As President and CEO of Casa Pacifica, Shawna is dedicated to elevating the community by nurturing the potential of every child and family. With nearly 25 years of experience in mental and behavioral health care, she brings a proven record of excellence in advancing the well-being of vulnerable youth and families.
Since joining Casa Pacifica in 2020, Shawna has guided the agency to expand its reach and impact across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. She helped grow Casa Pacifica’s nationally accredited programs from 13 to 18, established the agency’s first endowment—the Hopeful Journey Endowment—and partnered with the County of Ventura to significantly expand supportive housing for young adults transitioning from foster care, probation, or homelessness. Under her leadership, Casa Pacifica has consistently been recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times as one of the best nonprofits and workplaces on the Central Coast.
Shawna’s prior leadership includes 18 years as Senior Vice President and COO of the Menninger Clinic, where she oversaw a merger with Baylor University College of Medicine and led a $50 million capital campaign to establish a new 50-acre campus in Houston. She later served as President and CEO of Phoenix House California and Texas, managing six inpatient facilities and multiple outpatient addiction and mental health programs.
A solutions-driven leader, Shawna is recognized for her expertise in strategic planning, healthcare operations, organizational development and quality improvement. She holds an MPA with honors from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and communication from Grace College. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves as Central Region Representative on the Board of Directors for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.