Ellen grew up in California’s central coast and graduated from the University of Puget Sound. She spent the next 20 years working as a Production Supervisor and Head of Production in the film industry producing hundreds of commercials. After her sons were born, she became active in the charter school movement and was a Founding Parent of two Los Angeles schools. Her passion for education, her concern for social justice and community service reshaped her work life and she transitioned to leadership roles supporting public charter schools—part of her mission being to improve organizational structures that would ensure students had access to services that increase their chances of success. She is thrilled to join the mission-driven team at Food Forward and to continue working in support of kids and families. Ellen lives in the San Fernando Valley with her family and their beloved dog Mac. She loves hiking, sharing meals with friends, art, board games and Jeopardy!