Dr. Shirk earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Arizona School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. With a deep passion for helping individuals across the lifespan, she has dedicated the past two decades to working in the field of developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Her diverse clinical experience spans a range of settings, including community behavioral health facilities in both urban and rural areas, behavioral schools, and substance abuse treatment programs.

Dr. Shirk provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, offering individual, couples, and family therapy tailored to each client’s unique needs. She has extensive experience facilitating psychoeducational and psychotherapy groups, helping individuals develop coping skills and resilience in a supportive, structured environment. Her expertise includes treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, trauma, grief, developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, and executive function deficits.

Believing in a collaborative and client-centered approach, Dr. Shirk meets patients where they are in their journey and integrates a range of evidence-based techniques to support their growth and healing. She utilizes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and play therapy to help clients reach their fullest potential. Her work is grounded in the belief that every individual has the capacity for positive change, and she strives to empower her clients by providing them with the tools and strategies needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Dr. Shirk is also a certified Cogmed Coach, specializing in interventions designed to improve attention and working memory, particularly for individuals struggling with executive function deficits.

Currently, Dr. Shirk works under the supervision of Stefanie Kool, Psy.D., as she pursues licensure as a clinical psychologist.