Ellen holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and music from the University of Tennessee. With a professional experience spanning 36 years, she entered the workforce at a young age, overcoming legal barriers. Her career path led her through industries rife with the prevalent misogyny of the era.

At Amazon, Ellen's proactive initiatives led to groundbreaking promotions, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to fostering diversity and innovation, showcased through her work, embodies a leadership style aimed at positive change. Ellen is a highly sought after strategist, speaker, coach and trainer.  She also specializes in guiding individuals on nurturing troublemakers and the ability to define constructive rebellion.

Ellen's memoir resonates with readers by infusing humor and introspection, encouraging them to confront life's uncertainties with laughter and many adaptive course corrections. Ellen spends her free time with her husband and two daughters, her very demanding coton de tulears Niles and Frasier, her sister Julie and brother-in-law Larry, who live across the street, and her mother and stepfather John, who still reside in Reston, VA, less than a half hour away.