Dr. Shawna Gugino, EdD, CCC-SLP, BCBA is an educational leader, speech-language pathologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, mediator, and conflict coach whose work sits at the intersection of behavior analysis, communication science, psychological safety, and conflict resolution. She holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Behavior Management, Policy & Law from the University at Buffalo and has extensive experience in special education administration, organizational leadership, policy implementation, and interdisciplinary education.

Currently serving as a Clinical Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at D’Youville University, she teaches graduate-level courses addressing language development, literacy, autism, behavioral modification, ethics, and professional practice. Her previous leadership roles in New York school districts included oversight of special education, pupil services, human resources, Title IX, compliance, professional development, and organizational initiatives. Her career also includes clinical practice as a speech-language pathologist and leadership in educational and behavioral systems.

She is professionally certified as a mediator and conflict coach through the New York State Office of Court Administration and has additional training in special education mediation, restorative justice, and behavioral analysis. Her current work examines how behavior, language, power, and relational dynamics influence meaningful participation in high-stakes conversations, with particular interest in psychological safety, coercive interaction patterns, conflict prevention, and supporting autonomy and effective decision-making. She serves on the Board of Directors of Safe To Mediate, bringing a behavioral and communication lens to safety, informed participation, and readiness for mediation.