At this point in my life, my lupus is in remission, my chronic pain is gone and when I do hurt or get stressed, I know how to take care of myself. 

Pain was a part of my life for many years.  From an early age, I experienced scoliosis, chronic neck, back, shoulder, jaw pain (TMJ), as well as emotional stress and tension.   I had no tools to manage stress, anxiety and pain, so I spent much of my early years in reaction.  I was intelligent, passionate, humorous and deeply caring, but living in chronic pain tended to overshadow everything. 

Years later, after the birth of my second child, I developed Lupus.  I wanted to support and empower myself, so I explored yoga, meditation and breath.  The yoga was gentle and de-compressed my spine, helping my back pain and the other centering tools balanced my immune and nervous systems.

When my younger daughter turned nine, she became ill with a form of Muscular Dystrophy.  Her treatments were toxic and the disease was chronic, which impacted the entire family.  I was a caregiver and my centering practices sustained my own well-being throughout.  

I trained for years in the following:

• Yoga for Awareness for Cancer Professional Training at Duke University
• Mindfully Based Stress Reduction Professional Training with Jon Kabat-Zinn
• Svaroopa ®Yoga Teacher Training- E-RYT500 which includes:
• Yoga Therapy
• Yoga for Back Pain, Gentle Yoga, Neck & Shoulders, Pregnancy Yoga
• Meditation Teacher Training, Philosophy Discussion Group Leader
• Self – Inquiry Practitioner

I taught for over 14 years and owned my own studio. I was the Executive Director of Master Yoga Foundation while teaching stress management as a partner of Sichel-Bolt Enterprises.  I felt the impact a high stress job, juggling family and teaching had on my well-being, so I left the corporate world and focused solely on my business at Custom Calm.

Currently, Ellen teaches ongoing weekly programs at Northside Hospital Cancer Support Community.  It is a facility providing support to anyone who has been impacted by cancer. Check their site for details, www.cscatlanta.org.

I bring my personal touch to businesses and groups and customize a program for them.  With warmth and humor, I work with people at their level and inspire them to take part in their own wellbeing.  Simplicity and realistic practices ensures success in reducing stress and pain.

I am publishing my first book at the end of 2012 that cover a broad spectrum of topics.  I will be available for speaking engagements.

Over time, the techniques have become integrated into who I am and how I react.  Not a day that goes by that I do not do a practice, because it transforms my day.   After living with chronic pain and anxiety for so long and feeling the frustration of having to depend on others for my well-being, I am grateful for my ability to sustain and enjoy myself.  I am committed to helping anyone, no matter what their experience and condition to begin to make changes needed to embrace a full, empowered life.