Shannon Kiyan

For some people, community involvement begins as a choice. For Shannon Kiyan, it has always felt like a responsibility grounded in compassion, advocacy, and connection. Born and raised in Fort McMurray, she has spent her entire life in the region, and nearly a decade at Centre of Hope, walking alongside individuals who are too often left out of traditional systems of care.

With a Bachelor of Social Work and a career built on the front lines of homelessness support, Shannon has been a steady and determined presence in a space that demands equal parts empathy and tenacity. She has worked in multiple roles at Centre of Hope, each one deepening her commitment to the people she serves and the systems she continues to challenge.

“The most rewarding part of my career has been the years spent building meaningful connections with people as they navigate their way out of homelessness,” she says. “I’ve been deeply privileged to be a part of a community that exists among our unhoused neighbours: a community built on trust, mutual respect, and commitment.”

As the FASD Assessment & Diagnostic Clinic Lead for the North East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network, Shannon advocates for accessibility and equity in every aspect of her work. She has pushed to reimagine how services are designed, especially for people with complex needs who are frequently excluded by rigid policies and eligibility requirements. She is driven not by bureaucracy, but by the lived realities of the people those systems claim to serve.

Challenging the dominant narrative about homelessness and service delivery has become a defining aspect of her career. Her focus is on low-barrier, trauma-informed supports across all levels: health care, mental health, justice systems, and community programming. Shannon believes that genuine change begins by listening to those who have been overlooked or left out entirely. For her, advocacy is not an abstract goal. It is a responsibility.

Her community work extends beyond the walls of the Centre of Hope. Shannon mentors and supervises social work students, volunteers with local fundraising campaigns, and serves as Unit Vice President for CUPE Local 2157. She has taken part in initiatives like Hope in the Dark, Acden’s Show & Shine, holiday drives, and even a -30°C overnight sleep-out to raise awareness about homelessness. She has also contributed to coalitions and committees working toward stronger, more just systems of care in the region.

Shannon credits much of her resilience and outlook to her upbringing. Growing up in a large blended family taught her about complexity, communication, and perseverance. Her mother modelled a strong work ethic and authenticity that still guide her today. She also draws strength from lifelong friends and a personal support network that shows up with honesty, encouragement, and accountability.

Fort McMurray is not just where Shannon lives; it is the heart of the work she feels called to do. She began at Centre of Hope as a first-year practicum student and stayed because the people she met changed her life. “I hadn’t anticipated developing such a deep passion for working alongside individuals experiencing homelessness,” she says. “But the connections I formed and the community I found there have had a profound impact on who I am.”

Right now, Shannon’s world is centred around her three-year-old daughter. Creating a safe, joyful home is her main focus, while career goals, like completing her Master of Social Work, will come in time. She believes in laughing often, finding joy in small things, and not taking life too seriously, even when the work is heavy.

Her vision for community is practical and rooted in accountability. She believes meaningful involvement means showing up, asking hard questions, and building systems that adapt to the people who need them. Her leadership in Fort McMurray’s FASD diagnostic clinic is part of that work. She ensures individuals across the lifespan can access trauma-informed, community-centred diagnostic services designed around capacity, not barriers.

“An early diagnosis can drastically improve long-term outcomes,” she says. “For adults, a diagnosis can open the door to critical services and resources that have often been historically inaccessible.”

Shannon’s impact is not loud or performative; it’s human, direct, and transformative. She leads by connection, challenges the status quo, and believes real change happens when people are met with dignity and possibility. And in a community like Fort McMurray, that kind of leadership matters.