Shane is a trained scientist and remains active studying local waters with other scientists in Leelanau County and Traverse City. Shane lives deep in Leelanau County with her husband, a veterinarian, and many unusual animals. Closely attuned to the social dynamics of the middle school years, Shane recently attended the Owning Up Institute training with Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bees and Wannabes, in Chicago. Her students can be found roaming the campus with lab equipment, cameras, and science totes; as eighth graders, they work in groups to document the entire scope of their Pathfinder science education. In subsequent years, as alumni, they seek out Shane for advice, commiseration, and laughter. Shane and her husband have three children, all graduates of Pathfinder.

Education and Credentials


B.S. in Zoology and Biology, Michigan State University
6-12 science certification Michigan State University
Masters in Science Education, Lesley University


DTE Freshwater Institute, Northwestern Michigan College

Environmental Leadership Institute, New Hampshire

Project Zero Summer Institute, Harvard University
Michigan Science Teachers Association
National Science Teachers Association

Email: sharrison@thepathfinderschool.org