EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Shelby Tippett
Nominated by Rachelle Hannoush, Director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs
“The greatest ability is dependability.” – Bob Jones
Shelby Tippett is a steady and calming force at the helm of the YWCA’s court advocacy program, SAFEPLAN. As the SAFEPLAN Direct Care Supervisor, Shelby leads a team of advocates in five courts across Hampshire and Hampden County. Shelby’s demeanor is a testament to the quiet strength she brings as the program’s leader and senior advocate.
“I lead and train the SAFEPLAN advocates in abuse and harassment prevention order filings, as well as safety planning in and outside the court process,” said Shelby. “We provide confidential assistance for those who are looking to seek court support and assistance with civil restraining order filings.”
Prior to becoming the SAFEPLAN Supervisor in April 2025, Shelby started as an intern at the YWCA in 2022. “I was a Patient Navigation Intern for the iMatter Network Program and then a SAFEPLAN Intern in the Northampton District Court,” she said. Shelby was officially hired as a SAFEPLAN Advocate in January of 2023 for the Hampshire Probate and Family Court.
“Shelby is always eager to learn, addresses challenges head-on, and creates thoughtful solutions, making her a true asset to our team,” said Rachelle Hannoush, Director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs.
A Bay Path University alum, Shelby studied forensic psychology. Having always worked in non-profit and the service industry simultaneously, Shelby’s passion for working with survivors was a product of her environment. “I come from a really small and quiet town,” she said. “I’ve met a shocking amount of people who work in the domestic violence field.”
Shelby added, “I continue to work part-time while maintaining this current position at the YWCA. I need the duality of having a position as emotionally heavy as the Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault field, and the hilarity of working in restaurants to offer a reprieve from some of the difficult things we see with the necessary work we do.”
“Shelby embodies the YWCA’s mission through her dedication to empowering her team, working tirelessly, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said Rachelle.
“She brings both professionalism and heart to everything she does,” concluded Rachelle. “My wish for Shelby is that she continues to recognize and embrace her immense value.”
