Meet Our Team - Erica Shutes-David
Erica Shutes-David, LMFT
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Therapist
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
Since April 2020
Where did you grow up?
Ellicott City, Maryland (Between Baltimore and Washington, DC)
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
Books: Young-adult dystopian novels, Padraig O Tuama poetry, and Glennon Doyle’s Untamed
TV shows: Friday Night Lights, Parks and Rec, and whatever we’re currently watching with our kids
Movies: Pelican Brief, Sound of Music, 10 Things I Hate About You, Practical Magic
What’s your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I played lacrosse as a kid. Now I really only follow the Seahawks (mostly because I get to hang out with friends and eat good food!).
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
in the kitchen, with a book, or hanging with my kids.
When I want to de-stress, I...
take a deep breath, say a prayer, find a good meditation to follow, or go for a walk.
My favorite time of year is...
fall. Somehow it feels like a fresh start to me, and I love the seasonal opportunities to be with people I love.
My favorite thing to cook is...
cheesy beer bread or chocolate chip cookies. I worked as a baker at a dude ranch a long time ago, and baking is still my happy place.
The best gift I ever received was…
our goldendoodle, Maybe, who was a wedding gift from my parents.
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
Croatia or back to Scotland.
What led you to pursue a career helping others?
I really love stories. My tenth-grade math teacher taught us that every person is unique and valuable, every person has a one-of-a-kind story. And I truly believe that. I’m fascinated by how each of us is making our way in the world, facing pain and fear and still rising in hope of pursuing a life that has meaning.
What education, skills, and expertise do you bring to your role?
I received my master’s degree in child, couple, and family therapy in 2010. Since then I have worked for a variety of organizations with a focus on helping others navigate life’s challenges, whether that’s depression, anxiety, fertility difficulties, the complexities of adoption, or relationship frustrations.
Who/what inspires you?
People who are living their authentic lives. People who feel the feelings and push the boundaries. People who are doing any small part to create good in the world.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
Most of life is filled with choices that don’t have a right or a wrong answer. It would be handy if they did. Each of us will make different decisions, weaving the story of our life. I hope to be someone along the way who can help someone take a step back to check in and see whether there are colors or tools that they’re missing and then using those tools to find a way through.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives and increase their happiness?
Look for something that delights you everyday.
We provide coaching and therapy to help people manage a variety of cognitive and emotional conditions.