Hi there, I’m Shannon.
From freelancing to contributing to a mental health startup to working at a fin-tech design agency, I harness my curiosity and empathy to craft user-centric experiences that tackle diverse challenges!
My Journey from Teaching to UX…
Curious by nature, life thus far has brought me around the world! Prior to design, I graduated with a BA in Psychology and taught primary school English for 5 years in Hanoi, Vietnam🇻🇳 and Chiang Mai, Thailand🇹🇭. I have found educators and designers share a lot of common ground. Classrooms are filled with daily problems that require teachers to think on their feet, actively listen and adapt to meet students' needs. The design process requires the same level of empathy and willingness to continually learn.
After teaching, I joined the the Duolingo English Test team, where I was captivated by the company’s mission and the product’s global impact. This inspired my pivot from education to design, drawn by its power to empathize and solve real-world problems.
Since completing Designlab’s UX Academy, my journey has been one of hands-on experience. Currently, I am crafting strategic websites and brands for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Previously, I designed apps and websites for the casino and hospitality industry at Sightline Payments. I also conducted research and collaborated to design new features at Olivus, a chat based mental health startup.
Although I've recently been affected by layoffs based on tenure, I'm eager to embark on new opportunities and continue my growth in the world of design. Feel free to reach out for a friendly hello or take a look at my resume to explore my journey further.
A Few of My Favorite Things…
My cat Patchy: She moved to the USA from Vietnam with me.
Hiking: From the Himalayas to the Blue Ridge mountains - I am always up for an adventure.
Yoga and Meditation: I realign, focus, and find ease through a daily yoga and meditation practice.
My students: I miss my students in Vietnam. This is us being silly - I was a very convincing Santa :)
Travel: I love to explore, meet new people around the world and learn about different cultures.
Creating: I love to illustrate, paint, make soap, and jewelry in my free time.