Shannon Walker

As a young worker in a community school Shannon developed a firm belief that keeping children involved and engaged in education is the single most important thing we can do for them. It affords a chance to belong, to develop resilience and self-mastery. In the years since, she has concluded that this is most true for the children who are most at risk of falling through the cracks.
More recently, Working for the DEECD in over 200 schools at a regional level has given Shannon the chance to further develop her practice, providing support and advice to schools and families advocating for everyone’s right to feel safe and learn at school. Shannon believes that one positive genuine relationship with an adult can change the trajectory of a child or young persons life. Taking the time to find out what a child is trying to tell us – through words, actions, behaviour and emotion – is moving and powerful for both the child and the adult. Positive communication and reinforcement consolidate and validate these important relationships.
She has a Masters in Youth Health and Education management as well as a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Youth Work. She currently works in a school in Melbourne’s north with children with mild intellectual disability.