She has an older brother, J.R., who also enjoys acting.
Occasionally saw productions at the Dallas Children's Theater when she
was younger.
Her mother would always say "nothing ventured, nothing gained". That
was what gave them both the courage to take a show at Ellen first
Broadway audition.
Texas, visiting her family. (August 2005)
During her first audition for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", Ellen sang the
song that brought the house down when she was younger, "Don't Rain on
my Parade".
Manhattan, New York, rehearsing for "Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang" (March 2005)