Sarah's Most Memorable Guests — Shanelle Dawson - Voice of Asia

The "Conversations" program will bring you a summer special, featuring a selection of the most memorable guest segments from Sarah's interviews over the years.

When Shanelle Dawson's mother, Lynette, disappeared from their home, she was only four years old. Soon after, her father's former student, who was also her teenage babysitter, moved into their house. She began wearing Lynette's wedding ring, her clothes, and became the reluctant stepmother to the two daughters.

Shanelle was told from a young age that her mother had abandoned her. But more than 30 years later, after her family became the subject of the hit true-crime podcast "The Teacher's Pet," Chris Dawson was convicted in 2022 of murdering his wife and sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Throughout her life, Shanelle has been dealing with the impact of trauma, lies, and domestic violence. But she has also found the strength to confront her father and create a completely new life for herself and her daughters.

"My Mother's Eyes," published by Hachette, was originally broadcast in October 2023. If you need someone to talk to, Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support, please call 13 11 14. You can also chat with a counselor via text or online, please visit [here](https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/).