40 under 40: Shane Reynolds, Lake Tahoe Community College
Tahoe Chamber | September 18, 2018 | 40 Under 40
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As the Incarcerated Student Program Director at Lake Tahoe Community College, Shane Reynolds helps more than 300 incarcerated students receive education, giving them a pathway to success and employment after being released. In some cases, it’s literally a second chance at life.
A fly fishing and outdoors enthusiast, Shane has lived in the South Shore for nearly four years while helping LTCC’s Incarcerated Students Program grow and succeed at its mission of providing higher education to the incarcerated population.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Shane Reynolds.
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I am responsible for bringing together various departments at LTCC to achieve the common goal of providing access to education for incarcerated populations. Together, we serve eight locations around California with more on the way. Every graduate and student making the Dean/Presidents List is an accomplishment of the LTCC team. My most significant personal achievement is leading a strong team. When I started at LTCC over three years ago, the program was approved by the college as a pilot program and it was a one-person show. I am proud to say we are no longer a pilot program and we have an excellent team that serves more than 300 students.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Seeing an incarcerated student walk across the stage wearing an LTCC cap and gown. His parents were in the audience. Towards the end of the ceremony, the warden asked if anyone in the audience wanted to speak. The student’s mother stood up and gave a speech in Spanish. Although she was speaking in front of everyone, it was clear that she was directly talking to her son. She was letting him and the room know how proud she was of her son. She encouraged all of the students and made everyone in the place feel like we were in the moment. Seeing education affect the students is impressive, but seeing the students rebuild family relationships through education is unique.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
We are all humans. We make mistakes. Let’s work together not to produce the same error.
What was your first job?
My first job was a night shift at UPS. That was rough but was a catalyst for my education and pursuit of my outdoor career.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
My wife, Emer, and I decided to move to this community because we both frequented it in our youth. After years of travel, Emer and I met in North Lake Tahoe working at Sugar Bowl. After that season, we ran a fly-fishing Lodge in Chile. We knew we wanted to be back to the Tahoe basin and start a family together. My employment at Lake Tahoe Community College made our goal a reality. Since moving, we have brought two amazing, smart girls into this community. You probably have seen us chasing our daughter Aoife Lily around; she is spirited, and we have a six months old baby girl, Orlagh Jade. We are so excited to raise our girls here, we like to think of them as Tahoe Tough!
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
I am active in the college and serving our communities education needs. Once I finish my Master’s, I look forward to applying to Leadership Lake Tahoe and pursuing other leadership roles in the community.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family. My oldest daughter took to swimming in Fallen Leaf Lake this summer. I am looking forward to my youngest joining her next summer. Fly fishing is one of my favorite pastimes.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Some Fridays you can find my family at Lake Tahoe AleWorX listening to music and chasing our oldest daughter. We enjoy music on the lake and love Fallen Leaf Lake. I love chopping wood and spending time around the house with my girls.
Get in touch with Shane today:
Email Shane
LTCC Incarcerated Student Program