Dr. Jonathon Shasteen, PhD, MS is a psychology postdoctoral resident who works with children, adolescents, and adults to build habits and skills that improve brain health and quality of life. Dr. Shasteen empowers others by helping them foster a strong foundation of daily behaviors such as exercise, social interaction, and sleep hygiene, while also identifying solutions to specific life challenges unique to every individual.
Inspiration
Dr. Shasteen found his life purpose after taking an introduction to psychology course as an 18-year-old college student. He was not only fascinated by how the complex human experience is nurtured in a 3-lb brain, but also amazed by how much his life improved when applying a greater understanding of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Every day since, Dr. Shasteen is inspired by helping others use this knowledge to create the human experience they want for themselves and the people they love.
Education
Dr. Shasteen holds a PhD in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University. He completed his doctoral internship at Trevor G. Browne High School in the Phoenix Union High School District. Additionally, Dr. Shasteen holds a Master of Science in Psychological Sciences from The University of Texas at Dallas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and in Child Learning and Development from the same university.
Professional Experience
Dr. Shasteen has provided a variety of psychological services in a variety of settings, including primary schools, secondary schools, universities, private practice clinics, and crisis centers. He has extensive experience performing disability evaluations, neuropsychological testing, individual and group therapy, and consultation with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
Additionally, Dr. Shasteen has contributed to the field through academic research and instruction. Beginning in 2011, he led university studies to increase social understanding and social functioning in adults with autism and schizophrenia. His research projects since have focused on the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety in youth, and how this can be implemented in widely-accessible settings (e.g., schools). Dr. Shasteen’s academic contributions also include teaching university courses on child/adolescent development, among other topics.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Shasteen’s original research projects have been published in peer-reviewed journals, including The Public Library of Science, The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, The Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, and Schizophrenia Research. His undergraduate education was fully funded by several scholarships including the Eugene McDermott Scholarship, which is awarded to select individuals with records of outstanding intellectual and academic achievement, leadership, and service. This support has helped Dr. Shasteen earn multiple research awards and present his findings at international conferences.
In Fall 2023, the National Association of School Psychologists will recognize Dr. Shasteen as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) for meeting rigorous standards in graduate preparation and continuing professional development.
Personal Interests
When he is not busy with work, Dr. Shasteen enjoys various forms of exercise such as resistance training, cardio, yoga, and hiking the many beautiful mountains around Phoenix. His other passions include playing piano, ukulele, and drums, listening to and writing music, reading books, growing plants, spending time with loved ones, and caring for his dog, Beau.
