An Indianapolis native, Shannon came to Damar from Lutheran Child and Family Services where she was chief operating officer and director of community-based programs. She previously served as a therapist for Indiana Developmental Training Center and as an ISILP case manager for BehaviorCorp community mental health center. Her career began as a clinician for youth and adults at the former Central State Hospital.

Shannon is a longtime member of a statewide crisis intervention stress management and incident response team. She also serves as field instructor for the Indiana University (Indianapolis) School of Social Work.

Shannon's personal interest in the success and well-being of children is evidenced by her active involvement with Boy Scouts of America where she has served several years in various youth leadership roles. She is also a Stephen minister at her church through which she provides spiritual supporting care to individuals in the community. Shannon also maintains active membership in Alpha Delta Mu honor society for social work professionals.

Shannon holds bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Indiana University and has achieved the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation from the State of Indiana.