Shannon joined the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) in February 2006. She earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Oklahoma, specializing in criminological and familial issues within the field of sociology.

Dr. Rios has taught various Criminology and Sociology courses at the University of Oklahoma, Rose State College and Oklahoma City Community College. She has over 12 years of experience in the field of social research.

For the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics (OPRS), her research efforts focus on child care and child well-being issues, especially child welfare. She has worked on many research projects during her academic career and her career with OKDHS and brings to the team experience regarding survey development, survey implementation, data analysis, interviewing, writing, research, program evaluation, and process improvement.

Dr. Rios has a Black Belt in Six Sigma/LEAN process improvement methodologies and strategies. She is also the Principal Investigator for 5 OKDHS grants, including 2 CFSD grants funded by the Children’s Bureau (the Bridge to the Future and Oklahoma Kinship Bridge projects).