Since early childhood, Shanda has had an innate observant nature.  She grew up in a single parent home with significant issues and challenges which in retrospect inspired her to want to help others overcome life's challenges.  The sudden loss of a childhood classmate in the 5th grade also provided inspiration to want to help and nurture others, in particular, children who are the world's biggest treasure.  She thought her destiny was to be a teacher to help kids.  From that moment on, she never looked back.  She started tutoring and mentoring kids that very same year in the 5th grade and did so throughout high school working one on one with kids and working in classrooms tutoring younger kids as well as fellow peers. 

She moved to Tacoma after graduating high school in 2003 from a small rural town in Northern Nevada to attend Pacific Lutheran University, and had it not been for her mentor in high school, she may have never decided to take on that endeavor and persevere through the obstacles before her.  She graduated from PLU in 2007 with a B.A. in History and Spanish.  Her intention was still education, but after working as a Big Buddy at James Sales Elementary and then being referred to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound to be a Program Specialist, it soon became clear that she was drawn toward the mentoring field more than anything else.  Very shortly into her work at South Pierce County, she realized youth development and social services were her calling.  Upon graduating from PLU, the perfect opportunity to continue her career at the Boys & Girls Club opened at the East Side Branch as a Program Director where she started in late August of 2007.  She enjoys every moment of hunting for the treasures in kids and inspiring them to see the wonders of the world, despite its challenges.