Shirene began her work as a Program Specialist with Urban Roots in September, 2010 - although she started as a volunteer with the program in 2007 and served for a year as an Urban Roots Americorps VISTA from April, 2009 - April, 2010.

A native born Austinite, Shirene earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin after transferring from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she studied environmental science and education. Previously, Shirene has worked with youth in a variety of settings, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas as a caseworker for youth and their mentors, Southwest Key as a caseworker for youth on probation, The Oaks Treatment Center providing direct care for youth in a residential treatment facility, and at Northwest Montessori House of Children as a teacher for pre-school children. Shirene enjoys a variety of creative pursuits and volunteers for other Austin organizations such as The Yellow Bike Project, Sustainable Food Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

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