
Masters in Medical Sociology, Temple University
Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Columbia University
Certified Children's Yoga Instructor, Radiant Life and Cosmic Kids Yoga
Shannon currently works as a writer/media director for for Kelly's Choice, a nutritian company.
When Shannon volunteered at her daughter's school for a day in 2019, she was taken aback by the responses she received when asking the children about their aspirations and favorite activities. It was disheartening to hear that almost every child wanted to become a YouTuber when they grew up. Equally concerning was the fact that when asked about their preferred pastimes, most kids enthusiastically replied, "video games!" These revelations sparked a deep concern within Shannon, prompting her to reflect on the growing trend of excessive screen time and the resulting disconnection from real-world experiences among children. It was this moment that ignited Shannon's determination to create an outdoor children's program, aiming to provide meaningful alternatives and opportunities for children to engage with nature and discover the wonders beyond screens.Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit! Shannon’s workload increased. Kids Unplugged would have to wait!When it became safer to be amongst people and with the reduction of freelance work, she eagerly started Kids Unplugged CNY.
Shannon lives in Baldwinsville, NY with her husband, Tim; her step-daughter. Kaitlyn, and her daughter Natalie. They literally walk their talk, spending as much time as they can in nature: hiking, biking, running, kayaling, boating, paddle-boarding, camping, and more. They enjoy time outdoors at home with their three dogs, three cats, and 24 chickens (soon to be more)!

Bachelors in Public Justice, SUNY Oswego
Certified Snowmobile Safety Instructor
Timmy Hodson is Shannon’s husband who has been instrumental in the creation of Kids Unplugged CNY. He built the entire playground, including the zipline. He keeps the property clean and fun! Timmy created the website as well. Lover of the outdoors, avid boater, BMX-rider and snowmobiler, in addition to his “day” job as Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator at Auburn Correctional Facility, Timmy is also a referee for Field Hockey and Track & Field. In his spare time he loves camping, hiking, water skiing, wake surfing, bicycle stunt riding, mountain biking, paddleboarding and snowmobiling. All of which you do while 'unplugged'. Starting in the summer of 2025, Timmy will be co-leading the Teenagers Unplugged pilot day.

Natalie is the wide-eyed, creative, most helpful assistant to all Kids Unplugged CNY programs. She is always brainstorming ideas to make Kids Unplugged CNY as fun as can be. Shhh…..she even brainstorms in her classes at school and comes home with lists upon lists of ideas. Some of the ideas have been implemented and one grand idea will be implemented in the Summer of 2025. Natalie will be leading a nature-inspired learning pilot program for preschoolers!