She completed her coordinated Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship program at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduation, Shannon began teaching nutrition courses as an Adjunct Instructor at CWRU and entered into clinical practice as a Registered Dietitian at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. During this time, she was involved first with interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation, then with outpatient primary care. In addition to individualized counselling for acute and chronic conditions, Shannon conducted group weight loss classes and cooking demonstrations to help her patients learn the skills necessary for healthy living.