Coffman thankful for chance to learn from LCC

Shantelle Coffman was born in Muncie, Indiana and raised in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where she lived until her freshman year of high school. Her family then relocated to Toledo for her father’s job. Coffman was heavily involved in athletics — playing volleyball, basketball and softball — and earned a varsity letter in volleyball.

Her family returned to Reynoldsburg for her senior year, and although she had always been involved in sports, Coffman decided not to participate that final year so she could fully enjoy senior activities and work part‑time.

While in high school, Coffman dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, drawn to the appeal of travel. However, she pivoted from that career path and enrolled at Ohio University’s Lancaster campus in 1991, completing general education courses while working part‑time. She later transferred to OU’s main campus for her sophomore year but decided to return home, work and enroll at Columbus State Community College, earning an associate degree in legal assisting in 1994.

Coffman's first job after college was with Ohio Title. In 1995 she married her husband Thad and welcomed their first son Corbin in 1996. She chose to become a stay‑at‑home mom, a role Thad strongly supported. They later welcomed two more sons — Carter in 2000 and Cayden in 2001.

As a dedicated and involved mother, Shantelle immersed herself in her children’s activities and education. She volunteered regularly in classrooms, participated in PTO, and later became active in athletic boosters for soccer, basketball, swimming and tennis, holding leadership positions in several clubs.

In 2004 the family moved from Pataskala to Coshocton. Shortly after, her mother‑in‑law introduced her to the Coshocton Junior Women’s Club. Through the organization Coffman met many community members and eventually served as vice president and president. Reflecting on her years at home, she said, “I didn’t sit still as a stay‑at‑home mom.”

Coffman reentered the workforce in 2018 as the campus coordinator at NewPointe Community Church. In this role she organized administrative functions, coordinated programs and events, and recruited and engaged volunteers. She also helped organize Community Impact Day for the Coshocton campus. After a year she decided to step back to be more present at home as her youngest neared graduation.

Coffman is proud of her children. Corbin is a physical therapist, Carter serves as a logistic specialist petty officer second class in the Navy and Cayden will graduate from Ohio University in May with a master’s degree in athletic training.

She returned to the legal field in 2022 as a receptionist at a local law firm. During that time she built a strong professional connection with attorney Kelly Bratton, and in April 2025, she joined Bratton Law LLC in an initial dual role as receptionist and paralegal.

Today, Coffman works as an estate planning paralegal, working closely with clients from their initial intake through document signing. Recently, she has ventured into assisting with the firm's growing elder law practice and also guardianship cases. She said she enjoys getting to know the individuals and families she works with and takes pride in helping make the legal process feel organized, approachable and supportive.

In addition to her involvement with the Coshocton Junior Women’s Club, Coffman serves on the promotion committee for Our Town Coshocton and is a member of NewPointe Community Church. Her hobbies include entertaining, party planning, and creating memories with family and friends.

Kelly Bratton encouraged Coffman to participate in Leadership Coshocton County. Coffman said she had always wanted to join the program if given the opportunity.

“I’m glad I did. I’m learning so much,” she said.

Coffman said she is eager to absorb everything and noted the public‑speaking components have been particularly valuable for her.

Coffman describes Coshocton as a helpful and caring community that truly embodies the saying, “It takes a village.” She said she appreciates people look out for one another and genuinely want the community to thrive.

“It’s powerful to have a community that wants the best for their families and businesses,” she said.

When asked what will make Coshocton County stronger, Coffman highlighted the importance of programs like LCC.

“By building people up to take what they’ve learned into their businesses or communities — whether it’s church, school or service — we help the community thrive and prosper by building more leaders,” she said.

Coffman believes the next generation of leaders must be cultivated from within.

Coffman said she would recommend LCC to others. “Anybody can learn from LCC," she said. "It teaches you to keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on in the community. I’m encouraging family members to participate.”

Coffman concluded by expressing gratitude. “I am thankful to Kelly for this opportunity and for sponsoring my participation in the program,” she said.