Shannon Rouse

Shannon’s connection to the natural world began in rural New York, where she spent her childhood camping, backpacking, paddling, and hunting with her family. After earning an M.A. in Teaching from East Carolina University, she taught in Pitt, Henderson, and Buncombe Counties for several years. In 2019, she embarked on a broader professional journey that included roles in education support, public transportation, and customer service while continuing to deepen her relationship with the outdoors.

Over the years, Shannon has completed thousands of miles of long-distance hiking trails across the United States, gaining firsthand experience in some of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Inspired by these experiences, she returned to school in 2025 to pursue a B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecology at UNC Asheville, where she plans to graduate in spring 2027. She is excited to contribute to RiverLink’s mission, develop practical conservation skills, and learn from the organization’s talented staff during her internship. 

When she’s not in class or on the trail, Shannon enjoys gardening, reading, and caring for her West Asheville home with her husband.