About Shannon Palmer
Shannon Palmer, DPT, CSM, CSPO
THE “FORMAL” BIO
Dr. Shannon C. Palmer is a dynamic healthcare executive and operational leader with over 20 years of experience in healthcare management, strategic development, and entrepreneurship. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Great Fish Agility, she co-founded a successful consulting division for home health and hospice alongside an innovative home education resources business.
Shannon’s expertise is rooted in a deep clinical understanding, holding a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University. This foundation amplifies her impact on business growth, patient care, and operational efficiency. She has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving financial stability in demanding healthcare environments, including her tenure as Director of Home Health and Hospice at Westminster Canterbury At Home, where she led the agency to a 5-Star rating.
A dedicated humanitarian, Shannon has a long-standing commitment to social contribution. She has led international volunteer initiatives with Physicians for Peace, improving access to healthcare and providing critical training in underserved communities. Her unique blend of clinical expertise, business acumen, and compassionate leadership makes her a transformative force in both the healthcare and education sectors.
Leadership Stats
Developing Healthcare Leaders And High-Performance Clinical Teams
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the healthcare industry, I specialize in elevating patient care standards and operational excellence. My focus is on building resilient clinical teams and developing leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern healthcare with integrity and vision.
Leveraging more than two decades of hands-on clinical and executive leadership to drive strategic growth and innovation in healthcare and education.
Implemented strategic frameworks and leveraged technology at Great Fish Agility to boost efficiency by 25% across both the healthcare consulting and educational resource divisions.
Successfully led and mentored a multidisciplinary team of 40 clinical, support, and administrative staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional excellence.
As Director, guided a home health and hospice agency to achieve an exemplary 5-Star Medicare rating, reflecting the highest standards of quality assurance and patient care.
My Story
My journey began with a deep-seated desire to help people heal and regain their independence, which led me to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In my early career, I specialized in complex cases, from helping amputees learn to walk again to rehabilitating athletes. This hands-on clinical experience taught me that the best outcomes are born from compassion, innovation, and a relentless focus on the individual’s needs.
As I moved into leadership roles, I discovered a new passion: building and empowering the teams that provide this critical care. I took on challenges like ensuring Medicare compliance, managing large-scale budgets, and leading a home health and hospice agency to achieve a 5-Star rating. Each step was driven by the belief that operational excellence and compassionate care must go hand-in-hand.
In 2022, I co-founded Great Fish Agility to broaden my impact. We launched a consulting firm to help other healthcare organizations thrive and an educational resources business to support families. This venture is the culmination of my life’s work—blending clinical expertise, strategic leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Whether I’m developing a new business strategy or volunteering on a medical mission, my goal remains the same: to create systems that empower people and improve lives.
My Values
What I am most proud of is the tangible difference I’ve been able to make in people’s lives, whether it’s a patient taking their first steps after an amputation or a team member growing into a confident leader. My career has been built on a foundation of service, empathy, and a core belief in the power of community.
My volunteer work has been one of the most formative experiences of my life. Since 2005, I have traveled with Physicians for Peace to provide care and training in places like Guatemala and Turkey. Serving as a team leader for a start-up pediatric clinic and acting as a liaison with the Guatemalan government taught me that true leadership is about building bridges and lifting others up. These experiences ground me in my purpose and continually shape my approach to business and life.
I believe that success is measured not by titles or profits, but by the positive impact we leave on the world. My mission is to use my skills to build healthier communities, empower the next generation of leaders, and create opportunities for others to thrive. If you are driven by a similar desire to make a meaningful difference, I would be honored to join you on your journey.
Trusted by Global Industry Leaders
We have empowered professionals from some of the world’s most prestigious organizations:
Google
Apple
Microsoft
Amazon
Meta
Advance Auto Parts
Capital One
State Street
NASA
DOD
DOT