1. Introduction Shannon L Whelan

2. Who am I A Mom! An Educator A Learner A Family Support worker with Early Head Start

3. Professional Background Worked in a day care classroom for almost 20 years Went back to school and got my BA in Human and Community Services with a focus on Family Studies and Grief Counseling Adopted my children and became a single stay at home mom for several years. Went back to work and school

4. Interests

5. My Early Learning Experience I went to a Catholic private school as a child until high school and then went into a public school (Culture Shock!) Key Experience: a teacher in high school that recognized my abilities and talents instead of my short comings and struggles

6. MASTERS!!! My Masters will… Assist me in my current career Assist me in the education of my daughter Assist me in my future career goals: Maybe becoming a day care director or supervisor Maybe opening my own day care

7. Quote: Poet Rita Dove Rita Dove said “All of us have moments in our childhood where we come alive for the first time. And we go back to those moments and think ‘This is when I became myself’” I know I have these moments that I can look back on I feel that I can help children find these moments for themselves