Meet Brittnei Schaeffler | CEO Frost Fund & Personal Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittnei Schaeffler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittnei, how do you think about risk?
With regard to taking risks, I think the easiest way to feel motivated to do so would be to ask yourself, “What will happen or stay the same if I don’t do or try this new thing?” So often we can focus on what might go wrong, but I think staying in the same place or always doing what is comfortable is just as risky. What is life without taking risks, trying new things, operating in faith, and seeing what happens? Most of what I have done in my life has involved taking risks. Sometimes physically, other times just mentally. But the way that I navigate these times is to try and have a sense of humor about life and to also know that I thrive in adventure – even when it can feel scary. Putting yourself out there in any capacity is risky. For me, I have had to get comfortable with the idea that somethings will work and others won’t. But if you are in a constant state of learning, no matter the outcome, you always win. For me most recently, starting Frost Fund was a huge risk. But this incredible nonprofit has now saved over 40 animal lives and impacted many people and families in the process. I cannot imagine my life without Frost Fund now. But it took the initial “jump” into the unknown to get to where we are today and to continue growing. I will be the first to say that trying to save shelter animals who have just days left before euthanasia is a huge risk and heavy weight to carry. But again I ask myself, “What is the certain outcome if I don’t try?” Similarly, taking a job that you didn’t see coming is a risk. Stepping out and organizing ideas into action that people may or may not engage with is a risk. But my favorite part of all of these is the wisdom gained in the process and the memories made. So far, everything seems to workout just wonderfully with time. And personally, one of my biggest fears is not living up to the abundance God has for me in this life. And to do that, I must take risks. I just call this walking in faith.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved animals and being out in nature. This is the one constant that through my 33 years of life that has never changed. What started as just a fascination became a life long pursuit to grow in knowledge and action to make a difference for animals of all kinds. However, it wasn’t until graduating with my BS Environmental Science and Policy degree, followed by a Masters in Conservation Biology, that I realized people are the ones who really need to be impacted for animals and ecosystems to stand a chance. The direction of our planet and the welfare of all animals will not change unless humans do. So, during graduate school I decided to get my NASM personal training certification, so that I could begin to make some extra money and interact with more people. Let me tell you – one of the best things I have ever decided to was become a personal trainer. Not only have I met incredible people and helped them to live healthier lives – but I have made some of the best professional connections through working in different gyms and fitness settings. These connections are many of the same ones that continue to support Frost Fund and my additional pursuits. We have been able to integrate fitness into animal welfare through our Sweat to Protect initiative – something that wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t take a risk and become a personal trainer. However, what is challenging about the field of animal welfare and conservation is that there really is no clear path to make a difference. At least, in my opinion. I have learned that you have to be adaptable, determined, constantly learning, and driven to make a difference no matter what. Thankfully, I have been able to combine my skills in acting, modeling, speaking, and love for education to succeed as an on camera host, a coach, an assistant professor, an event coordinator, and a nonprofit CEO. All of these twist and turns in life eventually lead me to start Frost Fund; whose mission is to provide hope and resources to animals and the people protecting them through education, rescue advocacy, and support. The reason I decided to start Frost Fund was because despite loving acting, teaching, coaching and networking, I never felt like I could find the right professional “fit.” Or if I found one, it didn’t last long due to budget cuts, pandemics, or reasons out of my control. And to be honest, I got fed up with asking, waiting, and hoping that someone would see my qualifications and passions, so I decided to stop waiting and make things happen on my own; by bringing together all the talent and passions I already had and apply them to my greater calling of helping animals and people. Even with these in play, starting a nonprofit has been one of the hardest and best decisions I have ever made. Frost Fund is just over a year old and we have saved 19 red listed dogs from shelter euthanasia, transported, 20 cats from an overcrowded shelter in Southern California to Boulder Humane in Colorado, built two new anti poaching K9 kennels in Africa for Soldiers for Wildlife, started a successful youth internship program, donated hundreds of dollars in hand made enrichment items to animals in rehabilitation, and more. Not to mention, I have learned a lot about the intricacies of non profit management – which again, can be overwhelming and often unknown. On the personal side, being a nonprofit CEO continually teaches me the importance of self care, boundaries, and awareness of priorities. However, many of the skills I have acquired while overcoming challenges prior to Frost Fund’s establishment have allowed me to have the wisdom and mindset to serve as a nonprofit CEO. This work is not easy, for many reasons. But seeing the animals saved and the human lives impacted along the way makes every stressful day (and sometimes doubting moment) worth it. Overall, I am most proud of myself for not becoming a victim of my circumstances. Every time someone told me no or what I taught “didn’t matter”, I didn’t get a job, I was confused about my purpose, or I felt lost, I could have given up. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. And if those no’s and disappointments hadn’t happened, I would never have finally decided to start Frost Fund. And I know this is just the beginning of lives saved and impacted for us. Sometimes, life’s storms grow the strongest seeds. They just might take a while to show up. So, for anyone reading, learn to combine who you are and all you have been through (professionally and mentally) to choose to still show up and do good in the world. That to me, is the ultimate sign of success. I don’t know what I will be doing in five to ten years, but I do know it won’t be sitting still or waiting on someone else to pave the way. Life’s too short for that. I believe you have to learn to adapt and know that with a little thoughtfulness and bravery, you can make any situation work to your benefit and to serve your dreams. In any situation, I am always asking myself, “What has this taught me or what am I observing?” And as long as I am helping people and animals to live abundant and safe lives – whether as a professor, CEO, personal trainer, wife, or athlete – I am succeeding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would start by going for a run at Peters Canyon in Orange County. This is my favorite place to get out and get some hills in along with fresh air. Then, we would grab some Acai bowls at Humbowl and talk about what’s going on in our lives. Probably end up laughing way too much and knowing me I would trip at some point or give them a reason to laugh at me. Then, we would head to Newport Beach and relax on the sand while watching the waves roll in. Relaxing is something I am trying to be better at, and the beach does this for me all around! In the evening we would probably end up at an Anaheim Ducks hockey game after eating mexican food for dinner. This is if we were in Orange County.
Otherwise, if funds were not an issue, we would be hoping on a plane to Florence, Italy and eating all the gelato, wine, and cheese possible followed by a trip to Africa to visit our friends at Soldiers for Wildlife and to some anti poaching K9 tracking in the bush.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I have to thank for helping me to have the growth and any success that I have today. First and above all is Jesus. He is the reason I have decided to do pretty much anything in life whether it succeeds by human standards or not. My dad is also a huge inspiration. He taught me from a young age to “live like I was dying” and that making memories and having fun is often more important than alway seeking the approval and recognition of others. Watching him go through two years of chemotherapy when I was a teenager also really shaped my view of life. No day should be taken for granted, even the hard ones. He taught me to take life one step at a time. My mom has taught me to always stand up for myself and to help others in need. As a nurse, she always gave us the best care when we were sick or injured growing up. I find myself trying to do the same for others now. My husband has also helped me to grow in patience, confidence, and preparedness. These are things that I struggled with growing up, but he helps me everyday to see the world a little differently in these ways. He has helped me to learn that ultimately, I am in control of every situation and nothing is ever as “panicked” as it may seem. Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall have also been very influential in my life and the things that I am passionate about. Their unconditional love for animals of all kinds is something that inspired me to know that this too, is my gift. I may not be wrestling crocs or always walking through the jungles of Africa, but the love and deep-rooted passion I have to help animals and people coexist is the same one that they also had/have. There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of animals. I try to embody the same enthusiasm, authenticity, and holistic views of nature, people, and animals as Steve and Jane. And finally, my brother and sister have been huge rocks in my life. We may be live differently in our adult lives, but we went through the same ups and downs in our childhoods, and that is something no one else will ever understand. I can’t imagine my life without them!

Website: https://www.frostfund.org

Instagram: @brittneirae and @frost_fund

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