Elena hails from Southern Ohio and attended Miami University of Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Sociology in 1989. The recipient of a scholarship from the University of Toledo, Elena graduated from the UT School of Law in 1992 where she was a member of the Student Bar Association. After passing the Michigan Bar Exam, Elena moved to Grand Rapids where she began her practice. A former member of the Cascade Planning Commission and the Girl Scouts of Michigan trails, Elena continues to be active in the community, volunteering at St. Robert of Newminster Church in Ada, Michigan. Elena also enjoys playing tennis and learning mandarin Chinese with her son, Erik.
