Ellen completed her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked as a professional photojournalist for several years prior to completing her Master’s in Social Work degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since completing her Master’s in Social Work, Ellen has worked primarily in Hospice and Palliative care, providing counseling and support for patients and their families facing serious and/or life-limiting illness.
In addition to working as a Hospice and Palliative Care Clinical Social Worker in both inpatient and community-based settings, Ellen has worked as an outpatient Oncology Social Worker at UNC Health Care, as a Social Worker at the UNC Geriatrics Specialty Clinic, and as a Social Worker for Piedmont Health Senior Care’s PACE Program.
Ellen’s clinical expertise is in Hospice and Palliative care and more specifically, in providing care and support for Oncology patients and for frail, vulnerable older adults living with serious illness. Other clinical interests include advance care planning, caregiver education and support, transitions of care, health disparities, contemplative approaches to care, and legacy work/life review (Dignity Therapy in particular). Ellen is also interested in Narrative Medicine and is currently a student in Columbia University’s CPA Program in Narrative Medicine.
