Meet Erica Tatum-Sheade | Licensed Clinician and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Tatum-Sheade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Leading with intention and sticking to my “why.” At the core of everything that I do, I focus on my personal 4C’s – collaboration, connection, consistency, and clients: with intention. Being able to collaborate with others who have their own unique gifts means that I can ensure everyone is getting the help that they need. Staying connected with others also means not only do I get to fill my cup up with intentional relationships, but I have the ability to pour into others as well. Consistency for me is showing up authentically, I have found over the years that clients appreciate working with someone who is exactly who they say they are. Lastly, clients, at the heart of everything I do, is focusing on what will be best for those that I serve and how I can ensure that their needs are being met.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently works in private practice and owns Integrated Mental Health Associates in Scottsdale, where in 2023 we did over 12,000 sessions of our brand of open, professional, and above all effective mental health services. I share the story often that when I was an undergrad I had an advisor who had pretty much given up on me and told me I would never graduate. What this advisor didn’t know is that I had a team of supporters who believed in me and pushed me to keep moving forward.

Today I am proud to lead a team of amazing clinicians who are creating a lasting legacy of health and wellbeing in the community. That experience with the “advisor” defined the work that I do, I made a vow to ensure that girls and young women knew they were capable of achieving great things. I’ve been able to speak in front of educators, parents, and other clinicians on empowerment and harnessing the powers of connection and empathy to ensure that the next generation is equipped to take on life’s challenges.

For me, this always goes back to my “why”. I once heard “Why power is greater than willpower,” and in taking my experiences growing up and the challenges I’ve faced in creating a thriving business, I know that I am always operating out of my why. This has created a space for me to serve others and guide them along their path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love finding and supporting local businesses. I have a group of friends that we met doing what we called “Hole in the Wall Sundays” where we would visit local restaurants or places off the beaten path. Some of my favorites are Sugar Jam for brunch, Naan Pizza, Lasgidi Cafe Food Truck (I’ve been following her for years), and Straight Up Whiskey Bar at Hotel Adeline.

I have a few others that I want to keep secret so they don’t become too popular – so I can still get a table when I want to head out!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had so many amazing mentors along the way who have guided me to where I am today. Obviously, my family have been the biggest supporters of everything I do. My husband Ryan M. Sheade, who is also my business partner, also indulges my 2 am thoughts on how we can continue to work to improve mental health in the State of Arizona. My only daughter was part of the inspiration behind starting the G.E.M.S. groups, because watching her embrace who she is and seeing her shine in all that she does led me to want to create a space for all girls to feel empowered and strong.

The biggest shout-out I could give is probably to those who have instilled the will to keep moving forward, even when things get hard and you are uncertain. I am very blessed to be where I am today and that is because of those who came before me paving the way. I come from a long line of women who have worked against the tides of adversity to go on to live meaningful and impactful lives.

Website: www.ericatatumsheadelcsw.com

Instagram: @Scottsdale_ChildFamily_Therapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-tatum-sheade-lcsw-a86743b7/

Other: https://linktr.ee/Ejsheade