Ellen began working with IOE in 2009, coming to us from managerial positions at Melba Support Services and DHS. From a role as leader of Balance, IOE’s adult day service, she progressed to Adult Services team leader, overseeing all the adult programs and services. Ellen is now involved in setting up and supporting the Maroondah Hub and overseeing the Adult Intensives and the Prep4Work programs.

Ellen applied to work with IOE as ‘it seemed a very genuinely family and people focused agency which was a good fit for my personal values.’ Ten years later she is still here because of the people, the families, the opportunities, the variety but most of all IOE’s attitude of trying to do the best it can for the family unit and, when unable to deliver, being open and honest about that too.

Away from IOE she is a mother, a nannie  and a community volunteer. She is passionate about spending time and keeping up with her growing family, all 19 of them, sustainable gardening and making things from scratch. When work and family allow she loves to hook up the van and head for the open road or travel further abroad to experience something new.