The car is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Shantelle glances into the rearview mirror and locks smiling eyes with her son and daughter – they know what’s coming. In an instant, a spontaneous burst of rhythm fills the vehicle, beginning with Shantelle’s foundational beat – boom-chk, boom-boom-chk – followed by her children’s unique sounds woven into the mix.
Every moment spent with her kids is cherished by Shantelle, who knows the value of laying a foundation of love, stability, and safety for her family of three.
“I was a child of abuse, so my grandmother took me and tried to move me as far as possible… but it was still a hard upbringing.”
Growing up, Shantelle moved from place to place, from California to Texas, and beyond. Her childhood was marred by abuse, and she struggled with the trauma that came with it.
It was the tough love of a high school attendance officer that made her realize she could change the direction of her life. “I’ll never forget her… she sat me down and she let me know, like, ‘Hey, is this the direction you want your life to go?’ It hurt my feelings then, and it made me angry. But I was like, you know what, let me start seeing what she sees in me.”
With that, she dove into her studies, graduated on time (despite the option of receiving her diploma two years early), and began working from a young age. She later became a mother.
As a single, working mom, Shantelle held jobs in a variety of industries, including customer service, hospitality, music, construction, project management, and truck driving. After being laid off and unable to work due to an injury, she experienced two confrontations that led to legal consequences. As a single parent with no money to hire an attorney, her options were limited, leading her to accept a plea deal rather than contest the charges.
She describes her time in prison as a turning point in her life. “I always tell people that prison is an ugly place… but without prison, I don’t think that I would be the person that I am today,” she reflects.
“I was already alone, and now I’m in prison. My kids don’t have anybody because I don’t have anybody.”
Upon her release, Shantelle was determined to establish a new cadence for her life. She began the process of regaining custody of her children and picked up the phone to learn more about Chrysalis’ job-readiness program. One of our Roads Operations Supervisors answered – setting the stage for Shantelle’s transformation and career trajectory at our organization.
In addition to the one-on-one support she received from her employment specialist and access to professional attire in our resource room, Shantelle was quickly referred to a transitional job within our employment social enterprise.
“When I walked out of prison, I walked into a new life.”
Initially providing freeway maintenance with the Roads program, Shantelle quickly rose through the ranks. Within weeks, she challenged the status quo – moving from being the only female crew member to accepting a promotion to Lead. Shortly after, she was offered a permanent internal operations position with Chrysalis and later became Senior Operations Manager, supporting the very teams she once worked alongside.
As a Senior Operations Manager, her role is multifaceted – she supports our freeway maintenance crews, ensures safety and training standards are met, and is a bridge between supervisors and clients.
“Without Chrysalis, I wouldn’t have got my kids back… I wouldn’t have been able to get that power back.”
Shantelle’s career progression is not her only achievement. She also celebrates regaining custody of her children after a grueling two-year battle. Amid the hurried excitement of moving in, Shantelle’s son slowed the tempo when he shared how happy he was to be home. Looking around at what she perceived to be a modest one-bedroom apartment, Shantelle’s perspective shifted and her heart swelled as he said, “You’re where it’s at, because home is wherever you’re at, Mommy.”
Shantelle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support systems and fellowship. Now, as she helps others on their paths to success, her journey stands as an inspiration – a reminder that with humility, determination, support, and faith, change is always possible. “Don’t give up,” she encourages. “You can always find help somewhere if you really need it, and your story can change.”
“If you need to feel weak – to feel vulnerable – do that, because that’s when you’ll find your true strength.”
Thank you for helping us transform the lives of thousands of individuals like Shantelle who turn to Chrysalis’ job-readiness services each year!