Dr. Wachell (Shelly) McKendrick is originally from Miami where she grew up loving thebeaches, high school and Miami Dolphins’ football games (especially the 17-0 Dolphins!). In the late 70s she would come to Tallahassee and school at FSU, leave to travel as a former military spouse then be drawn back again in 2001. She is one who enjoys serving, as evidenced by her chosen profession of Social Work. She served for 17 years as a Professor in Social Work at the Florida A&M University. Her love for the Tallahassee community intersects with her service currently as a member of Rotary International (Northside) and Board member on various nonprofit organizations serving girls and women (among them Girls 2 DIVAS, Black Women Empowerment Collective). Her professional life in the clinical area of Substance abuse treatment, trauma, and violence spans 36 years. She has worked as a Counselor, Facility Coordinator, Clinical Supervisor, Quality Assurance Director, and currently as Executive Director of Turn About, Inc. and a Surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in the substance abuse treatment field.

Her research interests also include increasing awareness of domestic violence issues among college students and understanding psychosocial factors that impact student success. She has written and published articles on these topics. In her spare time, Dr. McKendrick enjoys spending time and playing with her three grandchildren, traveling, and all aspects of football.