Shannon Hahn was born in South Orange County and considers herself fortunate to have grown up in a community that prioritized equal access to programs for all students, regardless of their educational needs. This foundation inspired her lifelong commitment to creating equitable opportunities for every individual.

From an early age, Shannon was drawn to supporting students who were mainstreamed into her school district. Volunteering through elementary, secondary, and adult programs, she discovered her passion for helping individuals with diverse needs develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Her family life deepened this calling. Shannon’s mother provided after-school care for children with special needs, and her stepfather taught special education for 32 years. Surrounded by their work, she gained firsthand insight into both the challenges and the rewards of supporting this community. She later carried that spirit into volunteer service with Special Olympics and Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, experiences that shaped her understanding of the importance of encouragement, inclusion, and resilience.

Shannon studied psychology at Concordia University in Irvine, California, and in 2006 began her professional career serving neurodiverse individuals. In 2015, she co-founded Level Up Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to providing Independent and Supported Living Services for adults with developmental disabilities, where she continues to serve as Operations Director. In addition, Shannon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels West Los Angeles, where she helps guide community outreach and strategic initiatives that uplift veterans and other “super adults,” ensuring they remain connected, supported, and valued members of their communities.

At Level Up Solutions, Shannon has overseen program development, compliance, and staff leadership while championing initiatives that expand independence and community inclusion. She created the Level Life social program, designed to help participants build lasting friendships and a sense of belonging, addressing the concern many families share about support systems once parents are no longer able to provide care. Since 2014, she has also led volunteer engagement with Meals on Wheels, involving participants in delivering meals to local seniors and veterans —a partnership that combines skill-building with community service.

Her leadership extends to governance and strategic planning, where she works closely with boards of directors, develops policies and procedures, and ensures long-term sustainability. She is deeply committed to building organizations that value both the individuals served and the staff who dedicate themselves to this work.

For Shannon, the individuals she supports remain her greatest teachers. She is dedicated to helping them see their strengths, celebrate their achievements, and pursue independence without being defined by their neurodiversity. Her work continues to be fueled by the belief that inclusive communities are stronger communities, and that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.

Outside of work, Shannon embraces the beautiful chaos of raising three teenage sons with her husband, cheering from the soccer sidelines, catching concerts, and enjoying time with their friends, rambunctious dog Skyelar, and their cats.