Shannon Lally

Shannon Lally
Program Manager
Growing up in Connecticut, Shannon always felt drawn to the natural world, but it wasn’t until taking a backpacking trip in the Blue Ridge Mountains that she felt a connection with a particular place. Ever since that summer, Shannon has fostered a love of North Carolina’s breathtaking mountains and the native flora and fauna that dwell upon them. As a preschool/pre-k teacher, she engaged young students through experiential learning whenever possible. In 2015, she made the move from Connecticut to North Carolina, where she attended the University of North Carolina Asheville, majoring in environmental studies with a concentration in management and policy and a minor in economics. While in school, Shannon worked for UNCA’s Office of Sustainability in order to familiarize herself with local needs. After graduating, Shannon completed a service year with AmeriCorps Project Conserve as a natural resource educator serving Transylvania County and the communities within it. From there, Shannon launched into a Visitor Services Specialist position with the WNC Nature Center where she educated people of all ages on NC native wildlife, and conservation efforts. In her free time, Shannon enjoys hiking with her dog, Baxter; camping; attending local lectures; and gardening. She can often be found swinging in her hammock.