We had the good fortune of connecting with Shana Boutté, MA, IMC, MLC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shana, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business aims to contribute to society by addressing the mental health needs of the global community, particularly through public speaking, with a special focus on those with neurodiversity. I specialize in helping those of all ages with intellectual, developmental, and trauma disabilities and offer both local and international services, both on-line and in person, ensuring that regardless of location or financial capability, support is accessible to all who need it.

I provide pro bono services for those unable to afford them, funded by payments from other clients. This creates a system of shared support, where those who can pay indirectly help those who cannot.

My services are comprehensive, covering individual and family support, assistance for support systems such as relatives and close friends, and support for both visible and invisible disabilities. I aim to fulfill any role necessary to improve the clients’ lives, whether that be assistance with social skills, employment, transitioning, or independent living skills. I believe in making people work-ready and feel maintaining employment is a goal in our community. The area in which I specialize is sexuality with disabilities.

As a certified Cornell University Americans with Disabilities Act Instructor, I advocate and strive to help my clients maintain their positions in education and employment by writing accommodations and ensuring their voices are heard. I also work with employers and educational as a institutions as a consultant to create a symbiotic relationship between them and the individual with disabilities.

In addition to this, as a licensed Master Life Coach, I offer life coaching services, even training some clients to become life coaches themselves. This not only helps them create the life they want to live, but also creates job opportunities.

Nutrition also plays a key role in my services. With a background in mental health and as Licensed Weight Loss Coach and background in nutrition, I provide coaching in healthy living and also provide organic, whole food nutrition to help clients to live optimally and support to a neurodiverse body’s specific needs. Also, independent employment is available to clients who wish to also provide organic nutrition to others, at wholesale pricing.

Finally, I offer Reiki services to provide another aspect of whole-person healing. This is part of my person-centered approach, which aims to treat each individual as unique, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all strategy. This helps me provide a mindful and empathetic helping approach, supporting clients in all aspects of their lives.

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The recognition as an abled person, rather than a disabled one, is truly rewarding. However, it requires daily effort and can be draining to constantly present myself in a certain way when the reality of living with autism and other disabilities cannot always be concealed.

Helping others will always keep me busy.  The first way I started educating and encouraging others was through public speaking, which is a big part of my career. With a focus in sexuality, there are many topics for conferences. For booking, contact managment at tarik311@hotmail.com

There is no way to be in an area of helping others and be stagnant. Also, hours are spent volunteering. I am involved in nonprofrofits and am on the board of directors for another. I also perform a lot of community outreach. This is all “work” in a sense, because it is a calling. This is work for which I don’t expect to be seen or recognized. It does not fit on a resume, and most people do not know it happenes.

My creative pursuits are critical for my well-being, providing a much-needed respite from the emotional toll of helping relationships, like working with survivors of human trafficing. Throughout my life, my artistic expression has often been misunderstood, primarily due to my unique perspective shaped by my disabilities. My journey with art has been marked by challenges, starting from kindergarten through my senior year of high school and college. The experience in high school brought me back into resource classes in exchange for art classes, and a deeply compassionate special needs teacher believed in me. This is when I started speaking publicly about public school education and disabiliites. where my interpretation of what I saw was questioned. I would draw what I saw, which was not what the art instructor saw. This issue led to my expulsion from art classes, one during my senior year of high school and one my senior year of undergrad while completing my degree in Humanities and Human Sciences. The former proved to be a stepping stone, and the disability liason at the university taught me self-advocacy, and also, our combined actions lead to transformational changes in the treatment of students with disabilities at that university.

These experiences, however, instilled a degree of hesitancy in me towards creating art, as I realized the quickness of neurotypicals to dismiss the perspectives of those with disabilities, particularly in the artistic world. Despite this, I found a reliable creative outlet in modeling.

My modeling journey began at the age of 11, and I’m grateful to still be actively working in this field. It was a full-fledged career for many years, often booking up to three jobs a day and working in various locations, including Texas, New York, Florida, of course Colorado, and even abroad. This fulfilling work led to successful stints as a go-go dancer and Persian and Egyptian belly dancer.

My entrance into the performing arts industry was through acting. My first play at the age of three ignited a passion that has since seen me participating in commercials, movies, industrial films, music videos, and more stage performances. This week alone, I’m involved in a special needs play with the Colorado ACTS Theatre and participating in a music video shoot. I also have two photoshoots this week and have been invited as a pin-up model for a car show Sunday.

g others. They nourish my soul and provide a balance that sustains me with joy. I want the world to know that despite the extra challenges, I’ve embraced my journey, using every obstacle as a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth.

My hope is that these personal experiences shared in this interview deepen both compassion and opportunities for others with disabilities. We have our own set of capabilities, which can be honored.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is an eclectic blend of nature, art, culture, and vibrancy, making it the perfect destination to show my best friend a fantastic time. I’d create a week-long itinerary that would encapsulate the spirit of this city and surrounding nature.

We would start our week with a visit to some of the city’s renowned museums and art galleries, immersing ourselves in the culture and history of Denver. We’d also dance the night away at HQ and Milk/Bar Standard, which are among my favorite spots for their energetic atmosphere and great music.

On another day, we’d head to Boulder to catch up with friends at Arabesque for lunch or the Dushanbe Tea House. Both places offer an excellent setting for meaningful conversations and good times. We would also embark on a hiking adventure at Chataqua or El Dorado Canyon, as both places are a must-visit for anyone who enjoys nature and breathtaking views while acclimating to the altitude and climate here.

A visit to Denver wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the immersive art at Meow Wolf and the natural amphitheater at Red Rocks. We’d also hike St. Mary’s Glacier, an incredible trail that offers stunning views.

Dancing is a must, as is live music. Some of my favorite places to dance are Milk/Bar Standard, HQ for Lipstick and Teletunes parties plus live music, Reel Works for special events, Kink at Tracks happens monthly, and The Crypt is always fun — plus their food is good quality bar food. There are many good venues I take friends for live music like The Oriental, The Gothic, and Mission Ballroom. Seeing shows at Convergence Station at Meow Wolf is a must!

Throughout the week, we’d indulge in Denver’s culinary scene. We’d typically eat at sushi places or steakhouses, as they tend to cater to various dietary needs. Shopping at Fashionation, John Fluevog, and possibly Cherry Creek could also be on the agenda, giving us a chance to explore local styles and trends.

Mutiny Cafe, Tattered Cover (if you enjoy reading, check out Snow Soldiers by Stephanie Agosta), Twists and Shout, Wax Trax, and Angelo’s are a must for my community. Friends and I read and share the beauty of music together.

Old Town Arvada would be another stop on our itinerary. We’d support the independent businesses there and enjoy the quaint, charming atmosphere of this neighborhood.

If there are any interesting conventions or meet-ups happening during their visit, we’d definitely participate. These events offer unique experiences and a chance to meet some of the city’s locals. Most of my friends and I also enjoy exploring historic, often haunted, locations. We could not pass on these opportunities! A great local non-profit we would support is Colorado Goat Walkabouts, and hiking with the goats while supporting I/D/D folks and those in recovery on goat hikes is unforgettable.

There are many great museums and galleries in Denver, so visit as many as possible! First Friday Night Arts is something I love sharing with others, and the next place I plan to visit is the Denver Museum of Illusions.

Let’s go camping, to a ski village, or white water raft! There are countless outdoor adventures to explore and plan together. Remember, cabins are always available for a different camp experience.

No two days would be the same on this trip, as we’d make every day a new adventure. Denver is a city that invites exploration, and I do my best to make sure my best friends experience it in all its glory.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My recent recognitions, including the National Presidential Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as my induction into Marquis Who’s Who in America, have been remarkable highlights in my life. However, these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents.

As an individual living with autism and more than 13 other disabilities, the journey to these accomplishments has been nothing short of miraculous, primarily due to the significant hurdles I had to overcome. The narrative about my capabilities was often skewed towards what I couldn’t achieve instead of what I could. However, transitioning from a nonverbal world to receiving these recognitions is testament to my daily encounters with divine intervention.

Without faith, the limitations projected onto me by professionals would have defined my path, and high school graduation would have remained an unattainable dream. God makes the impossible reality. I’m blessed to have a close-knit circle of friends who have been my cheerleaders, supporting me through the challenges posed by my disabilities. My godfather and a few family members have been significant pillars of support as well.

However, it’s my parents who deserve the greatest earthly share of the credit. Their belief in my potential superseded any medical reports predicting a life of limitations. They are my rock, my source of joy, and the driving force behind my story. I dedicate this shoutout to them for their unyielding faith and love.

Website: www.shanaboutte.com

Instagram: @shanaboutte

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-boutte

Twitter: @boutte_shana

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShanaDisability

Youtube: @shanaboutte63

Image Credits
primary headshot by trish thomas taylor of the boudoir studios. wardrobe by la de da lingerie. hair by jim robeson. mua heather cruce. photo one by james woody. hair nikky hoehn. mua heather cruce. photo two by carlos rodriguez. hair by nikky hoehn. mua heather cruce. photo three, four, five by sassy knot photography collette susman. hair by 95th street salon. mua shana boutté photo six and seven by trish thomas taylor of the boudoir studios. wardrobe by la de da lingerie. hair by jim robeson. mua heather cruce. photo eight by todd farr. hair and mua by shana boutté. photo nine by alex santiago. hair by celia skerritt. mua shana boutté.

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