Ellen enjoys working with athletes of all ages, weekend warriors, and post-op patients. Since undergoing elbow and shoulder surgeries herself, Ellen has a special interest in upper extremity rehabilitation and prevention. She specializes in both nonoperative and postoperative shoulder rehabilitation. Ellen believes that when battling a physical injury, our mentality shifts from “I can” to “I can’t”. Overcoming this mentality requires mental, emotional, and spiritual strength., and finding that inner strength allows us to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Ellen’s goal is to help her patients find that inner strength so they can return to their lives even better than before.

Ellen received her Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Kinesiology, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2014. She completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Samford University in 2019. During her time at Samford, she underwent specialized training in Sports Medicine and Manual Therapy. She also conducted a research study that involved screening CrossFit athletes for strength and movement deficits that would affect performance.

While working at Ultimate Edge, Ellen has furthered her education by acquiring the following; Dry Needling Certification in Craniofacial, Cervicothoracic, Lumbopelvic, and Upper and Lower Extremity conditions from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy; Certification in High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust Manipulation of the Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral Iliac Joints from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy; and is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist from the American Physical Therapy Association.

Ellen was born and raised in Tuscaloosa and moved to Birmingham in 2011. Ellen has one older sister who has been a built-in best friend since birth, even though they are complete opposites. Her parents created a life of happiness for both of them with endless love and immense support. When she’s not in Birmingham you can find Ellen on her family’s farm, Eagle Ridge Farms, where she’ll most likely be fishing with her mom, hiking with her dad, or loving on the farm animals with her sister. Some of her other interests include traveling, mountain biking, playing ultimate frisbee, going to concerts, discovering the newest craft beer in town, and taking her dog, Sawyer, to the park. She first worked alongside Kimberly as a physical therapy technician before starting PT school, and she is excited to be back on the team as a Physical Therapist at Ultimate Edge Sports Medicine.