Friday

Who is Dr. Ellen?



Dr. Ellen, the author of WILLI GETS A HISTORY LESSON, is well known in Virginia as an experienced family therapist, public speaker, and photojournalist. She was a member of the psychology faculty at Thomas Nelson Community College from 2000-2005, and in prior years served as adjunct faculty at the College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, and in Eastern State Hospital's psychiatric residency program. In addition, she was a senior staff psychologist with the Colonial Community Mental Health Center in Williamsburg, a post which she held for many years.

She has a doctorate in Education and counseling psychology from the College of William & Mary. Today she is an international photojournalist with major projects in South Africa, Namibia, Singapore, Australia, Suriname, Provence, Costa Rica, and Ecuador over the last decade. She is currently spending time in the United States on projects in Virginia, Florida, and Tennessee.

But Dr. Ellen is perhaps most well known for her 14 years as president of the Williamsburg Area S.P.C.A. (now known as the Heritage Humane Society) where she established a program of orphaned wildlife rescue services, and raised public awareness about the welfare of all animals.

As the head of the S.P.C.A., Dr. Ellen talked to lots of school children about animals; especially about what to do (and what not to do!) when you find an orphaned animal. She would do this often, bringing with her 5 or 6 baby squirrels or even baby birds or raccoons or fawns who were found without their mothers. Boy, was that fun!

Her interest in writing children's book comes from a life-time of environmental advocacy. A strong supporter of 'Wildlife Warrior' Steve Irwin of Australia, Dr. Ellen realizes that education is the key to our Planet's survival. She tries to help spread the word to children who, one day, will be in leadership positions that will affect the very future of our planet.

Besides, she says, kids are just plain fun to be around. (Oh, and animals, too, says Willi!)

Watch for more of Dr. Ellen's childrens book in the future! The next one is going to be about 'Little Edgar, the Squirrel' who lived in Dr. Ellen's household for seven years until his death. He was crippled by a fall from his nest during a hurricane, and needed help with eating since his teeth were severely damaged. You will love him!