Iyanifa Rev. DeShannon Barnes-Bowens, MS, is the founder of ILERA Counseling & Education Services, where she works as a psychotherapist, professional development trainer and spiritual counselor. Through ILERA, she offers national and international workshops and programs focusing on sexuality and spirituality, sexual abuse and healing, and vicarious trauma and wellness. She is the author of Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks their Silence on Sexuality and Sexual Abuse (2007, 2015).

Iya. DeShannon has practiced Ifa-Orisha spirituality since 2001 and is an initiated priestess. She was ordained as an Interfaith Minister through One Spirit’s seminary in 2010, and served as a first-year dean, Assistant Director and Co-Director of the program. Find out more about Iya. DeShannon and her work at ilera.com.