During the pursuit of a classical harp degree in college, she began listening to piano greats Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans and Red Garland,[2] among others.
This inspired a move east and subsequent graduation from the jazz program at McGill University.
Schell gained valuable experience playing with protégés of Joe Henderson, Wynton Kelly, and Ella Fitzgerald.
A 1999 Canada Council for the Arts grant took Gaea to New York City where she studied with pianist Richie Beirach.
She has played with Nancy King, John Stowell, Tootie Heath, Tony Dumas, Bob Sheppard, Ingrid Jensen, Bobby Watson, Dan Faehnle, Earl Palmer, and Gilbert Castellanos.