Meet Nicole Shannon! Nicole joined the Spark team in December as Mental Wellness Program Coordinator for the Southeast Region.
Nicole was born and raised in the small town of Cedar City, Utah. Volunteerism has always been important in her family. Growing up, she saw her grandparents volunteer constantly in the local community, whether it was cooking meals, setting up events, or working with the hospital. Her mom was always helping in schools and as soon as anyone saw her handwriting, became the go-to artist for all the local flyers and posters.
After High School, Nicole got a degree in Art from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. She explored the west, living in Driggs, Idaho, Zion National Park, Pagosa Springs, and eventually moved back to Southern Utah and attended SUU, graduating with a degree in Secondary Art Education.
Her favorite way to volunteer is painting sets for plays. Even though she has never actually been in a play, she has been a part of set designs for many community and school plays, even convincing the rest of her family to help often.
For the past nine years, Nicole has been teaching Jr. High school art, peer leadership, and student government. During her time as a teacher, she organized partnerships with small and large organizations such as Red Cross, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Utah Food Bank, Salt Lake County Health Department, and others, to galvanize student leaders to raise funds, awareness, run campaigns, and volunteer to better the lives of the students, the school, and her community.
During her free time, Nicole likes to create art and explore back roads with her husband, Tommy, and two dogs: Maggie and Henry.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of Spark the Change Colorado!” says Nicole. “Mental wellness has been a top priority in my life, and I’m looking forward to making friends in the community and expanding mental wellness resources to the southeast corner of the state!”
We are so lucky to have you join the team, Nicole, and look forward to all the amazing work you’ll do Sparking Change in the Mental Wellness Program!
Spark the Change Colorado 
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