Tarowyn A. Shields, MA, LPC, NCC (she/her/hers) is an autistic, AuDHD, and queer counselor whose advocacy, research, and clinical work centers neurodiversity liberation.

Before becoming a counselor, Tarowyn worked as an analytical chemist in pharmaceuticals. In her third year, she received a late autism diagnosis — a turning point that sparked both a period of self-reflection and a new direction. She went on to earn her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capital University and is currently a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Ohio University.

During her graduate studies, she was also diagnosed with ADHD, which deepened her understanding of the AuDHD experience. Her path into this field is personal: she has been a mental health client herself for many years, and this work is both a way of giving back and a commitment to making mental health care more accessible and affirming for neurodivergent and queer people.

Her counseling approach is informed by years of engagement with autistic-led research, community involvement, and ongoing consultation. She is a member of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, serves on the SAIGEO board, and is working to establish a neurodiversity division within the Ohio Counseling Association.

Tarowyn holds a license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Ohio (C.2406240), practicing under the supervision of Dr. Kelsey Ward (E.1800869-SUPV).

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cross-stitching, music, helping her spouse with his model railroad and their native gardens, and is learning to play the hurdy-gurdy.