Canon was raised in Upstate New York and lived in Massachusetts and Vermont before moving to New York City. After working as a babysitter and tutor throughout her high school years, Canon studied history and secondary education at Boston College. During this time, she worked in the Boston Public School System as a student teacher and a substitute teacher.

Since living in New York City, Canon has held various jobs that all tie together with core themes of education, caregiving, and art. While working as a writing tutor, communications assistant, and bookseller, Canon earned an MA degree in Journalism & Publishing, with a minor in Design Studies, from The New School for Social Research in Manhattan.

Canon sees herself as a lifelong learner and encourages curiosity, imagination, and creativity with all her students. In addition to afternoons at Magic Art Club, Canon teaches a computer learning class at a senior center, works as a direct care companion with seniors, and writes poetry. Canon practices a growth mindset with herself and all those learning around her.