THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND THE JONES METHOD

LaWanda Jones, MSW, QDDP is the Co-Owner of Laugh & Live, LLC and S.H.I.F.T Wellness, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2006) and a Master of Social Work with a military focus (2020), both from Norfolk State University.

With over 15 years of experience in client services and case management, LaWanda began her career with the City of Newport News Parks & Recreation Department, supporting children with disabilities. Her passion for helping others led her to work with at-risk youth as an Intensive In-Home Counselor, a role she deeply enjoyed.

LaWanda went on to serve at the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (HNNCSB) as an Adult Support Coordinator. After seven years, she was promoted to Child & Adolescent DD Clinical Supervisor. During her time supervising, she temporarily stepped down to complete her MSW, all while continuing to mentor within the agency. Upon graduation, she returned as a Clinical Mental Health Supervisor in the Youth & Family Services Division, before concluding her tenure at HNNCSB in late 2022.

Though she transitioned from the public sector, her commitment to youth and families remains strong. LaWanda now serves as a Site Supervisor for interns from institutions such as Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, University of Phoenix, and Virginia Peninsula Community College. She supports students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Human Services, Psychology, and Social Work.

LaWanda’s areas of expertise include organizational development, protocol implementation, professional development, and mentorship. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals within her community—both as service providers and recipients—by promoting high-quality care for individuals with disabilities and those in need. Her work is driven by a commitment to helping others grow personally and professionally, while ensuring that support systems are both effective and compassionate.

In addition to her business and mentoring roles, LaWanda has served as a Board Member for Pink Collar Cares, LLC since 2021, and has collaborated with her mentor on projects through Hired 2 Help, LLC. She has also contributed to multiple community initiatives with nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and currently volunteers on the City of Newport News Public School Committee Advisory Board.