Ellen originates from Caloocan City in Metro Manila, Philippines, and relocated to Port Washington, Long Island, New York in 1972. She earned a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she also completed two semesters abroad in Madrid. Before settling in the Bay Area in 2001, she resided in New York, New Jersey, and Arizona. She is multilingual, speaking English, Spanish, Tagalog and Waray, and maintains family connections in the region. Professional experience spans over three decades in administrative finance, insurance, and environmental engineering roles.