Shannon Edwards Dr. of Forensic Psychology Runs for PA 14th District

Shannon can be found around Pittsburgh with her pint-sized partner in crime eating the amazing food Pittsburgh has to offer, working far too often at her private practice, or walking her dog, Max.

Pittsburgh, United States – March 10, 2018 /PressCable/ —

Dr. Shannon Edwards is a psychologist and a graduate of Yale University’s Women’s Campaign School. Originally from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, Edwards moved to the city to complete her doctorate degree. Now, along with her daughter Sophia, also known as her “pint sized partner in crime,” Edwards has made Lawrenceville her home.

As a congresswoman, Edwards intends to use her experiences in the mental health field to affect positive change in Pittsburgh and the nation. That means being an active and diligent voice, who is willing to cultivate necessary relationships and push forward to achieve necessary legislation. “We are in the midst of a national mental health crisis and experts who can work with one another to enact positive change are necessary,” Edwards told The National Discouse. “Being a psychologist uniquely qualifies me to complete that task and I am excited to be able to be the active voice in Washington for the people of Pittsburgh.”

With her background in forensic investigation, Edwards remarked that stories the media perpetuates are almost always incomplete. This false narrative is “detracting from the more important story about my objectives in running for office and affecting positive change across our nation,” she said. “My focus is now it to continue being the leader and fierce advocate as a psychologist who Congress can rely upon for expertise.”

This is not a “Me Too” issue. The issue is proving that women, like Edwards, will not be silenced by stories of the past and the labels others have chosen to place upon her. And by putting the focus back on Edwards, Pittsburgh’s Republican congressional hopeful, we are going to see what this fierce advocate is capable of doing.

Shannon has consistently believed passions fuel passions. She was in Vaughn Bicehouse’s psychology class when planes struck the towers during 9/11, prompting her intrigue into human motivation and behavior. During the integration of psychology and criminal justice coursework at California University of Pennsylvania, she solidified her desire to specialize in forensic psychology, feeling discouraged by the amount of individuals providing professional services to disenfranchised populations. Moving away from southwestern Pennsylvania for the first time, to downtown Chicago IL, forever changed Shannon’s perspectives, insight, and foundation of understanding. She grew out of ignorance and into insight, developing necessary skills to become a competent licensed psychologist, as well as passionate activist.

Shannon understands the compassion and dedication someone needs to empathize with individuals experiencing adversity. Even more important: she understands human skills aren’t something you learn through higher education or in books. You learn them on the South side of Chicago at an Evening Reporting Center for Juveniles. Or at the Allegheny County Jail interacting with individuals who are mentally ill. Or treating individuals who are incompetent to stand trial at Torrance State Hospital. Or at the Light of Life Missions on the Northside donating your time or a Thanksgiving dinner. Becoming a psychologist challenged and changed Shannon in a way, unbeknownst at the time, eventually preparing her for a Congressional run. What was most important is she became a better advocate for individuals who experience adversity. Chicago led her to a more comprehensive understanding of compassion, dedication, persistence, and ultimately back to the city she loved.

Upon completion of her doctoral studies, she returned home to work at UPMC Mercy Hospital on their outpatient neuropsychology unit, assisting patients and families experiencing varying organic brain disorders and traumatic brain injury. Additionally, she worked in private practice, serving Washington and Allegheny County Criminal and Family Courts with psychological services. As the Interim Director of Mental Health at the Allegheny County Jail, Shannon was able to interact with Officers, inmates, and providers, assessing the needs of the seriously mentally ill, as well as gaps in available treatment. After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the criminal justice and mental health systems, Shannon decided she could affect the most change infiltrating the system from outside. She opened a private practice in downtown Pittsburgh, focused on serving Family and Criminal courts throughout Pennsylvania.

Shannon’s time as a forensic psychologist and social advocate taught her the importance of fighting for what is right even when not popular, building relationships with multiple organizations and individuals to achieve similar goals within the intersection of law and psychology, and asserting herself proactively in a field dominated by men. Shannon will implement these same ideals in Congress. In our current sociopolitical climate, too often, politicians serve special interests and wealthy donors, not the people they were elected to represent. Shannon has chosen, “Edwards for Pgh” because she will serve the constituents of Pittsburgh, not Washington. Similarly, you will not find details about more than three (3) issues on Shannon’s page; Shannon is looking forward to learning what her constituents need, what they are satisfied with, and where their passions lie. Shannon’s personal positions on issues matter little when adversity and larger crises are affecting Pittsburghers and the nation at large.

Contact Info:
Name: Shannon Edwards
Email: Edwards4PGH@Gmail.com
Organization: Edwards4PGH
Address: 304 Ross St #300, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, United States
Phone: +1-412-945-7210

For more information, please visit https://www.edwards4pgh.com/

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 311973