About BE

Emily graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies with a specialization in Special Populations. In 2004 she began working with Island Health as a Recreation Therapist in both adult neurology and adult mental health. Emily continues to work part-time within the Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation Program where she coaches patients in stress management and wellness through Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Although her interest in Mindfulness was sparked in 2004, it was a 2007 retreat in Nepal which solidified her personal practice to this day. In her other work within the Fuctional Neurological Disorders Program, she draws on this experience while teaching Mindfulness and Self-Compassion to those living with Post-Concussion Syndrome and Functional Neurological Disorder. As a natural extension of her interests, Emily completed a 250 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2009 and continues to teach several classes each week. To complement these credentials and experience, she completed the Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher Training program in 2019 through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. She began offering this evidence-based program in 2020 both in person and virtually. Emily's teaching style offers a combination of compassion, presence and humour. She cultivates the space for her participants to trust themselves, embrace imperfection and nurture growth.

Shannon graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1995 with a degree in Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.OT). She is registered to practice OT in both Canada and the UK and has worked in tertiary rehabilitation centres in Vancouver, Victoria and England. Shannon’s primary area of practice and interest is in neurology and she has spent most of her career working with clients who are recovering from a neurological event such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. She has a keen interest in cognitive therapy, sensory regulation and mindfulness and has seen first hand how integrating these components can enhance clients' function in daily activities.    

Shannon also has a background in design and completed a certificate in Interior Design through the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in 2005. She is the principal and owner of Universal Design Solutions, a practice which combines her passion for creating beautiful, accessible and sensory informed spaces for her clients. In 2021, Shannon became certified as an ASI Sensory Integration Practitioner. She continues to work towards a Masters in Sensory Integration through Sheffield Hallam University in the UK which will round out her design, OT and sensory wellness coaching practices.