Sheri's Biography

Sheri Omens Kelfer is a Psychotherapist, Child Development Specialist, Clinical Social Worker, and Professor who provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy with children, adolescents, and adults. She focuses on issues such as sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse, trauma, grief/loss, identity, life transitions, family conflict, parenting, discipline, separation/divorce, chronic illness, and school problems.

Sheri received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Development/Child Mental Health with honors from California State University, Northridge. She pursued her academic career earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Social work from the University of Southern California. Sheri continued her professional commitment to mental health and psychotherapy by earning her License in Clinical Social Work and by being recognized as a Board Certified Diplomat.

Sheri has spent over 35 years providing therapeutic services within community agencies and her private practice. In addition, she has enjoyed sharing her expertise by consulting for and supervising interns and other professionals. Her knowledge and enthusiasm have made her a sought after speaker, providing continuing education conferences, presenting colloquiums to professionals, seminars to patients with chronic illness, and workshops to parents and educators of children and adolescents on a variety of topics. Sheri is also the author of numerous articles related to children, adolescents, and parenting. Sheri's most recent community endeavor is as a Mental Health Consultant for Fostering Youth Independence (www.fyifosteryouth.org) which is a non-profit organization designed to help foster youth "complete post-secondary education and become successful, independent adults" by connecting youth with "Allies" who offer support and life skills as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Sheri Omens Kelfer served as an Adjunct Professor at USC, graduate school of Social Work for 20 years, teaching courses on ground and on the Virtual Academic Center. She has taught Practice I -- Individual Assessment and Treatment (SOWK 543); Practice II -- Group and Family Practice (SOWK 545); Human Behavior in the Social Environment II (SOWK 505); Clinical Practice in Mental Health Settings (SOWK 645) in the Mental Health Concentration; Advanced Clinical Theory and Practice with Children and Adolescents (SOWK 601) and Advanced Clinical Theory and Practice with Families (SOWK 602) in the Children and Family Concentration; Psychopathology and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders (SOWK 612); and, Play Therapy with Children and Adolescents (SOWK 675). Sheri has also served as Lead Professor for SOWK 602, SOWK 645, and SOWK 675. Sheri has received the LGBTQ caucus honor of being a faculty member recognized for her inclusion of diversity and acceptance within her teaching.  Sheri was also responsible for the creation of the Virtual Academic Center’s Play Therapy course and she continues to be a member of numerous committees that focus on student issues and curriculum development, including being an active current member of the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion.

Sheri has also provided education as a Field Instructor for USC, graduate school of Social Work, as an Adjunct Professor at CSULB, graduate school of Social Work, and as a Clinical Consultant for a variety of professional organizations. Sheri has also devoted numerous years as a Clinical Director working with high-risk youth. Sheri’s professional commitment shines through in her participation with the San Fernando Valley Child Abuse Council, her support and clinical work with the Federal Employee Assistance Program, her leadership within a community task force educating LAPD regarding homeless youth, and her membership in various site council and diversity committees within multiple school districts. In addition to being selected as an Outstanding Young Woman of America, she has been the subject of interviews for articles related to children and parenting as well as being interviewed on multiple radio stations.