Counseling + Recovery Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is governed by a diverse and active volunteer Board of Directors.

Shalana Palermo, Ed.D.

Dr. Shalana Palermo is a higher education executive and student success leader with more than a decade of experience spanning student affairs, career services, compliance, counseling, and crisis intervention. She currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Tulsa campus), where she provides senior leadership for student services, career placement, compliance, and campus-wide initiatives focused on improving persistence, certification attainment, and employment outcomes.

Dr. Palermo previously held multiple leadership roles at Oral Roberts University, including Director of Career Services, Faculty Support Specialist, and Graduate Student Success Coach. Her work has included developing institution-wide student success strategies, leading accreditation and compliance efforts, launching employer partnership and revenue-generating initiatives, and serving as principal writer for major federal grants, including a $2.25 million Title III grant and a TRiO Student Support Services grant.

Prior to higher education, Dr. Palermo worked in human services roles including child abuse investigations, medical social work at a children’s hospital, crisis intervention, and work within a child mental health division. This experience continues to shape her trauma-informed, student-centered leadership approach and commitment to advocacy and ethical decision-making.

Dr. Palermo holds a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling, a Master of Science in Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about advancing mission-driven organizations that support children, families, and communities through compassionate and accountable leadership.

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