Iya Rev. DeShannon Barnes-Bowens is the founder of ILERA Counseling & Education Services, where she works as a psychotherapist, professional development trainer, and spiritual counselor. Through ILERA, Iya DeShannon offers a range of workshops and programs focusing on sexuality and spirituality, sexual abuse and healing, and vicarious trauma and wellness. She is the author of Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks their Silence on Sexuality and Sexual Abuse (2007, 2015). Her work has been presented at national and regional conferences of the American Academy of Religion, Harvard University, Children’s Aid Society, Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP), Washington University, New York Theological Seminary, University of Connecticut, Union Theological Seminary, Interfaith Center of New York, and the Values Caucus of the United Nations. Iya DeShannon is an initiated priestess in the Ifa-Orisa spiritual tradition and an ordained Interfaith-Interspiritual minister. Currently she serves as Co-Director of One Spirit’s Interfaith Seminary in New York City.
