Staff Bios

Shante Sanchez, Coroner

Shante Sanchez has always had a passion for the complexities of forensics, mental health and death investigation. Having moved to Idaho when she was in high school, Shante has been an active and devoted member in the community for over a decade and hopes to serve with compassion, empathy and understanding of the impact of Idaho’s unique qualities.

After graduating at Idaho State University with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, she embarked on a journey to achieve the upmost level of understanding of the abnormal mind and criminological experiences. She received her Masters of Science in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University in 2020 with an Emphasis in Investigative Criminology and a Specialization in Severe Mental Illness and Violent Crime.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and academic achievements, she spent multiple years in mental health intervention as a case manager, skills training coordinator, behavioral interventionist for juveniles and administrator for various mental health agencies. After developing a deeper understanding of the impact of mental illness, she realized the importance of mental health services, victimology services and continued crisis intervention in the community.

Shante received her Medicolegal Death Investigation certification through the University of North Dakota. She also is actively working towards her American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator(ABMDI), a nationally recognized achievement. Shante is a devoted mother of two rambunctious boys, professional business owner and dedicated community member. She is proud to serve the residents of Bonneville County and bring peace, closure and dignity to those that have passed.

Ben Harris, Chief Deputy Coroner

Ben Harris is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in public service, organizational management, and crisis response. He currently serves as Chief Deputy Coroner for Bonneville County, while also working as a Chaplain with Eden Health Care. Previously, he spent eight years as Executive Director of Tacoma Pierce County Chaplaincy, overseeing the chaplaincy programs in thirty-four police and fire agencies throughout Pierce County, and has personally responded to traumatic events to provide frontline crisis intervention services as a police chaplain.

In addition, Ben has been President & CEO of businesses that he has launched, including InnerArmor LLC where he delivers mental health training and resilience-building programs. With a background spanning executive leadership, business ownership, and nearly two decades with The Home Depot in progressive management roles, Ben brings proven skills in team development, community engagement, and organizational growth. He is also certified in death investigation, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention, and actively serves on multiple community boards dedicated to public safety and well-being.

Stephanie Christensen, Deputy Coroner

Stephanie Christensen brings a strong foundation in medicolegal death investigation, a commitment to public service, and a deep respect for the families she serves. She holds an Associate’s Degree from Brigham Young University–Idaho and completed formal training in Medicolegal Death Investigation through the University of North Dakota.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Stephanie isa mother of four and a longtime small business owner. These roles have shaped her ability to lead with empathy, communicate effectively, and respond to complex situations with both care and competence.

Stephanie is passionate about serving the community by ensuring every death is thoroughly and respectfully investigated. She works closely with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and grieving families to provide answers, promote public health, and preserve the dignity of the deceased. Her work supports transparency, accountability, and trust in the medicolegal system, contributing to a safer and more informed community throughout Bonneville County.