Shirley has been a member of the social work faculty, full-time and part-time, since 1977. She is director of field education in the undergraduate program and teaches foundation BSW practice courses. Before teaching at Nazareth, Shirley practiced in varied settings, from family service to residential treatment. She consults and offers training in Interactional Supervision for agencies in the community. She continues to co-facilitate a sexuality education program in the county jail with colleague Mark Primus.