Shelly Boyum-Breen

Children’s book author, Shelly Boyum-Breen is a native of Brainerd, MN, where she grew up with aspirations of playing professional sports.  She spent countless hours on the basketball court, neighborhood hockey rinks and local golf courses. Boyum-Breen received her B.A. from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, MN in 1997 and her MS in Leadership from Capella University in 2016. She spent five years in the education field, coaching college and high school basketball and tennis.  Boyum-Breen then worked with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx organization. Shelly later moved into a sales consulting role serving the Lynx, the New York Liberty and the 10th Anniversary WNBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden.

Before writing the Shelly Bean series, Boyum-Breen was the Founder of Foundation IX and the Let Me Play grants supporting Minnesota girls’ participation in sports and fitness.  “All kids, and especially girls need to be able to see what is possible for them.  If she can see it, she can be it. It is an honor to work for girls in sports; and to continue the work that many have done long before me.” And don't forget to check out her new YouTube series "30 Days of Play" where she teaches kids new sports with the help of expert coaches and local children!

Shelly Boyum-Breen resides in Minnesota. Follow her on Instagram and FB @shellybeanthesportsqueen or on Twitter @sportshelly