After 13 years working as an IT Business Process Design Expert, Ellen switched gears to obtain her Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago. The opportunity and ability to invest in families during their children’s earliest years and the potential impact drew Ellen to field of early childhood during her studies. Ellen was introduced to Baby TALK during professional development training while working with families as a home visitor. The model concepts and culture further drew her into thinking more specifically about ‘how’ we are with families as we join them in support of the parent/child relationship. She joined Baby TALK as the Baby TALK Professional Association Manager in 2011 and has since become the Learning Institute Director, providing training and technical assistance for programs using the Baby TALK family engagement model and curriculum.