Shannon Gardner - Program Director 


Shannon Blackmon-Gardner is the Program Director at Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF), overseeing all emergency and social service programs. She has extensive experience educating partner agencies, schools and community members on poverty prevention and interventions. Mrs. Gardner is a strong advocate and committed to helping low-income families reach their goals.
 
In addition to managing all program development and executions, Mrs. Gardner is responsible for reporting data to funders, coordinating staff development and managing a staff of 10. Under her leadership, SELF has developed an Individual Development Account Program, a Microenterprise Development Program and joined the Butler County Bridges Out of Poverty Coalition.
 
Mrs. Gardner is a certified Bridges Out of Poverty Trainer and chairs the Training Committee for the Coalition.
 
She previously worked for Hamilton County Children’s Services as a supervisor, as a case manager for Mercy Franciscan Hospital’s Moms’ Center and at the YWCA Alice Paul House.
 
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the College of Mount St. Joseph and is certified as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). In 2006, she received her Master’s Degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.