A native of Milwaukee County and a product of Milwaukee Public Schools, De Shell has spent over 25 years working as a social worker with youth and families. She’s worked in the government for most of that time and did some nonprofit and community-based work – providing an array of services from case management to mentoring, to training and supervision.

She is deeply committed to advocating for the underserved, often referring to the youth in the community as “our babies.” While De Shell no longer works directly with the young people, she continues to work and fight for them. Her purpose both professionally and personally is to fight to improve the lives of “our babies.”

De Shell holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College and a second Master’s of Social Work Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is also a Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker in the State of Wisconsin and an internationally certified Life Coach, with specialty coaching designations in spirituality, executive and emotional intelligence.  She is currently pursuing certification as a yoga instructor.