Shenandoah Chefalo
Founder & Principal Consultant
Meet Shenandoah Chefalo
Founder & Principal Consultant, Chefalo Consulting
Shenandoah Chefalo is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and trauma-informed leadership consultant with 20+ years of experience supporting government, education, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations. She is a trauma-informed leadership speaker who helps leaders drive organizational culture change and prevent workforce burnout, especially in high-stress public service and human services environments. Her work is grounded in lived experience and focused on helping teams build safety, trust, and accountability so change can be sustained over time.
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Shen is the author of Garbage Bag Suitcase (2016) and The Best Bunny (2025). She creates practical resources and learning experiences that help organizations strengthen belonging, communication, and resilient workplace culture.
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Awards and Recognition
In 2025, Chefalo Consulting was recognized in Corporate Vision’s Education & Training Awards, including:
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Most Impactful Leadership Development Program – USA
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Excellence Award in Social Impact Consulting
Rooted in Lived Experience
Shenandoah’s approach to systems transformation is grounded in lived experience and professional practice.
Raised in the foster care system, she experienced a childhood shaped by instability and neglect, a reality she shares in her memoir, Garbage Bag Suitcase.
Today, she helps organizations translate trauma-informed values into daily leadership behaviors and sustainable systems.
DID YOU KNOW?
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63.9% of U.S. adults report at least one ACE.
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17.3% report four or more ACEs.
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In a survey of 5,540 licensed social workers, the mean ACE score was 2.1.
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23.6% of licensed social workers reported 4+ ACEs
Sources: CDC MMWR (BRFSS ACEs data, 2011–2020); Families in Society (Steen et al., “Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Licensed Social Workers,” survey of 5,540 licensed social workers).
Popular Topics Shen Speaks On:
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ACEs and resilience: What leaders can do to reduce chronic stress and increase stability in teams.
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Trauma-informed leadership: Practical behaviors that strengthen safety, trust, and accountability in high-stress environments.
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Burnout prevention: Sustainable practices that protect performance without lowering standards.
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Psychological safety and accountability: How to build trust while maintaining clear expectations and follow-through.
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NEAR Science: Understanding the neuroscience of stress, behavior, and regulation so teams respond more effectively.
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Belonging and culture: How to create environments where people can contribute fully and stay engaged over time.
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Credentials & Community Impact
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Shenandoah’s work combines lived experience, evidence-informed practice, and leadership consulting expertise. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science from Michigan State University. She is also:
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A graduate of Coach U’s Core Essentials Program
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A Certified Law of Attraction Advanced Practitioner
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A member of the National Speakers Association
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Co-founder of #4600andCounting, a movement to raise awareness of missing youth in foster care
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Attorney, State Judicial Council
Seeing the child welfare system through the lived experience lens has been a tremendous benefit for our organization.
Project Manager, State Corrections Agency
Shen’s approach helped me… retain the information and immediately shift some behavior.
Superintendent, Public School System
Shen helped us identify our needs and move forward in powerful, sustained learning.
Ready to bring Shen to your organization?
Book a free consultation to explore speaking, leadership development, training, or implementation support. We’ll clarify your goals and recommend the best-fit next step.
Prefer to explore first? View Speaking Events or Case Studies.