
What is a "Person-Centered" Approach in Benefits Counseling?
Recorded On: 05/20/2025
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This is the May Peer Learning webinar for the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Enrollment Centers (SECs). In this webinar, grantees will:
- Define the person-centered approach
- Identify the key elements of person-centered benefits counseling


Shaneece Gaines
Senior Manager, Economic & Financial Security
NCOA
Shaneece is a Subject Matter Expert in housing and other areas tied to economic security, such as debt counseling and financial coaching at NCOA. Shaneece brings with her extensive non-profit experience. As a Grants Manager at an international non-profit, she managed grant projects and economic security initiatives from application to approval and utilization, overseeing a $50M portfolio. In progressive positions at a national non-profit housing counseling intermediary, she served as the Housing Counseling Network and Direct Services Director, in which she oversaw over 160 organizations nationwide, a cross- functional team of 10 FTEs, and a budget of over $2.2M. Her portfolio of work included both housing and financial counseling to thousands of consumers annually through direct client services and through their intermediary services that addressed needs, including but not limited to: HECM/reverse mortgage counseling, foreclosure counseling, homebuyer counseling, debt counseling, financial coaching, and assistance accessing federal, state, and local benefits programs (e.g., SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicare and Medicaid, etc.).
Shaneece was a Mortgage Loan Officer for a major Banking institution where she increased their mortgage loan portfolio; worked with individuals and families with all aspects of mortgages/loans, refinancing, housing affordability and related Affordable Lending Products; and ensured consumers’ preparation for homeownership through homebuyer education and community-level and professional events.
She possesses her Masters in Public Administration from Strayer University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Kent State University.
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