About Shannon

Shannon Parish profile photo
Black and white photo of Shannon as a child, wearing a headscarf, sitting in a photobooth. Being silly.
Shannon as a child being silly. Did you know that you can still be silly, and feel worthless?
Cartoon of a woman pulling her hair out.
Cartoon of a Frustrated woman that I drew. i knew this emotion well.

My first website led to me being quoted in TIME magazine in 2007 in an article about the challenges of being a pastor’s wife.

I am a transformational coach dedicated to empowering creative individuals to break through barriers, unleash their full potential, and live a deeply fulfilling and creative life.

I grew up in a dysfunctional family as the Scapegoat. (Did you know that all families are dysfunctional?) Despite their good intentions, I was often blamed for things that weren’t my fault, which influenced my behavior as an adult. I ended up trying to please everyone and took on the role of a martyr to make sense of my life, all the while feeling like a victim.

I spent most of my life serving in the church, starting from the lowest position and eventually becoming a pastor’s wife and leader. Throughout this time, I faced betrayals, gossip, two marriages, church crises, and splits.

I reached a point where I felt like I had lost my identity and was completely broken. It was as if I had died inside and had to let go of everything I knew. I came to recognize the narcissistic systems that had shaped my life, leading to experiences of abuse, betrayal, misunderstandings, and false accusations. This realization was painful, but it liberated me from the false beliefs and manipulative tactics that had formed the shaky foundation of my life.

Through this journey, I learned how to forgive myself, love myself, and celebrate who I am. As a result, I was able to extend the same kindness to others. I also learned the distinction between being judgmental and exercising discernment, as well as the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

In the process, I discovered the true intention of God for my life, free from toxic and harmful religious doctrines. I began to see God’s love and guidance in every aspect of my life, despite my own shortcomings.

I learned to let go of things that no longer served me and rediscovered my creativity, joy, and sense of humor. This journey has shown me that it is not about achieving perfection but about experiencing God’s love and joy in its simplest form.

Despite facing the death of loved ones and the loss of relationships, including that of one of my children, I have not only survived but have also learned to move forward with gratitude. Through this process, I have developed a deep connection to the eternal world while still living in the temporary one.

Experiencing a peace that passes all understanding has brought me greater patience, understanding, and love than I ever thought possible. I learned to distinguish this from man-made religious or controlling agendas. I realized that while this path may not always be easy, it is where I will always find Christ’s love and grow closer to my Heavenly Father.

I have over 40 years of experience in ministry and am an artist and cartoonist.

I work with entrepreneurs, authors,  speakers, and nonprofits as a creative service provider and professional life coach. 

Creativity is a powerful force that can transform lives. I guide my clients to unleash their creativity, empowering them to conquer challenges, reach their goals, and lead more fulfilling lives.

With decades of experience in ministry, I’ve witnessed humanity’s highs and lows. Uncovering hidden trauma and toxic beliefs is crucial for breaking through mental and emotional barriers.

As a creative individual, my active and imaginative mind enables me to visualize the bigger picture. My ability to graphically record messages allows me to capture and illustrate metaphors, thoughts, and symbols, enhancing understanding and retention.

Coaching, serving, and collaborating with authors, entrepreneurs, and speakers has deepened my expertise in goal setting, storytelling, and sequence planning. This enriches my clients’ awareness of their potential.

Many people fear embracing their creativity, but it’s the key to envisioning and creating something new. When working with creative individuals, I help them articulate their visions by identifying unspoken thoughts and offering validating feedback.

If you’re a creative individual seeking a coach to realize your goals, I’d be honored to guide you toward a more fulfilling and creative life.