WDM Leaders

Inaugural Class of 2009

Shahna Janssen is the Director of Community Education for the West Des Moines Community School District. The Community Education department was created in 1974 and works to address the needs of the total community. Shahna coordinates a 45 member advisory council which engages citizens in a process to identify the needs of the community and mobilize action around those needs. Community Education currently provides a number of services including before and afterschool childcare, continuing education classes, early childhood opportunities, service learning and facility usage.

Shahna is an active member of her community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Senior Olympics and the Walnut Creek YMCA. She is a strong supporter of the West Des Moines Police Department, serving on the Advisory Council and Steering Committee for the Youth Justice Initiative, and as a member of the Chief’s Advisory Council. Shahna also co-chairs the West Des Moines Substance Abuse Prevention Community Coalition and serves on the Board of the Iowa Community Education Association.

Shahna graduated for the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Family Life Education. She spent 10 years working in the field of substance abuse prevention before joining the West Des Moines Community School District. Shahna and her husband Adam enjoy spending time with their two young children and learning about the world from their perspective.