Ella was born and raised in Albania. She immigrated to the United States with her parents and older brother in 2010. Learning a new language was initially very challenging and even discouraging at times, especially as related to academics. After overcoming some of the initial hurdles, Ella was able to graduate high school and attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She initially studied Computer Science and Mathematics, which is when she earned her certification in Mathematics. She has always excelled and enjoyed Mathematics but realized her interests leaned more towards helping others in a more direct way. Ella shifted her academic path to Psychology and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in just 3.5 years, becoming a first-generation college graduate. She is continuing her education in the upcoming Fall 2023 at the University of Wisconsin – Madison by pursuing a Master of Social Work with a mental health focus area. Ella hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice therapeutic services among teenage and youth populations. Ella shares a particular interest in serving underrepresented populations and working with youth in the state and federal criminal justice system. In her free time, Ella enjoys partaking in many creative outlets such as painting, reading (mostly educational self-help books), cooking, and hiking. She always loves to watch, and sometimes rewatch, her favorite shows and movies. Most importantly, she enjoys taking care of her endearing 3-year-old Pitbull mix rescue named Gigi!
University of Wisconsin – Madison, BS, Psychology
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Certificate, Mathematics
University of Wisconsin – Madison, MSW, Mental Health Focus Area (In Progress)
