Hello, I’m Shannon!

I started my career in childcare in a nursery as a practitioner and worked up to room manager in two different rooms. After this, I moved to alternative provision for the last 3 ½ years where I worked as a 1:1 mentor for young people with Special Educational needs (SEN), including Autism, ADHD and PDA through gaming and their interests. I later moved up to a supervisor where I managed and supported a team of mentors using my experience with young people with SEN. I am also a foster carer for a 15 year old.

I have always enjoyed working with children and learning how best to support them, tailoring my approach to what works best for that young person to feel safe and supported in achieving their goals. From this experience, I have gained multiple qualifications and training, including Level 2 in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), an NCFE Cache technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early years educator) as well as up-to-date safeguarding, online safety and mental health training.

I have always been interested in gaming, starting with the DS and Nintendo Wii which were a big part of my childhood especially for family gaming nights like Mario Kart and Animal Crossing. As I got older my interest increased as I expanded into new games and tried different genres. I have experience on PC, Xbox and PlayStation. My time at the other alternative provision also expanded my knowledge of games and I now know more games based on more specific interests.

My other interests include baking/cooking (especially trying new recipes) and reading (mainly romance novels). I am also a huge Formula 1 fan and went to Silverstone in 2025 for the British Grand Prix. I love being creative and trying different art, craft projects and puzzles.

I have basic knowledge of 3D modelling and coding for Roblox Studios but am happy to enhance my knowledge further by learning alongside young people who are interested.

I look forward to joining the MindJam team, meeting all my mentees, and working with you.