Dr. Shanelle Fields is a native of Florence, South Carolina, and has proudly called the Charleston area home for more than 25 years. With over 17 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her career to empowering students, supporting families, and strengthening school communities throughout the Lowcountry. During her tenure with the Charleston County School District, Dr. Fields served as both an English teacher and Professional School Counselor, impacting the lives of students across the district from one end of the peninsula to the other.

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Dr. Fields earned her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from the College of Charleston in 2002. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Secondary School Counseling from The Citadel in 2005, where she further developed her passion for supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of students.

Committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, Dr. Fields earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling and Human Services from Capella University in 2014. Her desire to extend her impact beyond the school setting led her to pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), which she obtained in November 2018.

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In August 2018, Dr. Fields founded Taking the First Step Counseling & Educational Services, LLC, where she provides counseling, clinical supervision, educational consulting, and professional development. Through her work, she remains committed to helping individuals heal, educators thrive, and organizations create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. 

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Dr. Shanelle Fields provides compassionate, client-centered counseling to adolescents and adults, creating a supportive environment where individuals can gain clarity, navigate life's challenges, and move toward meaningful change. She believes that every person has the capacity for growth and healing when given the right tools, support, and encouragement.

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Throughout her career, Dr. Fields has worked with a diverse population of clients, providing individual, family, couples, and relationship counseling. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing ADHD, behavioral concerns, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship and marital challenges, and identity development. She is also a trained mediator, helping individuals and families navigate conflict with greater understanding and effective communication.

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Dr. Fields is committed to providing an inclusive, affirming, and welcoming therapeutic environment for individuals from all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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Her signature area of focus is guiding clients through Identity Shifts—the pivotal seasons of life when change, loss, transition, or personal growth challenge one's sense of self. Using an integrative therapeutic approach, Dr. Fields blends evidence-based theories and interventions to create individualized treatment plans that meet each client's unique needs. She is passionate about helping clients develop healthier thought patterns, build resilience, strengthen self-worth, and discover the confidence to move forward with purpose and authenticity.