Ellen trained as a primary teacher before spending twenty years as a lecturer in a Teachers’ College. She took an early retirement when her second husband was about to retire at the age of sixty. S...view moreEllen trained as a primary teacher before spending twenty years as a lecturer in a Teachers’ College. She took an early retirement when her second husband was about to retire at the age of sixty. She cared for him for many years until his death. She has been involved with Alzheimers Australia Victoria as a volunteer for sixteen years educating medical students, talking with carers and also in public speaking. She has spoken at conferences and been involved in the making of three videos about Alzheimers. She also now volunteers as a leader of a health walk and in several roles at her church. She has a strong altruistic desire to help others by passing on the knowledge gained during her personal experience in caring for someone with dementia, as well as sharing the strategies and insights that helped her cope in her demanding caring role over many years. Ellen was sustained also by addressing her spiritual needs.view less