Oswego resident Ellen Von Ohlen has joined The Conservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Ellen’s background in health, wellness and relationship building will serve all areas of our mission, but we are very excited about the ways she can help develop our Nature Rx program.
Currently teaching fitness classes at the Aurora Yoga Center and at Fox River Yoga, a business she launched to work individually with clients and establish a platform for community service, Ellen is also an adjunct instructor at Waubonsee Community College.
Previously Ellen served as a Recreation Therapist and on the Board of Trustees for The Gateway Foundation, whose residents are working toward recovery from addiction. During her time on the Gateway Foundation board, Ellen was training for the Chicago Marathon. Noticing the sense of well-being from the endorphin release running produced, she thought of the residents she was working with, who suffer from addiction, and how they may benefit from that experience. On a volunteer basis, Ellen developed a physical fitness program to address their needs, and the program has since become a valuable part of The Gateway Foundation’s addiction recovery efforts.
Ellen is also deeply involved in community service, particularly as an advocate for the environment. She served for nine years as a Commissioner, 4 years as Chairman of the Environmentally Conscious Oswego (ECO), a commission of the Village of Oswego, and also as co-chair of the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce Green Committee.
“I have always loved the outdoor experience,” says Ellen. “My husband and I enjoy walking and biking nature trails, and setting off in our kayaks when the spirit moves us. I am attracted to the grassroots nature of working with our local communities to explore ideas on how to create an environment that works for all creatures and is gentle on the earth. The Conservation Foundation gives me a platform to continue advocating for a healthy place to live and play.”
She holds a BA from Northern Illinois University and various health-related certifications, including a Senior Fitness Certification and Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies Certification to work with US Veterans.
Ellen and her husband live in Oswego, surrounded by nature, with the Fox River in their back yard and a nature trail in their front yard. In addition to walking, biking, kayaking and yoga, Ellen also enjoys playing the piano.
