Welcome to Joy Crazy®

Hi, I’m Shannon Diffenderffer, M.Ed., founder of Joy Crazy®—a joyful community of adult life-long learners built around pickleball, kindness, and connection.  

I am a career educator and Certified IPTPA Pickleball Instructor. I currently teach both for Portland Community College's Community Ed program and for my own company, Joy Crazy Pickleball.

I have a Master’s in Adult Education from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego. Joy Crazy® began after a medical condition and the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for me to continue my studies in a second career path—nursing. Instead, I began teaching pickleball as a way to spark my own joy and realized I wanted to help others become their own "joy advocates" too.

I specialize in on-boarding adult beginners to the world of pickleball. Joy Crazy® is all about helping people build confidence, sparking laughter, and creating community—on and off the court. We are casual pickleball players, who enjoy the fun and fitness of the game.

Born with microtia atresia—without a right ear and jaw development—I have spent my life navigating the healthcare system. I have undergone multiple surgeries, lived with undiagnosed ADHD for years, and experienced painful conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica. These challenges have deepened my empathy for my students, many of whom are learning new skills while managing their own health concerns.

A native Southern Californian, I lived in the midwest for twenty years (and grew to love the card game Eucrhre), where I raised two sons. I am now back on the west coast and happily situated in Portland, Oregon. 

Why pickleball? Pickleball is a sport that is fun, easy to learn, and naturally social. It brings people together across generations, backgrounds, and abilities. I see pickleball not just as a game, but as a powerful antidote to the loneliness epidemic—helping people laugh, move, and feel seen. Most of my teaching is done at the Friendly House community center in NW Portland, Oregon.

I have had adult pickleball students from all ages and stages of life. My classes, events, and programs are all rooted in joy, personal growth, and the value of adding movement and meaning to every day, especially when life throws you curveballs.

Through Joy Crazy Pickleball and my online community, Joy Crazy® Connect, I help adults—especially those navigating new chapters or living with chronic conditions—build joyful, confident lives surrounded by mutual support.

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or just looking for a place to start having fun and building adult friendships—I’m here to cheer you on! 🌼