Originally published in Spoodle, the newsletter of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics School Nutrition Services.
Meet Shannan, a dedicated registered dietitian with a remarkable 30-year career spanning local, state, federal, and international levels in school food and nutrition education. Her journey is one of commitment to public health, food systems transformation, and empowering communities through education.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Shannan’s interest in nutrition began during her time at junior college when a career test pointed her toward the fields of nursing and dietetics. With her mother already in nursing, Shannan decided to explore dietetics, a field she knew little about at the time. This decision led her to the University of California, Davis, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Community Nutrition with an emphasis on Psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, Shannan completed a dietetic internship at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Through this experience she gained invaluable experience, particularly in heart transplant nutrition as well as her lead in experience to nutrition education in schools.
A Leader in School Nutrition
After returning to California, Shannan's career in school nutrition took off. She started as a Nutrition Specialist with Elk Grove Unified School District, where she revamped menus to meet USDA nutrition guidelines, introduced the concept of fruit and vegetable of the month, and engaged students with taste tests and nutritional education. Her passion for school nutrition continued to grow as she transitioned to the California Department of Education as a Nutrition Education Consultant, where she helped lead the Shaping Health As Partners in Education Program.
Now in her 12th year with the Dairy Council of California, Shannan is the Officer of Initiatives, Education, and Engagement. In this role, she continues her passion to support children's health as a community partner for school nutrition programs throughout California and beyond. As research consistently shows, school meal programs play a crucial role in ensuring nutrition security. Children who participate in these programs are more likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and milk during breakfast and lunch, helping to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies that can impact their health. By nourishing our future through school meals and nutrition education, Shannan believes we are all fostering a healthier generation. Her leadership extends beyond her current role, as she has been an active leader in the California School Nutrition Association, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the California Society for Association Executives. She is the founding leader of the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement of California Collaborative and the California Local School Wellness Policy Collaborative. Her work focuses on initiatives like the Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative, where she continues to inspire and lead with authenticity and integrity.
Inspiration & Passion Projects
Throughout her career, Shannan has been deeply inspired by her mentor, Marilyn Briggs, a change agent in school nutrition who emphasized the importance of connecting schools with their local communities to support healthier students. This inspiration drives Shannan's ongoing work in food systems and public health, and her dedication to empowering communities through nutrition education.
Family & Traditions
Shannan's dedication to nutrition and wellness extends deeply into her family life. She has been happily married for 33 years to her husband, John, who is a retired Agriculture Commissioner. Together, they share a rich history of working on initiatives that connect food systems to education, including a farm-to-school initiative that reflects their shared commitment to community health.
The couple has three sons, aged 15, 25, and 28, who have grown up surrounded by the values of health, education, and tradition. Shannan has cultivated a home environment where scratch cooking, homegrown gardens, and nightly family meals are the norm. One of their most cherished family traditions is their pizza night, where they come together to make pizza dough from scratch, assemble their favorite toppings, and bake them in the family’s pizza oven—a tradition that has strengthened their family bonds over the years.
Family time is also spent exploring the great outdoors, with visits to National Parks across the United States being a highlight. Since 1991, Shannan has been collecting stamps in her National Park Passport book, a testament to her love for nature and adventure.
Life Outside of Work
When she's not working, Shannan finds joy in nature—whether it’s hiking, kayaking, gardening, or simply walking with her dog, Luke. She is also an avid photographer and loves decorating for Christmas, a time when her home becomes a hub of festive activity.
Shannan is also a committed volunteer with P.E.O. International, an organization dedicated to motivating, educating, and celebrating women, reflecting her belief in the power of community and women's education.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring RDs
Shannan’s advice to aspiring school nutrition dietitians is simple yet profound: “Let your passion drive your purpose.” She believes that as dietitians, we have a unique understanding of nutrition and its impact on health. In school nutrition, we have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in children’s lives, from their early years in pre-K through high school, serving as a constant and positive influence in their communities.