Elaine is proud to be part of Interactionz's team of professionals and contribute her personal experience, and passion for justice, to a community of practice for which she has enormous respect. She was first introduced to Interactionz when she facilitated a number of digital storytelling workshops for the organisation. This experience revealed a shared set of personal and professional values, and led to an invitation to join Interactionz's board of trustees. Elaine feels honoured to support and uphold Interactionz’s vision of building communities where all can thrive, and facilitating opportunities for people to lead meaningful lives. 

Elaine is a cultural/social geographer. Her PhD research involved exploring digital storytelling as a performative methodology for understanding emotion and affect in the contexts of education and community practice. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution. She has held a number of Trustee positions for other community organisations, such as the Hillcrest High School Community Childcare Centre, Artmakers’ Trust, and the Waikato Jewish Association. She is co-director of Digital Storytelling Aotearoa.

Elaine has raised two daughters who are now amazing young women, and she has traveled extensively. These experiences have enriched her life in innumerable ways. She enjoys learning new things, playing tennis, swimming, reading, and being around wonderful, courageous and inspirational people.