Caregiving Journey

Rotary Host: Sara Villanueva

Shannon is a native to Arizona.  She grew up mostly the cool pines of Payson.  Shannon obtained her first degree in 1998, A.S. in Architecture Technology, in California. She soon found her heart was more destined, to help people develop their lives, rather than build a home. Shannon returned to Arizona to care for her mom, who had Vascular Dementia. After moving back to Arizona, Shannon obtained her B.S. in Human Services.

Shannon found herself being the caregiver who never gave up and wanted to do all she could to contribute, to her mom’s quality of live. After Shannon’s mom 16 year journey with Dementia, there was closure in 2014.  Shannon knows the importance of advocacy, having quality services, self-care and knowing you’re not alone, through peer support.  Benevilla is where Shannon can express her compassion and use her experience to help others, through their caregiving journey.

Since 1996, Shannon has worked as a Director, Coordinator and Case Manager with Human Service agencies and educational programs. Over the years she focused working with the geriatric population, families, teens and at-risk youth.  The services ranged from preventive and supportive services, life skills and training programs, development of programs, researching and development of resource tools.

Read more about Benevilla here.