Shanaynay is one of my biggest inspirations! She is THE queen of the office, wearing a dozen different hats while going above and beyond to make people feel valued and happy. Not only professionally is she an inspiration, but also personally! She is a supermom that stops at nothing for the health and happiness of her family and friends. Her generosity and compassion are unrivaled. I think she has special powers because she is great at everything, especially listening, giving advice, swearing and baking cupcakes.
Shannon = Sunshine + Love
- Nancy
From the first day I met you, your warmth, compassion, loyalty and fearlessness shown through and has never faltered. Your ability to bring a smile to my face each day and willingness to tackle any fun or difficult conversation make you such a special person. When I reflect on my time with the department, you have always been my biggest supporter and were there for me throughout every low period to help raise me to my feet. Knowing you’ll never judge me for any issues discussed and provide the guidance needed to be my better self provides a source of comfort and confidence so deeply appreciated. You are the reason this is a DED family that can lean on one another, and I will be forever grateful for the support and love shown since day one so many years ago. You are a true inspiration my amazing work mama and I can’t tell you how happy my heart is knowing that you are well down the road of recovery.
- With Love Forever, Your Christobel
I have missed you a great deal. Your friendship has meant the world to me. You are always willing to help. I have learned so much from you about so many things from coaching to HR policy to the importance of nurturing a family culture in an organization. Most of all, you are a loving human being who sees the best in everyone. I am so happy that you are returning. Please let me know how I can make your transition a smooth one. You are truly the glue that holds our department team together. Your leadership is felt across the organization. You are truly special and I am honored to serve DED with you.
Welcome back!
- Dave
When tasked with answering the question “what does Shannon mean to me” a million different thing’s raced through my mind. Shannon is the heart and soul of our team. I feel so thankful that we have someone like Shannon on our team. She makes every employee feel special, helps us not take ourselves too seriously and makes the top priority team bonding. I’m so glad Momma Shan is BACK!
- KC
My new nickname for her lately has been Wonder Woman! 😊 Shannon is one of the most selfless, giving, caring and thoughtful people I know. She shares a genuine love and care for all of us that is truly special. I love her sense of humor and quick wit and feel blessed and lucky to get to work with her every day! I am so proud of her, love her to pieces and really looking forward to being together again!
- Clutch
I’ve not known Shannon very long but have had some meaningful conversations with her regarding mental health, life, and loss. She exemplifies light in the darkness and strength where non can be found. As someone who has lost two childhood friends (Natasha King and Nichole Gibel), aunt (Lavinia Barnes), and grandmother (Beulah Hendrick) to breast cancer, I admire her will to fight and never give up and will stand alongside her as she faces this battle.
- Ramona
Shannon is a wise-crack when the day is blah. Shannon is a swift kick in the butt (with love) when you have conducted a goat-able offense.
Shannon is MOM.
- Chris B
Shannon is the beating heart, the guiding hand, the watchful eye, and the mischievous grin that makes this place so very special.
- Colleen
Shannon is the spark of the office that gets the fire roaring. She is fiercely protective and passionate about her people. I am grateful to be part of her work family.
- Amy
Dear Shannon,
You are…
Strong and sweet
Hilarious and honest
Affectionate and assertive
Noble and neat
Naughty but nice
Organized and outstanding
Now back and ready to take on the world!
DED had a Shannon-sized puzzle piece missing while you were gone…
We missed your laugh and your tough love.
We are so thankful to have you back!!
- Paul
Story teller! Always good for a random story involving something embarrassing or hilarious
Heart of gold
Always there to lend an ear or helping hand to anyone in need
Nobody’s pushover! Never mess with Mama Shannon
Naughty. Nevermind, that’s Amy
Opps Manager extraordinaire! You take the best care of the office and all who work here, thank you for all you do for us on a daily basis
Not the best driver, but always good for a laugh…
First time I met you was on orientation day 2. You took me to the government center to get my badge and drove like a bat outta hell, while explaining to me the proper etiquette of driving a government vehicle. I knew that day I would be a lifelong Shannon fan! Thanks for always making me laugh!! LOL
- Katie
Shannon is like a toasty, warm, yummy grilled cheese sandwich served in bed on a cold, gray, drizzly winter day when you just want to stay underneath the covers in bed and be warm, comfy and feeling better watching movies or binge TV.

She brings warmth, rejuvenating comfort and daily joy to our DED office and her impact is amazing, priceless and valued much more than she will ever realize or understand.
- Rick
It's no exaggeration to say that Shannon has raised the DED (and not just on Halloween) and working with her has added a layer of memeing in my life. She is the heart and soul of our group in so many ways, from the humor and culture that bonds our work family to making sure we have the resources (including bananas) to keep up our fast pace while also taking care of ourselves year after year. I am so fortunate to have her as a friend.
- Alex