After a long day of work, many people head home to unwind for the evening. Shayna Fonnest, on the other hand, often heads to a tae kwon do studio. 

By day, Shayna is the executive assistant for the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Communication Networks (ECN) division. ECN coordinates the state’s 911 system, ensuring Minnesotans have the best emergency communications services possible. In addition to ECN, Shayna also supports the Statewide Emergency Communications Board and its committees, coordinates events and handles a wide range of work that keeps the division moving.  

After work, though her setting changes, her focus on safety, teamwork and service continues.  

About five years ago, Shayna joined her husband, Heath, in running his local tae kwon do academy in North Branch. Heath leads the classes, while Shayna works behind the scenes. 

“In any business, you have the front side and the back side,” Heath said. “To have Shayna handle the website, billing and technology aspects is priceless. We make a great team.” 

That partnership creates an environment that is about so much more than learning how to kick, punch or break boards. 

The family-owned academy focuses primarily on youth, teaching self-defense, respect, discipline, confidence and perseverance. Students develop athletic skills, but they also learn to listen, work through obstacles and be part of a community. 

“It takes a village,” Shayna said. “We try to stay interested and involved in the kids’ lives, including how they’re doing in school.”  

Over time, students and families become part of that village. Children form lasting friendships, parents connect with one another, and many students remain at the academy through high school. Two of Heath’s children are black belts who help teach, adding another layer to the family atmosphere. 

Heath knows firsthand where youth martial arts can lead. He began tae kwon do at age 8 and eventually went on to win U.S. and world titles in professional kickboxing. Still, he said the greatest reward is not the championship belt. 

“I get more out of teaching kids and watching them grow up than I do from my own experiences competing,” he said. “They can take the discipline we teach here in school, music, sports, a career or family life.” 

For Shayna, the academy is also a change of pace and a chance to be present with the people she cares about. 

“It doesn’t feel like work,” she said. “It’s a home away from home.” 

Whether she is supporting Minnesota’s emergency communications or helping young people build confidence in the studio, Shayna brings the same positive attitude and commitment to service in both roles. For her, serving Minnesotans does not end when the workday does. 

And sometimes, she kicks a few mats after a long day.