Shannon graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Conservation and Resource Studies. She is a biologist and forester with expertise in environmental regulation, aquatic resources, habitat restoration, and community outreach. She has 11 seasons of experience performing natural resource fieldwork for agencies, nonprofits, and private consulting. In addition, she conducted volunteer and educational programs for seven seasons. She previously worked for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in timber sales preparation and reforestation, becoming the fourth generation of her family to manage southern Siskiyou timber land.