Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Knisley.
Hi Shannon, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in Ohio, primarily central to southern Ohio. In 2014, I injured my back in a snowboarding accident that resulted in me being stuck in bed for four months. As someone with ADHD, it was tough not to be able to do much of anything. It took me over a year to go from a back brace and a walker to walking on my own for an extensive amount of time. I was determined to let this experience motivate me to get into shape, get outside more, and explore with my dog Juno, who was only a puppy when the accident occurred.
I started by doing the 52 hike challenge, where you try to hike at least one trail a week to complete 52 hikes in a year. Juno and I used the app All Trails to find trails around us and branch out into new territories. At this time, I had started learning photography to capture landscape photos and photos of Juno and me on the trails.
My first year of photography was rough, and I had so many photos piling up on my computer; besides printing them and putting them in albums, I wanted a way to share my photography, and this was when my Aussonthetrail Instagram account was born. Over the years, I have loved sharing my photos from all the places I have been and connecting with others. I want to inspire people to get outside and enjoy nature with their family and pets wherever they live. At one point, I would host hiking meet-ups with other people and their dogs. I became a travel nurse in 2021 to explore more of this beautiful country. Over the last few years, I have worked near Lake Tahoe, Phoenix, Orlando, Springfield Day, ton (Ohio), and Portland. Traveling for work has allowed me to see so many unique places! While the work was often difficult (especially during COVID), being able to visit places I had only seen on shows or in magazines was a blessing I didn’t take for granted.
On my last assignment in the summer of 2023 in Portland, Oregon, I was working on a cardiac floor when a patient attacked me, and he ended up injuring my left arm badly to the point I was unable to work. This brought me home to Columbus, Ohio, where I saw orthopedic surgeons and neurologists. While I currently cannot hike or do a lot of activities, I’m thankful for the support I have received during this time from friends I have made all over the United States and for my girlfriend Angie and family here in Ohio, who have supported me during this healing process, especially Juno who has been by my side (literally always near me) through the emotional roller coaster I’ve been on. I have taken this time to explore local stores and restaurants and can’t wait for the day I can get back out hiking again!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started as a middle school teacher in 2013. I taught for six years before I decided to go back to nursing because I realized I needed a better work-life balance and to be able to clock out and go home. I wanted to use work to travel and heard about travel nursing, so in 2018, I went back to school while working as a teacher. During my time in nursing school, I began doing photography. I have been photographing lifestyle and landscape photography for six years and am very proud of how my skills have progressed as I am self-taught.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Please share something that might surprise us.
I am more introverted than extroverted. Being a teacher helped me overcome my shyness and my fear of public speaking. I also competed in state singing competitions in high school and performed in musicals and choir in high school and college. I love singing to this day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Aussonthetrail
