Ileana was a pianist, martial artist, and Yoga practitioner and instructor. She trained Ki Aikido with her husband, David Shaner Sensei, Chief Instructor of the Eastern Ki Federation, for over 24 years. She held the rank of Godan (5th dan) in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido, the rank of Joden in the art of Shinshin Toitsudo, and was an Associate Lecturer for the Shinshin Toitsu Aikido Kai [Ki Society Headquarters]. In 1996, Ileana and her taigi partner, Eric Harrell, won the first International World Cup Taigi competition in Tochigi, Japan.