DeShannon Bowens is the founder of ILERA Counseling and Education Services and currently serves and ILERA's lead professional development trainer and therapist. She has worked with social service agencies providing individual & support group counseling for adult survivors of sexual trauma. Through ILERA, she has also implemented trainings and programs at churches, educational institutions and non-profit agencies focusing on: child sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexuality & spirituality as well as vicarious trauma & wellness.

As a result of her work, Ms. Bowens has been invited to present at conferences as far away as Durban, South Africa, facilitate panel discussions, lead Take Back the Night marches and be interviewed for talk radio shows on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York City.

Ms. Bowens received a BA in Psychology from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and a MS in Counseling from Pace University. She is a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists and the 2009 recipient of AASECT's Bill T. Jones Scholarship Award. In 2010, Ms. Bowens was ordained as an Interfaith Minister through One Spirit Learning Alliance. 

Out of all her accomplishments, Ms. Bowens is most proud of authoring Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks Their Silence on Sexuality & Sexual Abuse. Our limited understanding of sexuality is what she believes has led to the misunderstanding, repression and abuse of sexuality that far too many people experience. Her life's mission is to bring enlightenment and healing to the world by conducting research, offering educational programs and transformative counseling that affirms sexuality for the positive life force it is. Ms. Bowens is committed to leaving a legacy of compassion, truth and empowerment that enriches and betters the lives of people generation after generation.