About BE
Our Story
In 2009 Studio BE founders Emily Becker and Shannon Ellis began working together in their respective therapeutic roles serving clients rehabilitating from neurological injuries. Through their extensive clinical work, they began to recognize a gap in service for people living with sensory overload. In 2019, Shannon and Emily chose to formalize their therapeutic partnership with the creation of Studio BE (Studio Becker Ellis). Utilizing a collaborative, clinical and experience-based approach towards well-being, Studio BE offers resources and programs including Mindful Sensations and Mindful Self-Compassion.
The Spiral
According to Carl Jung, the spiral is a sacred symbol that represents the journey and change of life as it unfolds. The spiral can represent the consciousness of nature beginning or ending from it's centre, expanding outwardly or contracting inwardly. It can also represent the slow reveal of things that are hidden as well as growth and evolution.
Our Values
- Be Curious: Seek knowledge. Increase awareness. Nurture growth.
- Be Kind: Practice non-judgement. Develop self-compassion. Nourish your soul.
- Be Present: Focus on the breath. Ground yourself in the moment. Expand your experience.
- Be Authentic: Cultivate courage. Allow vulnerability. Embrace imperfection.
- Be Connected: Trust yourself. Explore with others. Create a community.
Founding Team Members
Emily Becker
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 Ellis
Shannon graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1995 with a degree in Occupational Therapy (B.Sc. OT). Registered to practice in both Canada and the UK, she has worked in tertiary rehabilitation centers across Vancouver, Victoria, and England. Specializing in neurology, Shannon has dedicated much of her career to supporting clients recovering from neurological events such as strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
Her expertise lies in cognitive therapy, sensory regulation, and mindfulness, areas she is deeply passionate about. Shannon has witnessed how integrating these components can significantly enhance clients' daily functioning. In 2023, she earned an Advanced Diploma in ASI Sensory Integration and is currently pursuing a Masters in Sensory Integration from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. In 2024, she became a Trained Teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion, further broadening her holistic approach to care.
Shannon also has a background in design, having completed a certificate in Interior Design from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in 2005. As the principal and owner of Shannon Ellis OT (Universal Design Solutions), she merges her passion for creating accessible, sensory-informed environments with her therapeutic work. This unique combination of design, occupational therapy, and sensory wellness coaching allows Shannon to help clients thrive in beautiful, functional spaces tailored to their needs.
Workshop Co-Facilitators
Anne DuVall
Dr Anne DuVall is a Family Physician. She had a community family practice in Barrie, Ontario for over 30 years. Her clinical work now is centered in Palliative Care. She has completed her practicum with the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training at the Bliss studio in Barrie. During her many years of helping patients, Dr DuVall has discovered that practicing self-compassion allows for a more full and healthy life. Caring for yourself really makes a difference and you deserve it.
Karen Baker
Karen graduated from the University of Alberta in 1998 with a degree in Occupational Therapy. She works in an Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation program since 2002, working with adults with a range of neurological diagnoses, including stroke, tumour, MS, and post concussion syndrome. She has a particular interest in cognitive-perceptual rehabilitation, with a focus on self-awareness and self-management. She has been excited to incorporate sensory regulation and mindfulness into her daily practice and witness the significant impact they have had on her clients’ quality of life and functional outcomes.
Studio BE will be moving to a new site December 31, 2024
We are currently going through some transitions at Studio BE so the look of our website will be changing over the coming months and this website in its current form will be moving. Nothing for you to do except follow us to our new site. If you want to reach us please send us an email.