Shannon Jirous, LLMSW
Limited Licensed Social Worker
Ann Arbor & Virtual
Hi there! I’m Shannon, a clinical social worker at Mala Child & Family Institute, where I bring deep compassion, curiosity, and care to every child and family I work with. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, where I specialized in school social work and child and family welfare. My approach is grounded in the belief that every child or teen deserves a space where they feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow into their most authentic self.
Before joining Mala, I supported children in preschool through middle school, offering both emotional and academic support. I’ve worked with children navigating anxiety, social challenges, family stress, and academic pressures, and I love helping kids develop tools to thrive both at home and at school.
I began my journey at the University of Michigan, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Gender and Health with a minor in Community Action and Social Change. During that time, I became passionate about social justice and systems change, values I carry into my work today. I completed my MSW internship at a nonprofit community center, where I helped provide wraparound services to underserved families and gained hands-on experience in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
At Mala, I’m honored to be part of a multidisciplinary team that values neurodiversity, trauma-informed support, and systemic healing. I strive to create a warm, affirming environment where children can play, explore, and build the skills they need to face life’s challenges with resilience. I also love collaborating with parents and caregivers to support the whole family system.
If you're looking for a therapist who will meet your child or teen with empathy, creativity, and unwavering belief in their potential, I would love to be part of your journey.
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👋 Hi there! My name is Shannon, and I use she/her pronouns. I'm someone who loves helping kids and teens feel safe, happy, and understood.
I’ve worked with kids in preschool, elementary school, and middle school, and I know that growing up can sometimes be really awesome, and sometimes really hard. Whether you're feeling sad, worried, mad, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to listen and help you figure things out.
In our time together, we might play games, do art, talk about things on your mind, or just hang out and get to know each other. My job is to make sure you feel supported, respected, and like you can be you, just as you are.
I can’t wait to meet you and learn all about the things that make you you!
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Master of Social Work, Concentration in School Social Work and Child and Family Welfare, University of Michigan
BA in Gender & Health, minor in Community Action & Social Change, University of Michigan
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ADHD, Autism & AuDHD
Anxiety, Panic Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Depression
Executive Functioning
Grief & Loss
Identity Development
Self-Esteem
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Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Behavioral Therapy For Toileting, Sleep & Daily Living Tasks
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Executive Function Coaching
Play Therapy
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Children (4-10), Preteens, Teens
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Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Priority Health
Get to know Shannon
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"When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos." – L.R. Knost
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My mom inspires me. She has always shown me what it means to be patient, strong, and endlessly supportive, even when things were tough. She taught me the importance of showing up with love and kindness.
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“The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. It’s a great reminder of how kids' brains work and how we can support them with empathy and understanding.
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I love watching kids grow more confident in themselves, seeing their faces light up when they feel understood or proud of themselves is the absolute best part of what I do.