Team Spotlight: Shilo Zeller
If you’ve received an outreach email, or connected as a Yoga Partner Studio, or attended a Yoga Teacher Training, or read a LoveYourBrain Tip….you may already know Shilo Zeller! We sat down with Shilo to learn more about her experience, and what she’s most passionate about!
On the team at loveyourbrain…
Shilo (top right) co-facilitating a LoveYourBrain Mindset program
LYB: Shilo, your role as LoveYourBrain’s Yoga Program Coordinator encompasses quite a lot! You manage our outreach efforts, support our Yoga Trainings, facilitate the LYB Mindset Program, support our Interns, and so much more! What’s your favorite part of working at LoveYourBrain?
Shilo: Having a team of such thoughtful, real people. I love that I can show up each day exactly as I am and that it's always accepted. We're also a team that's open and willing to get personal. Even though we're a completely remote team, I think I've talked about my vulnerabilities more with my team than with a lot of people I see in real life all the time!”
On following her passion…
LYB: Shilo, you have a background in neuroscience, experience in brain injury research, and training as a yoga teacher. You hold a Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Lethbridge, and focused specifically on research behavioral changes following brain injury. How did you discover LoveYourBrain, and connect your vast skillset to our organization?
LYB co-Founder Kevin Pearce and Shilo at the Brainfarmers Marathon
Shilo: I first learned about LYB while studying abroad. I was homesick and had a long Netflix movie marathon and came across The Crash Reel. As an avid snowboarder and neuroscience major, I knew I had to figure out a way to connect with Kevin. About eight months later, Kevin came to my home university to do a talk and he and I discussed the Retreat program. Two years after that conversation, I volunteered at my first (of three!) LYB Retreats.
Kevin played a key role in further instilling what I was passionate about within the field of neuroscience. I had started on the pre-med route but didn't feel like I was in the right place. Similarly, research, while exciting, was not something I was passionate about. After meeting Kevin and learning more about the LoveYourBrain Foundation, I became really motivated to work for an organization where I could connect with people and be part of something that could help a lot of people. I never thought I would be working with LoveYourBrain!”
On the experience of brain injury…
LYB: You’ve been open about having experience with concussion. What have you discovered about yourself through the experience of brain injury?
Shilo: My own experience with concussions taught me the importance of knowing my limits and being okay with them. I wanted to treat my concussions like a minor sports injury and be back on my feet within a week or so. I've now realized I needed to give myself permission to look after myself - regardless of how long that took. I have some symptoms that have lingered for years and rather than be frustrated with what I can't do anymore, I've learned to accept where I am at and use different tools to make my own accommodations. I've also found that being really honest with myself and those around me has made it easier to just be where I'm at that day, good or bad.
On her inspirational habits…
LYB: What’s one thing people might be surprised to discover about you?
Shilo running the 2019 Joshua Tree Half Marathon
Shilo: As much as I love yoga, my real love is running. I've done 1 half Ironman, 2 marathons, about 17 half marathons, and countless 5 and 10km runs since my early twenties. As a team sports athlete growing up, I absolutely despised running and only saw it as punishment in other sports! Now, I find it as not only a way to stay active, but a rare time where I can really be alone and work through anything that might be weighing heavy on me. Plus, it's a really fun way to explore a new place!
...Plus, Shilo has a few tips for you!
What do all of our LYB Tips have in common? They’re either written or compiled by Shilo! LYB Tips are research-based, free, and available on our Online Resource Library! They’re designed to help you build resilience and support you wherever you are in your journey. Check out all of the LYB Tips Shilo has compiled, and be sure to keep an eye on our social media - we share a LYB Tip every week!