Ella-Marie grew up in Lawrenceville, N.J., and attended Villanova University where she received her bachelor’s degree in human services. After graduating from Villanova, she ran a beauty supply store business with her sisters in their hometown and subsequently earned a master’s degree in business administration from Davenport University. She went on to pursue a career in medicine, graduating from Xavier University School of Medicine in Aruba and concurrently earning a master’s degree in public health. Her professional interests include global health, maternal and child health and working in underserved communities. She is an avid traveler and loves learning about different cultures. She is passionate about her faith in God, family, writing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.