For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: October 22, 2025
Farris builds career in autism support
Fennimore -When Shanan Krystee Farris enrolled in Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Early Childhood Education program, she was a single mother looking for a stable future for her family. What she found was a calling.
Originally from Houston, Texas, Farris moved to Wisconsin after a series of life changes. Once both of her children entered school full time, she decided it was her turn. “I was a high school dropout with just a GED,” she said. “When I enrolled at Southwest Tech, I wanted to prove to myself—and my kids—that it’s never too late to start over.”
At age 26, Farris began her Early Childhood Education associate degree while working at Southwest CAP Head Start. Through Southwest Tech’s hands-on learning model, she practiced daily in the college’s Child Care Center, gaining experience across developmental age groups. “It made everything easier,” she said. “We could take what we learned in class and immediately apply it in real life.”
Farris graduated in 2021, in the middle of the pandemic’s drive-through commencement. Soon after, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where she initially pursued elementary education. Midway through her studies, however, Farris discovered her true passion—supporting young children with autism. She designed her own bachelor’s program in Early Childhood Studies with an emphasis in applied behavioral analysis (ABA), graduating in December 2023.
Today, Farris works as a mid-level supervisor for the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, managing a caseload of children ages two to six. She writes and implements behavioral programs, supervises technicians, and collaborates with board-certified analysts to help children thrive. “Behavior is a form of communication—that’s something I first learned in my child development class at Southwest Tech,” she said. “Now I use that understanding every day.”
Her connection to the college remains strong. Farris continues to serve on the Early Childhood Advisory Committee, offering feedback to help strengthen the program that shaped her own career. She said she’s proud to see students gaining the same kind of experience she did. “It’s exciting to see how much opportunity Southwest Tech gives to students, especially those from small towns who might not think college is possible,” she said.
Farris recently completed her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Capella University and is working toward becoming a board certified behavior analyst. She has logged more than 1,500 of the 2,000 hours required for certification.
“I was raised by a single mom, dropped out of high school, and have autism myself,” Farris reflected. “Some people didn’t think I’d make much of myself. But here I am—and I’m proud.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |