Shannon Vickers Eldreth

I graduated from VHCC in May of 1991 with an Associates Degree in Human Services and married that following October. My continuing education was unfortunately put on hold when my oldest brother Mark was killed the following year in a car accident. I moved to Mendota to help care for my grieving Mother right after he died. I worked in my parents' businesses to help keep them going for 8 years. In 2000 after they closed their businesses I began my chosen path in caregiving. I worked in nursing home and daycare settings for a couple of years and then did computer and ad work for a retail company until I was introduced to Abingdon High School's special education department 4 years ago. My life's work was finally realized. I worked there for two years until I found the young lady I take care of now. I have worked in her home for 2 years now, 60+ hours a week, while her parents work outside the home. Her name is Elizabeth Timp. I am very passionate about her and strive to make her life as meaningful and fulfilled as I possibly can. I also have a developmentally delayed Goddaughter I help care for. She is 9 and so sweet to be with. These two girls are my life. I have no children of my own due to a genetic disease so I fill my life with Beth and Heather and my nieces and nephew who are all 4 now driving! Yikes!

Edited June 23...We gained custody of our Goddaughter on June 19th. She was removed from her home by social services on June 11th. It has been a challenge getting our home childproofed for her with gates and door alarms, etc. due to her developmental delays and severe ADHD but we can already see a BIG improvement in her. She wants to learn and she is such a good girl. Please keep us in your prayers that she will remain in our custody for many years so she can finally begin to thrive and become a productive young lady in society.

Edited August 22...Heather was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I always knew it was there but could never get a clear answer from anyone. I made sure this time, since I actually have a legal right to her health and well being now, that something was done for her. Very sad that she will always suffer from this, but also happy that she will get the proper care and understanding from the ones who count.

I have too many to name. Since Battle was the school I attended only my senior year, that whole year was first scary, then wonderful after meeting all of you wonderful classmates! It is a year I truly cherish.