults. My direct services include psycho-educational evaluation, counseling, behavioral evaluation, and consultation. Other services include collaboration with parents, school administration, counselors, and fellow educators to deliver custom support to empower students to reach their full learning potential.
We are thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Barbara Jones, Ed.D, RMHCI, a distinguished educator who has devoted her talents to making a difference in the lives of at-risk children. Under the clinical supervision of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, Dr. Jones will be a valuable asset to our community. Dr. Jones, the former ESE Director for Lake Wales Charter Schools in Florida, brings with her a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive. Her unwavering commitment to education and advocacy for at-risk youth is truly commendable. Join us in welcoming Dr. Barbara Jones as we celebrate her dedication to leaving no child behind.
We are thrilled to announce that Valerie Boker has joined our team at Mr Eds Circle of Trust, Inc. Under the clinical supervision of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, Valerie will be a valuable asset to our community. As a registered mental health counselor intern, she will provide a safe and welcoming environment for those seeking support. We are excited to have her on board and we look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of our clients.
"Hi, my name is Valerie Boker. I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with the state of Florida. I graduated with my master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. I know how uncomfortable and nerve wracking it can be to start therapy. I strive to make every client's therapeutic experience as comfortable as possible. I have experience working with children and adults with trauma, depression, and anxiety. I specifically have a passion for working with at-risk teenagers. I would describe my style as warm, genuine, and non-judgmental."
Meet Erlinda Golematis, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in Florida, with a Master of Art's degree in Mental Health Counseling from NYACK College, New York. Under the supervision of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, TF-CBT, Erlinda brings a dedicated and versatile skill set to her role. Her experience spans psychological testing and assessments, individual and group therapy, addiction treatment, trauma care, and crisis situation awareness. Erlinda's ability to work under pressure makes her an invaluable asset to any mental health team.
Sharell Qurishi, MA, RMHCI, is a Florida registered mental health counselor intern. Under the clinical supervision of Dr. Franklin Edward Shoemaker, PhD, LMHC, Sharell will be a valuable asset to our community. She holds professional memberships with the Florida Counseling Association and the Florida Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling. She is a certified FARS and CFARS Department of Children and Families Rater. Mrs. Qurishi is also trained in Psychological First-Aid practices and is an approved volunteer for Polk County Public Schools. She aspires to become a certified trauma professional.
Mrs. Qurishi’s career began in education in 2012, in which she worked directly with children and their families. In 2015, she advanced to a private K-12 school administrator. She believes a principal’s first office is within the classroom. Having journeyed through classrooms, Mrs. Qurishi witnessed firsthand the significant impact of trauma and unmet psychological needs on students’ conduct and academic success. She gradually transitioned her career goals in 2017 and has since earned an MS in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During her 14-month supervised clinical experience in private practice, under a licensed psychologist, Mrs. Qurishi obtained an extensive number of training hours, skills, and knowledge while conducting counseling and psychological services.
Mrs. Qurishi is dedicated to educating individuals on the importance and influences of regular mental health care and wellness. She is enthusiastic about building therapeutic relationships, compassionate about listening to individuals share their present concerns, and committed to discussing the best treatment options with clients as she journeys alongside individuals in achieving goals and discovering their fullest potential.
Mrs. Qurishi offers a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space for clients. She takes a person-centered approach to counseling yet is eclectic in her approach to treatment, ensuring she meets the tailored needs of each person. She is confident in her experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, self-esteem, behavioral issues, parenting, grief, loss, and trauma. She urges individuals to view counseling as an integral investment rather than an expense. Are you ready to begin?
Meet Madison Phillips. Madison is a student at Florida Southern College studying Psychology. She is currently in her senior year and will graduate with her bachelor's degree next May. She has worked alongside Dr. Shoemaker since August 2022, and has learned a great deal during her time at Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust. She plans to become a Mental Health Counselor and to provide therapy services for foster children and adoptive families. She is passionate about helping people, and being another person that foster children and their families can rely on for additional support. She looks forward to continuing to learn from all of the amazing counselors at Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust!
Meet Mighty Little Lucy, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Emotional Therapy Dog), on a delightful adventure as she teaches children and adults the importance of kindness, empathy, and getting along with others. Through patience and understanding, Lucy demonstrates the power of friendship and acceptance.