I'm a writer at heart, an educator by calling, a mom to two incredible daughters, and a lifelong believer that growth is possible—even after life's hardest chapters.

I created Shine With Shel to encourage others through honest stories, practical resources, and the reminder that even life's hardest seasons can lead to something beautiful.

I'm also the kind of person who believes coffee solves a surprising number of problems. 😊

I wear a lot of hats, but the common thread through all of them is simple: I love helping people discover their own light and grow into who they're meant to be. Whether I'm encouraging a teacher, writing a story, singing on stage, or spending time with the people I love, I'm happiest when I'm living authentically and helping others do the same.

You'll usually find me...

☕ Sipping coffee at home or tucked away in a cozy coffee shop

❤️ Making memories with the people I love most

👯‍♀️ Laughing way too hard with my girl gang

✍️ Journaling, writing, or dreaming up my next story

🍷 Enjoying a glass of wine and life's simple pleasures

🌅 Chasing sunsets and looking for any excuse to get back to the beach

🍎 Shaping little minds and cheering on educators every day

🎶 Singing with my band whenever I get the chance

🎵 Listening to Taylor Swift... probably louder than necessary

What I Believe

• Everyone has a story worth telling.

• Healing isn't linear.

• Growth is messy.

• Teachers deserve to be valued.

• Kindness changes people.

• Boundaries are healthy.

• It's never too late to begin again.

A Few Fun Facts

• ✨ INFJ (which explains...well, a lot.)

• ☀️ Libra • ⬆️ Taurus • 🌙 Cancer (Yes, I love astrology!)

• 💛 Enneagram 2w3 — I find joy in helping others and cheering them on.

• 🍎 19 years in education

• ☕ My coffee order: an Americano or cold brew with coconut milk and caramel

• 📚 I'm always reading or listening to something that helps me grow.

• 🎬 I will cry during a Disney movie

• 🍌 I can't eat bananas

Why Shine With Shel?

I created Shine With Shel because I know what it's like to wonder if your hardest chapters will ever make sense.

Over time, I realized they weren't just part of my story—they were preparing me to encourage someone else's.

If sharing what I've learned helps even one person feel a little less alone, then every chapter has been worth it.

If we were having coffee…

I’d probably ask,

"What chapter of your life are you in right now?"

Because every chapter—the joyful ones, the messy ones, and the ones we'd rather skip—has something to teach us.

And wherever you are in your story...

I'm really glad you're here. 💛