Ellen obtained a Masters Degree in psychology, and a Doctorate in Information Systems at Harvard and MIT, and worked for many years in the academic and consulting world. In 2005, she started to focus on what life was really about, and educated herself in healing techniques. In 2008, she dedicated her time to build Alaya Retreat Centre. ​Ellen has worked with groups for over 20 years, and completed 2 years of the Four Cycles TM integrated healing program. She also has her Masters in Reiki, which allows her to teach reiki to other students and work as a reiki healer. In addition, she participated in a first level teacher training of Yin Yoga and has a diploma in sound therapy level I and II, to give healings with Quartz Bowls.  In 2017, she became educated as a horse assisted coach and animal reiki healer. With this, her circle was completed and she is now healing all types of animals with 2 or 4 legs.