Hi, I’m Ellen. I offer upbeat interactive talks and workshops that teach everyday strategies to manage stress, pain and illness.

Ellen’s Philosophy

Sometimes things feel lousy. And sometimes, things actually are lousy. I’m not saying they aren’t.

But when we’re in the muck, we can still have moments of gratitude, appreciation, contentment, relaxation, nourishment …even joy.

Read more about my philosophy >> 

Meet Ellen

I am a recovering control freak, Type A triple-plus personality who has had to learn – kicking and screaming – how to embrace life on life’s terms. It’s been a long and winding road and I’m still on it – I’m still a work in progress.

I’m still dealing with autoimmune diseases and physical discomfort, but that does not define me or stop me from enjoying life. I get myself out of pain every single day. I’ve had to learn how to have a new relationship with pain. I’ve also had to learn how to take responsibility for taking care of myself, too, especially when I’m taking care of other people.

Just because we’re in the muck doesn’t mean we have to relate to it in the same old way. It doesn’t need to stop us. It doesn’t need to keep us from enjoying life, either.

Download Ellen’s CV (pdf).

Invite me to speak to your group or organization.

I speak and provide workshops to non-profits, community-based groups, and support groups. One of my most popular talks is how to get off the caregiver rollercoaster, #livingyourbestlife with chronic pain and illness. My specialty is presenting with humor and participant interaction, providing quick, tangible tools for body, mind, and emotions. Simple, upbeat, and life changing!

If you’re interested in a speaking event, contact me and tell me about your organization and what you’re looking for.

Downloads:
Ellens’s CV (pdf)
Speaker Sheet (pdf)

Get out of the muck

Let’s leave the feel-good B.S. behind and get you a whole year’s worth of techniques, concepts, and tools to get you out of pain, stress, and reactivity.

With simple, bite-sized exercises you can do in just a few minutes a day, Splash Into Calm has an easy-to-follow format based on the calendar year. Each monthly theme has four articles each. Read one entry per week, skip around to the theme that provides insight for a particular problem, or read the entire book at a pace that works for you.

But watch out! Adopting these methods can open you up to increased joy, spontaneity, and pleasure because you are aware, alert, and in your body.

Stay tuned for an updated edition coming in 2023!

Buy on Amazon:
Kindle | Paperback

Here’s my take on all this…

I’m here to challenge you to take even more responsibility for your life. You don’t need to wait for things to change. Instead, I invite you to relate to your situation differently. Because when you do, it softens the judgment, guilt, and even the heaviness. And leaves more space for joy.

“Ellen held their attention throughout the session, making participants feel at ease. In one participant’s words, This session was so ‘everyday’ useful!”

—Kristie Sharp, Atlanta Regional Commission

“Ellen’s upbeat approach to dealing with chronic illness encourages her students to set realistic and attainable goals. Her remarkable ability to relate to her audience radiates a confident message of hope and empowerment.”

—Teri Emond, President and CEO, Lupus Foundation of America, GA Chapter

“As I watched Ellen interact with each cancer patient we serve, I saw that little by little, she was changing everyone’s world. ”

—Christy Andrews, Executive Director, Cancer Support Community - Atlanta