Notable Locals
Get to Know Your Neighbors
Photos by Raymond J Photography
Faces introduces you to people who make our community lively and interesting. In this edition, meet Shawn Spohn, Elissia Wilson and Torrie Savage. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Shawn Spohn
Hometown: I was born and spent my early childhood in the suburbs of Chicago and moved to Monroe, North Carolina, when I was 11.
Job: Director of Community Engagement, Atrium Health; Owner, Old North State Antiques
Typical day
The best part about representing Atrium Health in the community is that there is no typical day. I love the diversity my career offers and the amazing people I get to meet and work with every day.
What brings you joy?
Family time with my wife and two daughters.
Words of wisdom
“Work hard every day and you’ll never go hungry.” My father said this to me early and often in life, and it always pulls me through difficult times.
Elissia Wilson
Hometown: Decatur, Georgia.
Jobs: Meteorologist, WBTV News Charlotte
Typical day
I’m usually up by 6:30 a.m. After a quick breakfast, we get our son ready for school and we’re out the door before 8:30 a.m. After drop-off, I head to the station. Depending on the weather, most days I’m home by 7:30 p.m.
Media to recommend
“Jumping Places” video blog and podcast. It’s a couple that travels all over the world giving great ideas for new vacation destinations.
Words of wisdom
“Do what you have to do now, so that you can do what you want to do later.”
— my mother
Torrie Savage
Hometown: Matthews, North Carolina.
Job: Founder, The Savage Way
Typical day
Wake up and spend time with my dog, Billy. Go to YVY Gym. Work with my team on current moss art and clean graffiti projects. I also run our Instagram, @thesavageway, so I spend time documenting and telling our story. During the evening, I am most likely still working, hanging with friends or catching up on Netflix!
Favorite beverage
LaCroix (sparkling water).
Media to recommend
“Volcano” by Jungle (album) and “Your Sacred Self” by Wayne Dyer (book).