Bio: Shannon M. Stevens currently serves as the elementary school counselor for Whitehall Elementary School.  Previously, she worked as the Title IIA Program Specialist, Neglected and Delinquent Youth Coordinator, and Foster Care Point of Contact for the Montana Office of Public Instruction in the Educational Opportunity and Equity Division. After 14 years of direct student services as a school counselor and educator, Shannon has greatly enjoyed the privilege of working with diverse students and families from pre-k to grade 12, as well as at the college level. She has worked extensively to advocate for at-risk and underserved populations including families living in transition, poverty, foster care, teen parents and for those living with mental illness and addiction. In addition, Shannon has served as an independent contractor as a violence prevention and substance abuse counselor for adjudicated youth and families.  She greatly enjoys opportunities to engage the community and discuss a variety of topics to nurture a sense of shared responsibility for youth and families.  Be sure to ask Shannon about her time as a Big Cat Biologist and how those skills transferred to her role as an educator!