McKeely Shannon (She/Her), Education Specialist

McKeely started her journey with Bridgercare in 2018 as an Education and Development Intern. Her passion for sexual and reproductive health began much earlier, though. Raised by a nurse who prioritized age-appropriate conversations about sex and relationships throughout her childhood, McKeely grew up feeling prepared and confident in making decisions about her health. As a nursing student and later a Community Health major at Montana State University, she began to recognize that many of her peers had not received the same foundational education. This experience sparked her commitment to making sexual and reproductive health education accessible, empowered, and informed for everyone.

After graduating from MSU, McKeely worked in development at Haven before joining Forward Montana Foundation as the High School Program Manager, where she taught young people about civic engagement during the 2020 election cycle and 2021 Legislative Session. She later returned to Haven as a Survivor Advocate, supporting survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and trafficking.

In 2023, McKeely returned to Bridgercare as an educator. She is now the Lead Education Specialist, managing statewide partnerships and programs and leading Bridgercare’s Peer Education program. She finds immense joy in teaching youth and adults about sexual and reproductive health through schools, community organizations, and public workshops. She believes that informed education about healthy relationships and reproductive health is a powerful foundation for building healthier, more equitable futures.

Raised in Montana, McKeely is deeply committed to her community and to the young people shaping its future. Outside of work, she enjoys reading speculative fiction, making tasty food, and hiking, biking, and camping with her loved ones.