Shannon was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania where she grew up taking dance classes, singing in choir and performing in school productions. She always knew she wanted to be a performer, and after high school, she moved to New York City where she attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a two-year conservatory where she studied musical theatre. Since her graduation, Shannon has worked on projects ranging from independent films, music videos, and commercials, to a new musical project, Internet game show and an international MTV docu series show, "Young and Married". She was also selected as a top-six finalist for the first digital talent outreach contest by ABC entitled "ABC Make Me A Star". Shannon lives in New York City where she continues to pursue her craft.