Photography: Nina Gasterich.
When Woman’s Day last caught up with Shannon Ryan, she was pursuing her passion for the medicinal and therapeutic use of plants in New Mexico. What the former host of The Block NZ didn’t realise was how the gorgeous garden she’s grown there would prepare her for first-time motherhood.
While on a trip back home to Aotearoa with her boyfriend Dillon DeLuca, she tells us, “We planted a lot of German chamomile and calendula in the past year, before even finding out we’re pregnant. Chamomile’s a remedy if the baby has colic and calendula’s very soothing topically. Harvesting plants that will support our baby is a really moving experience and nice surprise.”
Starting a family in Albuquerque wasn’t always part of the plan for Shannon, 37, who moved to the US 10 years ago to complete a permaculture course. But it became the perfect place to continue learning from local herbalists, teachers and nature.
Having landed a job as communications director at the Upaya Zen Center, a Buddhist monastery in nearby Santa Fe, Shannon laughs, “Then I met Dillon and went, ‘I’m really staying!’”
A chance encounter
New Mexico construction worker Dillon, 32, was handling a project at the community where Shannon was living when she noticed him talking to her landlady. Intrigued by her Kiwi accent, Dillon recalls, “The next time I arrived at the landlady’s, she said, ‘It seems like you made quite an impression on Shannon. You know she’s single, right?’ My face went beet-red.”
Given Dillon’s number, Shannon – a 2019 contestant on Celebrity Treasure Island – phoned him just before a five-day silent retreat.
“If I hadn’t rung, I would’ve been unable to focus on the meditation,” she reveals.
“But although I called, my mind still wasn’t silent. I was thinking of Dillon the whole time!”
When it just feels right
She knew he was special when her dog happily leapt onto his lap, while Dillon was taken aback by how easily their conversation flowed.
He says, “There were never any thoughts of, ‘What will we talk about next?’”
As their romance began to blossom, Dillon’s openness to Shannon’s passions proved to be the ultimate aphrodisiac.
“Herbalism wasn’t something he was into, but he’s curious about what I’m interested in, which makes me feel seen and heard,” she shares.
“To feel cared for and respected every day is so special.”
Shannon, who has been previously married, says every past relationship has informed who she’s become and how she approaches love.
Learning from life’s lessons
“I heard a saying, ‘Trust in the wisdom of your life,’ which really resonated. Don’t beat yourself up about the past or speak cruelly to your younger self.”
As the couple approached their one-year anniversary in early 2025, their relationship was put to the ultimate test when Dillon’s 19-year-old cousin Reece, who’d been living with him while starting university, passed away.
Dillon explains, “He was diabetic, his levels must have gotten too high and it took his life. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through and it’s been a heck of a year moving on. But it showed us how well we support each other. When I was having a hard time, Shannon was the strong one and when she was having a hard time, I was the strong one.”
Finding light amid loss
Shannon continues, “It was really sad watching Dillon’s beautiful family come together in such awful, tragic times – everyone showed up in a way that revealed the makings of who Dillon is. Holding each other’s hearts through that showed us we’ll get through anything.”
The light during their grief was Shannon’s pregnancy. Having discussed starting a family, they were grateful to conceive on their first attempt. With two pregnancy tests confirming the happy news, Dillon created a small book of poems to surprise his parents Rick and Deb.
“Each one had a little picture we drew, and it ended with the birds and the bees,” remembers Shannon.
“His parents got to the end and Dillon’s mum knew right away. Then we showed her the marigold plant we’d hidden the pregnancy tests in and she was wailing!”
Every morning feels like magic
Thankful for a smooth pregnancy, the pair is revelling in moments of disbelief.
“There’s a pure joy Shannon wakes up with every morning,” grins Dillon.
“I love the smile on her face when she looks in the mirror and we’re like, ‘You’re pregnant!’ Or she’ll turns sideways and I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, pregnant!’”
While they briefly thought they were having a girl – thanks to Dillon misreading Shannon’s sex as the baby’s on hospital paperwork – they’re waiting until a planned home birth in New Mexico to find out what they’re having. Dillon’s been giving Shannon massages and foot rubs, and he still finds it “mind-boggling” to feel bubba’s frequent kicks.
Connecting baby to home
While in New Zealand over the summer, the couple stocked up on Kiwi toys and tiki-patterned blankets to give their newborn a connection to Shannon’s homeland, and they plan to visit regularly.
“I’ve been putting my feet on the land and in the water in as many places as possible because this trip is to connect us to the motherland as a family,” Shannon tells, adding she’s increasingly interested in the “plants and amazingly medicinal land” of Aotearoa.
As for Dillon, he’s more taken by our food – and construction!
Family time in Christchurch
“That’s what I do for a living, so it’s all I see,” he explains.
“The windows and doors are amazing here. And I’m learning about woollies and Stubbies, which I’ll have to take back to the States.”
On this trip, Dillon’s parents accompanied the couple and family time was precious, especially in Christchurch, where Shannon’s mum Dedrie and stepdad Mario live. Her younger brother Jack, whose band Desoration releases a new album on Waitangi Day, can’t wait to become an uncle.
“He’s baby’s first musical inspiration!” laughs Shannon, who’s continuing to study herbalism and has just started a podcast called Herba, where she chats to others who have wisdom about plants.
Counting down to parenthood
While the couple has discussed marriage, for now, they’re counting down to their March due date and reflecting on parenthood.
“Just sitting on the couch giggling while we’re drinking our morning coffee with our dogs is amazing, so I can’t imagine how much more amazing it will be once there’s a baby involved,” muses Dillon.
“I can’t wait to see Shannon as a mother. She’s taught me so much about life, so I can’t wait to see what she grows into.”
To listen to Shannon’s podcast, go to helloherba.com.
