Meet Shannon

Trailer Park to White House…

I’m Shannon Walker. I’m pretty transparent, so here is a little bit about me.

I grew up on welfare and food stamps in a broken home, with my mother and father divorcing as I turned two weeks old. I never had a father figure, but instead, endured the revolving door of 1 dad, 4 step-fathers, and my mom’s numerous boyfriends.  My mom worked three jobs, so I pretty much raised myself, for I was left alone in the trailer most of the time.

I could throw myself a pity party because of my upbringing, right? WRONG! The silver lining lies in the fact that I found Jesus when I was 14 years old. At 17, at the start of my senior year in high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. I then left for boot camp one month after graduating.

With 24 years of military and corporate experience, I have been blessed to advance from an Airman Basic to a Staff Sergeant, and now a Military Officer. I’ve worked at the White House and Pentagon in Washington D.C. The Air Force has sent me throughout the United States and to numerous foreign locations, including deployments.

In my life time, I’ve committed myself to learning, doing what’s right, continue my education, and help others reach their potential through coaching, physical fitness, relational and financial health.  My desire is to continue growing and help others to reach their fullest potential.

I am married to wonderful man who has taught me what real love is and total kindness. Plus, he is an amazing Chef and plays sports with me. My daughter is a true beauty and makes me better as a person. She is a blessing in every way.

In summary, people would describe me as happy, kind, professional, confident, and real.  Plus, author of Trailer Park to White House.

I’m Coach Shannon M. Walker, your You Matter Life Coach.

Formal Education

  • MBA, Conflict and Negotiation Management, Summa Cum Laude, Touro University International
  • Bachelor of Arts Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, Faulkner University
  • Certificate Project Management Professional, George Mason University
  • Certificate Lean Six Sigma, Joint Staff Process Management Office
  • Certified Christian Life Coach and Certified Group Coach, Christian Coach Institute 
  • Air War College, Headquarters Air University
  • Air Command and Staff College, Headquarters Air University
  • Advanced Joint Professional Military Education, Joint Forces Staff College
  • Certified Program Management Level I and II, Defense Acquisition University
  • Certified ScrumMaster, SCRUM Alliance
  • Church Ministry Certificate, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2-year Program
  • Leadership Development Speaker/Trainer/Coach and Behavioral Analysis Trainer, John C. Maxwell Team

Military Training and Education

  • Space 200
  • Mortuary Officer and Family Liaison Death Training
  • Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Training
  • Contracting Officer Training
  • Acquisition Management Certification
  • Public Health Certification
  • United States Department of Agriculture Certification
  • Proposal and Capture Management Training
  • Protocol and Event Management Certification
  • Supervisor and Management Leadership at Officer Training School (3-months)
  • Crisis Management Training
  • Financial Management Training
  • Human Resources Management Training
  • Microsoft Office Training and Certification
  • Web Design Training
  • Suicide Prevention Training
  • Bystander Intervention Training
  • Information Assurance and Protection
  • Full Spectrum Threat Response
  • Drill and Ceremony Training
  • Basic Military Training
  • Toastmaster’s Public Speaking Training Course
  • Public Facility and Food Inspection Certification
  • Food and Drug Administration Training
  • Readiness, Plans, and Policy Programs Management
  • Physical Fitness Training and Certification

My Passions:

  1. God
  2. Health
    • Fitness and Clean Eating/Living. I really enjoy taking care of myself because you only have one body.
  3. Reading
    • This is my brain exercise and anyone can usually find me with at least 2 books…reading makes my brain come alive.
  4. Travel
    • Anywhere, Anytime. You get to experience different cultures, meet people, explore, be adventurous, try new food.
  5. Success
    • Marriage, Work, Life, People…basically, anything I do. I respect myself and other people; therefore, I give my best and all I have to offer.

How I became a Life Coach

In 2010, I started a program at church called “Biggest Winner” very similar to the fitness show Biggest Loser, but I changed the name to winner….why, because everyone wants to be a winner!

During the program, it became clear that many people have struggles…in many areas. For instance, if someone wasn’t doing well with finances, then there whole being was off. If someone wasn’t physically healthy, it affected them entirely. If someone was sabotaging their self with negative words/thoughts, then mentally they were off. It was all about balance…if their balance was off, they were off. Making them stuck, making their situation dismal, ultimately having fear, and being unhappy.

Over the last 2 years, I witnessed people beginning at a certain point in their life, transforming into something bigger/better, and witnessing who they became at the end. It was beautiful to be a part of their journey. It was beautiful to help them get back on track, improving their overall health, making them thrive in life instead of just surviving.

As a result, I became more of a Life Coach and less of a fitness trainer. Biggest Winner changed my life.

Little Tid-Bits about Me:

1. Born Trigger-Thumbed
2. Afraid of dogs, but now have a dog “Pepper” to overcome my fear
3. 4th grade Spelling Bee Champ
4. Prefer running shoes over heels
5. Favorite Color is Blue (Air Force Blue)
6. All 4 Wisdom Teeth Removed
7. Peed the bed until I was 8 and had to see a doctor for bladder therapy
8. Mortuary Officer for 10 deaths plus a mass-internment
9. Can’t sing and was actually asked to leave Choir practice. Tear
10. Senior Year Long Jump District Champ and District Softball Shortstop Player