Ellen received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University in Evanston and worked for several years as a preschool teacher at Wilmette Community Nursery School, before leaving the classroom to become an “at home mom”. During her time at home she had the privilege of sharing her talents and love of teaching with Special Gifts Theatre in Winnetka, where she served as their Educational Manager for four years. Currently, she owns the beloved Summer Stuff Day Camps, which has been nurturing the growth and development of young children for over 35 years! In June of 2011, Ellen and her husband Nathanael, opened Growth Spurts an indoor play space and family cafe, in Wilmette. 

Ellen and Nathanael have two young boys and live in Wilmette, where they enjoy going to the beach, jumping on their trampoline and doing art projects outside.