As a senior in high school, Shaunda Brown’s mother was working in a rehabilitation facility for individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Her mother would talk to her about the different therapists she worked with on a day-to-day basis and when her mom mentioned speech language pathologist, Brown was immediately intrigued. This interest in speech language pathology would eventually be the start of what is now an incredible journey that Brown has embarked on.

A 1996 graduate of Du Quoin High School, Brown participated in cheerleading and track & field during her high school career. After high school, Brown attended Southern Illinois where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Communication Disorders & Sciences. Participating in competitive high school cheerleading led to opportunities to cheer at Southern Illinois and work for Universal Cheerleaders Association as a summer camp instructor/judge.

Deciding that she wanted to further her education, Brown went on to receive a pair of Master’s Degrees in Communication Sciences & Disorders from St. Louis University and Administration from Lindenwood University.

Brown worked as a Clinic Director and Speech Language Pathologist at Pediatric Potentials in Chicago from 2002 to 2006. In 2007, she joined the staff at the Special School District of St. Louis County in Town and Country, Missouri as a Speech Language Pathologist, a position she held until she decided to change career paths and joined the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) as an Assistant Executive Director in 2014. Realizing that her passion was working directly with children to help communicate and advocate for their wants and needs, Brown left the IHSA to return to her career as a speech language pathologist in 2016.

The key motivating factor for Brown is knowing that she has the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students. She loves working in the schools and prides herself on having positive interactions with students, which she believes is fundamental to the success of the students. Her impact was recognized in 2009 when she received the Lasting Impression Award in the Special Schools District. The award recognizes staff whose work has a positive impact on students.

As she continues to positively influence her students, Brown notes that for women who aspire to be leaders, “Do not be afraid to take on opportunities that come your way. Most of the time, you’re not going to feel 100% ready, but a key aspect of succeeding is trying.”