Shilah was born and raised in Wasco County. She is an avid hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, and an animal lover to the fullest. She and her husband, Albert, have a small farm where they raise sheep and hay, and manage their forestland for grazing and wildlife. Shilah also trains and trials working stock dogs, especially her own. Shilah graduated from Oregon State University summa cum laude in June 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management (specializing in Natural Resource Policy).  In 2013, she became the Assistant Manager for Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District, and two years later in 2015, became the District Manager. Shilah has strong ties to the local community, and strives to help others create and maintain healthy, productive working landscapes through her part at the SWCD. Shilah began serving on the Wy'East Council in September of 2015, and became Wy'East Council Chair in January of 2021.