I’m Shannon Ivey, MFA, AEA, PCC—a story strategist, certified Mind/body coach, author, and theatre practitioner working at the intersection of storytelling, applied theatre, and health experience.
After being diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer at 42, my work expanded into survivorship, advocacy, and healthcare storytelling—exploring how narrative becomes a tool for agency inside systems that often silence lived experience.
That work now lives in Poet of Witness, a Southern survivorship initiative using poetry and narrative practice to bring patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities into shared witnessing.
I am the author of Welcome to the Sh*t Show: A Memoir of Colorectal Cancer and the Power of Self-Advocacy* (University of South Carolina Press, 2026), and the creator of The MIC Method™—Message. Identity. Connection. a framework that turns lived experience into clear, compelling communication that builds trust and drives action.
Across coaching, writing, and health-centered storytelling, my work is rooted in one belief: when people can fully speak their experience, they can change what becomes possible.
Looking for a Speaking Coach?
Shannon isn’t the run-of-the-mill speaking coach.
She’s proof of her 3 decades of professional experience in professional theatre, academia, storyslams, grassroots organizing, Tedx (x2), podcasting, and keynote speaking.
Shannon has an uncanny ability to work with clients on the scariest thing they will ever do: speak in public with authenticity and courage.
She teaches her relational, whole-person method of public speaking in group classes and 1:1 engagments.
The day before the 2016 election began a fight for her life…
“Welcome to the Sh*t Show: A Memoir of Colorectal Cancer and the Power of Self-Advocacy.”
Spoiler alert: she survived. But it wasn’t a sure thing.
Now, at 9 years NED, Shannon has a lot to share in the book and in speaking about the power of self-advocacy, the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer, and how to save your own life.
Click below to find out more, order your own copy, and book Shannon for live or virtual talks.
Ways to Work together:
Customized coaching to help you find your voice personally or professionally.
I coach people on self-advocacy, confidence, life changes including diagnosis, divorce, and LGBTQIA + topics.
My specialty? public speaking.
Available virtually or in-person locally to Columbia, SC.
1:1 Private Coaching
Group Workshops
Perfect for teams, organizations, and communities. Develop dynamic communication skills in a supportive, engaging setting.
I specialize in creative group experiences, including improv, expressive arts, and team building through story.
Have a sales/training team that needs a boost of confidence and skills? You found the right gal!
Speaking
Whether you want a workshop or a keynote, Shannon is happy to discuss what your group needs.
And, after 3 decades in front of folks either professor-ing, keynoting, or facilitating, Shannon is beyond adaptable for nearly every group.
Clients are raving!
