Sheila Atwater

Sheila Atwater: A Compassionate Advocate for Youth and Substance Abuse Counselor

Sheila Atwater is a dedicated advocate for children's well-being and a passionate substance abuse counselor. At 53 years old, she proudly embraces her role as a mother to two wonderful boys, Scotty and Richy, and the loving owner of two mischievous cats named Gypsy and Sasha.

Alongside her husband Mike, whom she has been blessed to share the last decade with, Sheila cherishes each moment of their journey together, having overcome the heartache of losing her first husband at the tender age of 37.

Sheila's journey in working with children began as a preschool teacher, where she discovered her passion for nurturing young minds and fostering their growth and development. Holding dual Arizona teaching certificates in both early childhood education and early childhood special education, she is deeply committed to supporting children with special needs and empowering them to thrive.

Motivated by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others, Sheila embarked on a new career path after experiencing the devastating loss of a family member to substance use disorder. A year ago, she completed her master's degree in Substance Abuse Counseling and embarked on an internship at Spectrum Health Care Momentum facility in Cottonwood, working with residential clients facing addiction challenges.

Following her internship, she joined Konnect Wellness Center in Cottonwood as a substance abuse counselor, where she spent a year in an intensive outpatient setting for adults.

However, Sheila's heart always yearned to return to working with youth. It was serendipity when she stumbled upon the opportunity at Sedona Sky Academy—a place where love, compassion, and professionalism intersect. From the moment she set foot on campus, Sheila knew this was where she was meant to be.

As a substance abuse counselor at Sedona Sky Academy, Sheila's mission is to provide unwavering support and guidance to the children, helping them navigate life's challenges with resilience and determination. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated staff at Sedona Sky Academy.

Thank you for entrusting Sheila with the privilege of supporting your children on their journey to healing and growth. Together, they will create a brighter, healthier future for each and every one of them.