Shirlene Hess, M.S. is the Director of Graduate Psychology.  Having participated in Avila’s pilot Mindfulness program under the leadership of Dr. Maria Hunt, her interest - from a wellness perspective - in the connection between the brain and the body grew.  In addition, Shirlene is interested in the relationship between eating disorders and other psychological issues, including cognitive and social development.  She is active in the community and has facilitated several mindfulness programs for selected organizations.  Shirlene is a member of the Greater Kansas City Psychological Association, American Counseling Association of Missouri – Kansas City, and the Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association.