Shannon works her ‘dream job’ at the YMCA helping young children learn and develop.
The bright summer sunshine just seemed to give the kids participating in the YMCA’s Summer Power program in Shoreview some extra positive energy – and Shannon Meehan was enjoying leading them in various morning activities at the Turtle Lake Elementary School location.
Shannon is excited to be working at her “dream job” as a YMCA program staff working with young children enrolled in this YMCA program.
Originally hired in December 2014 as a YMCA Staff member working with the YMCA’s School Age Care, an after-school program at Valentine Hills Elementary School in Arden Hills, Shannon is spending the summer months working 20 hours a week with kindergarten through fourth-grade kids. She engages them in play, arts and crafts, reading, and outdoor activities.
“At the end of the school year, the Y asked us all to tell them five places we’d like to work for the summer and then they put us where they needed us the most,” Shannon explained.
“I really love working with the Summer Power program with a small group of kids. Then in September, I will move to another YMCA after-school program.”
Shannon came to Rise’s Community Integration Program (CIP)-Coon Rapids in February of 2012, and after working in clerical and production jobs, decided she wanted to pursue a career in child care. Customized Job Developer Sarah Kohl-Leaf assisted Shannon in her career planning and job search. Sarah also follows up with Shannon as needed to ensure all continues to go well on the job.
“Shannon never gave up on her goal to work with children,” said Sarah. “She had many interviews that did not develop into employment, but Shannon kept her chin up and kept moving forward toward her goal.
Her employment at the YMCA has given Shannon a chance to flourish in a career she has a passion for. Shannon is learning, growing and increasing her independence through her
career at the YMCA. I am so proud of her!”
A few years ago, Shannon volunteered at a day care center and says, “That cemented my wanting a career working with kids! I love being able to help them develop and learn. I think they really respond to me.”
In addition to a weeklong YMCA training session for the special summer program, Shannon says she has learned a lot this summer from her supervisor, Site Director Bryant Richards. “He has taught me some really good ways to keep everything positive and how to have the kids listen to me. He lets me know when I'm doing a good job and it makes me feel good when he gives me a ‘thumbs up.’”
"Shannon is a hard worker who strives to improve everyday and actively wants feedback on how she is doing,” said Bryant. “She has a great amount pride in what she does."
Doing so well on the job has helped boost Shannon’s self-esteem and confidence in other areas of her life, too, she said. “I want to have a long-time career working with kids with the YMCA.”
A 2004 graduate of Irondale High School, Shannon enjoys scrapbooking, caring for her cat, and babysitting her two-year-old nephew; she is most excited to have a niece on the way.