ABOUT SHANNON

I’m a small-town girl from Franklin, Ohio, who grew up with big dreams and a God who was present long before any of them came true.

As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a model. Years later, I became the runner-up on the first season of America’s Next Top Model. That opportunity opened doors I could hardly have imagined, from traveling the world to walking the runway at New York Fashion Week. On the show, I became known for standing by my convictions when I declined to participate in a nude photo shoot.

I’m grateful for that moment. But it’s only one part of my story.

Behind the scenes, I had struggled with an eating disorder and the feeling that I needed to be beautiful, successful, and strong enough to be worthy of love. Later came anxiety, disappointment, and choices I never thought I would make. I loved Jesus, but I wandered from Him. For a while, I wondered what those choices meant for the rest of my life.

What I know now is that I could not out-sin God’s grace. When I turned back to Jesus, He met me with truth, forgiveness, and a love I could never earn. He has been teaching me that my identity was never meant to rest on my appearance, my accomplishments, or even my ability to get everything right.

Today, my husband, Mike, and I serve together at Be Renewed Church. I host the Out of Focus Podcast, where I share honest conversations about faith, identity, and redemption. My memoir, Out of Focus: The Story of a “Good Girl” Who Fell—and the God Who Never Let Go, releases February 23, 2027.

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I’ve held on to that truth, and I hope you’ll find it here, too.

Whether you know me from Top Model, found me through the podcast, or simply landed on this page today, I’m glad you’re here. Whatever chapter you’re living in, you can turn to Jesus. He isn’t finished writing your story.