TESTIMONIALS 

Kay Miller -- Elite Coach Seminary Houston, Texas
To anyone considering working with Shana Boutté.
Shana has been a Licensed Life Coach with our Master Coach University since January of 2013. Since that time, she has been serving our University and everyone she has been involved within her capacity as Licensed Life Coach, with the highest level of excellence. We have been able to explicitly trust her to manage all facets of the interactions required with her students and clients over these many years. Her responsibilities include a substantial amount of organization, ongoing interaction with students/clients whenever required, and years of faithful follow-up with those she has been engaged to oversee. She has successfully done everything we have required of her to execute her role with our University. She is one of the finest Life Coaches we have engaged with since the founding of our University over 30 years ago. We can trust, with no concerns, whatsoever. She has demonstrated a level of excellence and conscientiousness that is rare indeed.
Best Regards,

Kay Miller

 

To whom it may concern,
How do I begin to describe the impact Shana Boutte has had on the lives of families and her community?
I will only be able to share my family’s personal journey that Shana has been involved with.
Shana’s experience and expertise in the Neuro-diverse community is invaluable to those like our family
that she helps out of the kindness of her heart and her desire to make the world a better place for
individuals like my daughter. My daughter who is now 16 was born extremely premature and has many
lasting challenges from her traumatic birth. She has numerous medical diagnoses that she faces ongoing
issues with on a daily basis. She is Autistic, has an Intellectual Disability, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and
Dysgraphia. All of these challenges creates a unique lifestyle that few people in this world would or
could begin to understand, so meeting someone as remarkable as Shana and to find out just how much
she understood our life was nothing short of a miracle.
When we met Shana in January of 2022, she was volunteering her time with a wonderful community Christian
social group called All-Stars. All-Stars is an organization that provides a safe and supportive environment
for individuals with varying levels of abilities. The monthly get-togethers provide snacks and create fun
and enriching activities like crafts, sports, and Karaoke. The event when we met Shana was when we
attended was a community gathering to provide packaged dried meals for underprivileged children
across the world. This event provided an opportunity for the individuals at the event to give back to
their community and the world. Every station set up had 6-8 individual tasks to load package and seal
the meals. After meeting my mother in another area of the event, my mother insisted that I had to meet
her new friend!! After introducing me to Shana, she joined my daughter and me in the rotation of the
station and immediately developed a trust from my daughter that is not given easily by her. It was not
only a God given blessing that these meals would be sent to the starving children in Ukraine during the
humanitarian crisis there, but that night my daughter and I gained a very compassionate, giving, loving
and understanding person into our lives.
Shana has since that time assisted my daughter and me through many difficult challenges and
celebrations in my daughter’s life and in mine. She has given my daughter and me a new found
confidence and support in not only advocating for ourselves but navigating the daily ins and outs of the
world within the Neuro-Divergent community. Shana has also restored our faith and hope in humanity.
My daughter’s pro-bono private and community-based advocacy sessions with Shana have been about
so much more than advocacy, they have taught her life lessons and skills that will help her develop her
own set of independent tools that will get her through life a bit easier. The variety of topics covered,
range from the study of school subjects, to the encouragement of her self-advocacy in the community
and many ways in between.

Shana has helped me as a small business woman and mother in more ways than I can express here. Her
support of me as a business woman has been invaluable. By referring new clients to me, encouraging
me to look to bigger aspirations, and helping me with community connections, she has increased my
business in a very short period of time. Shana has shown me that being a mother to a Neuro-Divergent
young girl like my daughter is more than and including wearing so many hats at the same time, it is
about taking those hats off and supporting my daughter in the ways that meet her exactly where she is,
the world she lives in. Shana is a personal inspiration of what pure determination and a loving heart can
do to bring blessings to not only our personal lives, but most importantly into the lives of others.
Shana’s impact on just our two lives alone has been positively life-changing and I can only imagine how
many other lives she has changed. Her education, her knowledge, her community connections, her
desire to change the world to benefit others is a God given talent that needs to be shared with the world
and I hope she gains every opportunity to receive as much as she gives.

Thank you for your time and interest in one my dearest friends,
Collette 

 

Shana and I met at an agency that helped the disabled community. We worked side by side for quite a while.

I introduced Shana to a school for Autistic kids where she gave a great lecture on sexual abuse in the autistic community.

Daily, she gives several hours of her time to helping people by phone with disability support without pay (about 4 hours a day). Also, she gives injured and rescued horses reiki several hours a month at a local ranch in Louisville. She is a board member with Colorado Goat Walkabouts, which rescues goats who then become support animals for the disabled population and those recovering from addiction. 

Shana is a member of Tesoro, which supports education and preservation of history of First Nations and Hispanic heritage of Colorado. 
She spends at least three hours a week advocating (utilizing her Cornell University Americans with Disabilities Act Instructor Certification) without pay, for underserved community, primarily victims of sexual abuse who are medically fragile/disabled .
Currently she also volunteers time for new life transitions, both birth and death, as a reiki master.

I am proud to recommend Shana.

Regards,

L.W.

 

I've been privileged to be a client to Shana. As a client, I hired Shana's counseling and consulting services for my children. She proved to be both knowledgeable and experienced in her expertise. She showed compassion and provided comfort for my children to open up their thoughts with her. Shana attended my son’s school to oversee classroom measures for learning and development. She worked with my son’s teacher to accommodate his needs and implement recommendations that would include the classmates. Shana worked with my daughter, a victim of sexual abuse, for creating appropriate boundaries and utilizing prevention behaviors and methods. I am confident that she will excel well above average utilizing her skills in developmental areas of psychology and social sciences. Shana has excellent listening and research skills. She is responsible and committed to her studies supporting her advancements in her field and career. I have been pleased to observe Shana’s skills, compassion and respect to others in her field.
-Professor H.S.

 

Hello,

Shana Boutté has an open and caring heart and vast experiences through education and extensive work resume, including selflessly volunteering and helping people.

Shana and I have known each other for more than five years. We were the best of friends from the moment we met. It felt like we were kindred souls. In that time, I have experienced first-hand what a kind, generous, caring, loving person she is. I can speak to the wonderful friend she has been to me but also to her caring and generosity with others, even strangers. It shows through with her personal life and her life of career and in volunteering. Others who know her share sentiments about her scholastic accomplishments and her work experiences in mental health, helping the disabled, environmental awareness, sustainable living, human rights, gender rights, and so much more all as a volunteer, and I wish to take a more personal approach as a year’s long friend as a reflection of the person she truly is.

Over the years I’ve known her, I have witnessed Shana volunteering working with many people, both adult and children alike. That comes with many stories of her helping people often through the worst of times. But she also advocates for animals. Currently she has been volunteering working with horses and ponies, working also with adults and children. It’s a place where people can spend time with the animals while learning about them, how to care for them, and how to ride. It gives people a safe place to learn while providing them with a sense of purpose and a chance to make a connection with the animals and to each other. Shana works both with the animals with feeding, grooming, caring, and training and with people as a guide, friend, and teacher. It means a lot to her to be able to work with the animals while making a positive difference in people’s lives. The owners of the horse ranch have come to love and appreciate her heart, dedication to making a difference, and her hard work.

Shana and I have a video project we’ve been working on together over the last year. We call it “The Rex and Shana”. We do it simply because we want to touch people and we believe in it. The premise is simple. We have conversations with each other, and sometimes others, on many health and spiritually related topics to help people in their daily struggles and whatever they may be going through in their lives. The purpose is to offer “food for thought” that may help them. Through our talks, we also hope to show people that anything is possible. Given Shana is autistic, and I have a traumatic brain injury, we show that one can still have a loving, meaningful, and productive life. No matter who you are, you can always choose to do something special with your life and have amazing experiences. We hope to show that everyone has an important place in this world.   

 About a year ago, my health took a turn for the worse. I was laid up for a month and needed months to recover. I found myself struggling to take care of my daily and monthly expenses. Shana suggested that I start a GoFundMe campaign. I have no experience with such endeavors and didn’t even know where to start. She, having helped others with a GoFundMe, offered to help get me set up and helped to promote it. This is something people can charge money or take a percentage to do. People may also pay for courses on setting up and running such a campaign. But Shana stepped up as my friend wanting nothing but to help. I couldn’t have done it without her. The campaign proved successful and helped me get through a very difficult time in my life.

After years as one of my true friends, and one of the kindest, giving, most wonderful people that I know, I believe she is deserving of the best in life! \Given her experiences in mental health, teaching skill sets, and helping people, all the work she’s put into her degrees and scholastic accomplishments, and the genuinely loving and caring person she is, it doesn’t matter if it’s one person or the whole world, she always steps up to help and always gives all of herself!

All the best,

Rex F.

 

Shana and I started discussing my son Jakob's potential to have Asperger's Syndrome. After three years of his time in public school, I have finally been able to get the school district to review his symptoms. Within a space of one hour with Shana, I know more about Asperger's Syndrome, P.D.D.-N.O.S. and N.V.L.D. than I thought possible from one session. She gave me valuable information and steps to take with the district to ensure my son is not one of the students who "fell through the cracks", like he has been until now. I was then armed with knowledge of a full battery of tests, and that I am entitled to seek an outside evaluation and assistance, if necessary. I also learned about the spectrum and how the autism rankings place on that scale. I now know P.D.D.-N.O.S. is not recognized outside the United States as part of the autism spectrum, and that A.S. has been recognized in the U.S. since 1994. This is valuable to me, since I have lived in various countries.The professional mannerism in which she provides valuable data is only matched by her desire to help both children and adults cope with their disorders and lead a normal and productive life in society. Her level of care and experience/education since 1996 with autism spectrum disorders, plus her care and passion, provide a life plan for Jakob to be successful. This is nothing shy of absolutely amazing. I would recommend Shana Boutte' as life skills and social skills coach to any parent of a child with autism, or to an adult who is trying to make it in this world with autism. As a father facing the unknown, desperately wanting answers as to what to do and expect, her knowledge, skill and passion has been a beacon of light in an otherwise bleak and hopeless situation.
-R.B.

 

Shana, I mean it with all my heart and gratitude My son has many symptoms of Asperger's but his diagnosis is not quite that. He's a grown man now but ever since he was a little boy he's been tested over and over again. No one understood his problem. He's been going to a psycologist for years. Two years ago, we met Shana. My son has made more progress in these past two years than he did in the previous 30+. Now I have hopes for his becoming happy and independent which is a mother's wish. I thank God every day for sending Shana our way.

-Betty

 

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Scott, and I am deeply honored to recommend Shana Boutté. She has been a close, trusted friend of mine for a number of years, and ever since I've known her, she has been a beacon of kindness and unconditional love for other people from all walks of life.

As anyone who knows Shana will tell you, she has an eternal love for people. She is the type of person who will gladly sit down with someone and truly get to know that person and connect with them in an open, inviting matter. It is what she has dedicated her life to in her studies at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and in her duties, she performs with various charities that help disenfranchised people, such as immigrants from other countries, single mothers, victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault victims, and transgender people, just to name a few.

Through her tireless devotion and dedication, she has been able to help transform the lives of so many people in Texas, Colorado, as well as those she counsels online. When relevant, she tells stories of her successes with people in major crises. No matter what they may be going through, whether it's family trouble, relationship troubles, and other kinds of traumas, she will always be there to listen and lend support when no one else would be willing to help. She knows what it means to be a friend, whether she's known someone for 30 years or 30 minutes, she gives every part of herself to counseling those in need, especially those in the autism community.

I had the honor of meeting Ms. Boutte in Houston, TX in 2008. On the urging of my mother, we were able to set up some meetings with her to be my life coach of sorts. I was diagnosed with high functioning autism in June that same year, and I remember feeling both confused and anxious about it at once. But there was also a sense of relief in knowing, since we were never really sure what it was that kept me feeling alienated and isolated for so long. She acted as my autism advocate, helping me understand that just because I am autistic, I am not abnormal or unappreciated. She showed me I can function in this world as well as any non-autistic person or "neurotypical." She helped me in understanding facial expressions, and what different types of body language people use that can confuse many of those that are on the autism spectrum. Thanks to her, I am more comfortable with making eye contact, understanding social cues that I often missed at times, and how to have a smooth conversation with someone in a social setting that isn't intimidating. I've gotten better at job interviews as well using those same techniques I've learned from her in her work as a specialist at the FOCUS Academy in Houston, and just hanging out with her for casual get- togethers, like eating great meals at restaurants like a top-rated Thai restaurant in the Montrose neighborhood of town. Because of her, my love for Thai and Vietnamese food has blossomed, especially the spring rolls!

She truly loves and cares about people with special needs, not just those on the spectrum. She wants them to succeed in all areas of life. As well as teaching career and social skills, she also helps navigate them through the often confusing world of relationships and intimacy. She also earned her degree in that as well. She has helped me tremendously in all of those parts of life, and I am confident that she can help me out if I ever get overwhelmed by anything that might trouble me about interacting with people in a job, managing a major financial issue, or going on the path of dating. 

In addition, she has a deep love for animals, and enjoys helping clients cope with traumas by helping disabled people heal with animal assisted care, like finding an ideal support dog or other certified animals. She cares about animals so much that she even got her own beloved dog, Radix, certified to be an emotional support animal and her service animal, and he is available to anyone who needs him. She's had so many pets in her life and she loves and treats every one like family, no matter whether they bark, meow, crawl on the floor, or fly around the room. 

 Shana is a true friend and mentor. She also helped me so much when my own mother passed away last year. Shana got to know Mom so well over the years, and was saddened as I was when it happened. I like to believe because of both my mother and Shana, I'm now a happier person today, more able to cope with my "disability" and the ever-changing events of this chaotic world we live in. 

In conclusion, Shana Boutté is the most trustworthy, reliable, and most caring humanitarian I've ever met. I am happy to recommend her for anything in life. Your lives will be much richer once you get to know her, just like mine. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Scott 

Miss Shana has helped me with not biting my nails and stemming. She helped me with the autism diet and helped with controlling my hunger, getting exercise and having a trainer. She helped me improve my showering and hygiene. She taught me to control my conversations and interrupting. She helped me learn the difference between bad touch and appropriate touch.
 -K.J.

I have success with a group and accomplishments because of Miss Shana. She had me do an exercise where I learned to overcome my fear of public speaking. She taught me about friendship. I learned to overcome shyness. I learned how to get organized for school semesters. I learned poise with Miss Shana. I stopped stemming and peeling my cuticles.
-A.A.

When I was 15 years old Shana and I met in the summer of 2007 at a place where she taught kids and teenagers under the spectrum social and independent living skills. I battled with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Over the years Shana has helped me through my troubled past and eventually I over came my issues. She has also worked with many others as well as myself. Before I met Shana I was lost and confused with my life and when I met her she guided me through the years teaching me social skills and how to overcome my past and how to move forward with my life. I believe she will make a difference in other's lives. She is respectful and presents herself in a sophisticated and professional manner. Having someone like Shana in my life has helped me to grow as a person and conquer the fears and problems of my past.
-S.J.

With Miss Shana, I learned how to have success in a group. I can talk more now. Because she taught me hygiene, I now floss my teeth regularly. I am very shy but am making friends. Miss Shana taught me problem solving.
-K.T.

Shana has worked with me for four years as a life coach on issues involving advocacy, sexuality, independent living skills, social skills, as well as anxiety and employment skills. In this time I have gotten to know Shana quite well, and I have found her to be both pleasant and even inspiring to work with. Some of the skills that I appreciate about Shana the most are her vast knowledge of sexuality as it applies to neuro-diversity. I also enjoy Shana’s skills as a writer and speaker, and find her grasp on language to be both elegant and eloquent. But what I find most valuable about Shana is her capacity to compassionately listen to those who are struggling with life. I think you will find that with all of these skills plus her relentless motivation and self-discipline Shana will bring both a wealth of knowledge and dynamic personality to you. In fact I know that she will be an asset to you. 

-J.D.K.

I learned how to be assertive and bust stress from Miss Shana. I can now leave my imaginary friends at home. I wash my hands better now, and I talk more now than before.
-K.H.

These are my accomplishments with Miss Shana. I now have success in a group. I am more feminine. I stopped biting my nails and stemming. I am not as nervous with public speaking. I have friendships now! I am feeling better about myself, and my self esteem is better.
-A.G.

Shana and I have a long and wonderful history. She has helped me tremendously with my struggles relating to my disabilities. She is knowledgeable, caring, and very easy to get along with. Shana has helped me on multiple accounts during times of struggle. This includes ways of self care, self image, struggle with sexuality, financial aid, social skills, and much more. I have learned so much from Shana and am just so grateful! To this day, our sessions come to my mind, and her teachings continue to pull me out of times of hardship. On a final note, I would like to add Shana is a very determined worker, also very passionate in her goals and is a gem to this world. She is a person who is by far one of the most genuinely selfless, warm hearted and extremely loving people that I have ever come across.
- G.R.

I have successes because of Miss Shana. I now talk less, I talk correctly, I am now a listener and don't run over people's conversations. I know that all people are beautiful, and I no longer stereotype. I learned to be assertive.
 -K.W.

My name is S, and I am writing this message to recommend Shana Boutté for in-home training. I was diagnosed as having P.D.D.-N.O.S in June of 2008. Shana is my Asperger's advocate and good friend, and in the two years since I've known her, I felt like I didn't have much purpose in life, that all the good things I wanted to have were just passing me by. She has helped me recognize my limitations and see that I can function in a primarily neuro-typical world. Together, we've been writing down goals that I wanted to achieve, and one of the biggest was to enroll in the Veterinary Tech program of Houston Community College. I enlisted in the Fall of 2008 and I completed the program in just three semesters, and earned my certificate in August. She even encouraged me to apply for a passport so I could take my first ever trip to another country. I went to Ireland for a vacation with a close friend four months ago, and had a blast.I truly believe in all of her skills, experience and credentials in Autism assistance make her an outstanding professional. She is friendly, personable, and an absolute delight to have around. She has helped make my life more rich and fulfilling than I could have dreamed possible.  My mother and friends have also noticed the great progress I have made in that time. I do hope you will make her a part of your autism plan. Thanks for your time.
-S