In 2003 she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Dance (with Distinction), from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). During her final year she was one of the coordinators of the WAAPA 2004 Dance Calendar, a successful, student-run fundraising project. Ellen was one of three students nominated to speak at the Edith Cowan University/WAAPA Graduation Ceremony in 2004.

Ellen completed her Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) majoring in Drama from Murdoch University in 2004, whilst working as a Teacher's Assistant at Beehive Montessori School in Mosman Park. In 2005 Ellen taught dance part-time at Lynwood SHS, conducted workshops for Barking Gecko Theatre Company's 'Gecko Bytes' and "MajKids" workshops.

In 2006 Ellen is teaching Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop and Jazz as a Specialist at various Perth high schools, is continuing to tutor and choreograph for Barking Gecko Theatre Company, working in a Community Affairs and Training role at a Bunnings Warehouse and also pursuing her own performance opportunities through collaborations with artists involved in the 3minutes.net project.

Qualifications
UNIVERSITY
2004: Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) Majoring in Drama, Murdoch University
2001- 2003: Bachelor of Arts (Dance), Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University (ECU)

SECONDARY:
1996- 2000: John Curtin College of the Arts

* A list of Referees can be obtained if requested, please email Ellen McCarthy