Shannon was exposed to POP after her sister suffered a stroke and needed orthotic braces to support her mobility. She regularly attended her sister’s orthotic appointments, but her initial understanding of POP was limited—she did not realize that magic was happening outside the appointment room walls. 

While pursuing her bachelor's degree in human physiology and minors in computer science and disability studies, Shannon shadowed at a local prosthetics clinic to explore different pathways to POP. There she discovered that POP careers are multifaceted, combining her passions for patient care and creativity, and she was hooked. 

Shannon graduated from the University of Washington with her Master of Prosthetics & Orthotics and is completing her dual residency in prosthetics and orthotics at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas, TX. “Everyone in POP wants to teach and inspire,” she says. “I am excited to connect younger generations to the POP profession so they can change lives, too.”