School
Toronto Metropolitan University, RMIT University, University Of Toronto
Expertise
Budget Travel, Asia & Europe, Offbeat Adventures
- Shelly speaks three (almost four) languages and has lived in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia.
- An avid explorer, she has camped in deserts and forests, ridden planes, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and canoes, and tried everything from balut to scorpion.
- Harnessing a robust skillset in writing/editing, obsessive research, and with personal travel experiences on the map, Shelly loves to explore and inspire others to do the same.
Experience
Shelly has worn many hats throughout her career, from marketing coordinator to primary and high school art teacher to film production designer and beyond. Her diverse journey also includes writing for Static Media's Explore for over a year before stepping into her current role as an editor at Islands. Born in Israel, raised in Latvia, and immigrated to Canada, Shelly's multicultural background has fueled much of her wanderlust. She always strives to embrace the local way of life when traveling, finding joy in connecting with new cultures. Outside of her editorial work, Shelly loves practicing yoga, hiking in nature, and scuba diving when she can — always staying adventurous both in her professional pursuits and her personal life.
Education
Shelly has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media with a minor in Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a project management certificate from the University of Toronto. She also studied abroad for a semester at RMIT University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, a life-changing experience that sparked her love for travel.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
