About Shannon Fields

Shannon’s journey began in March 1998 with the birth of his little sister, Karrena, who was born with Down syndrome. At the time, Shannon was a senior in high school and had very little knowledge or experience with the intellectual and developmental disability community. Karrena changed that—and ultimately changed the direction of his life.

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Through his relationship with his sister, Shannon began to see the world differently. He witnessed not only the challenges individuals with disabilities can face, but also their strengths, personalities, determination, and ability to positively impact everyone around them. Her life inspired Shannon to make serving and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities part of his life's mission.

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After high school, Shannon married his wife and began his professional career working with at-risk youth. Wanting to expand his ability to serve others, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Special Education. His education eventually led him to teaching within the prison system, where he continued working with individuals facing significant barriers and challenges.

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Shannon later became involved with his local Special Olympics organization, serving as both a volunteer and Unified partner athlete. Through those experiences, his passion for working alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities continued to grow. He knew he wanted to do more than simply participate—he wanted to make this work a central part of his career and his life.

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That calling led Shannon to obtaining a Masters degree and becoming  a Behavior Consultant, working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, and support teams. He continues this work today, helping individuals develop skills, overcome barriers, increase independence, and pursue lives that are meaningful to them.

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In December 2018, Shannon experienced the devastating loss of his sister, Karrena. Her passing strengthened his determination to continue the work she had inspired more than 20 years earlier.

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From that determination came Beyond Boundaries.

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Sports have always been an important part of Shannon’s life as both a player and coach. He understands that sports can teach teamwork, discipline, confidence, perseverance, leadership, and the ability to get back up after a setback. But he also realized that the message behind Beyond Boundaries needed to reach far beyond athletics.

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Everyone faces boundaries.

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Those boundaries may come from Down syndrome, autism, PTSD, cancer, addiction, physical disability, intellectual disability, mental health challenges, loss, adversity, or circumstances that others may never fully understand.

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But a boundary does not have to define where someone's story ends.

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Beyond Boundaries was created to give people an opportunity to tell their stories, celebrate their victories, recognize their struggles, and encourage others who may be facing similar challenges.

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Through sports, community involvement, advocacy, apparel, storytelling, and everyday life, Beyond Boundaries seeks to create a place where people are recognized for who they are, what they have overcome, and what they can become.

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For Shannon, the mission will always trace back to one person—a little sister who unknowingly gave her big brother a purpose that would shape the rest of his life.

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Her name was Karrena. Her life created a legacy. Beyond Boundaries is part of that legacy.

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Every Story. Every Struggle. Every Victory.

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No Limits. Just Life.