About Me

Hey there, I'm Elle. Let me tell you a little about my journey from 5 open heart surgeries to founding "Adulting Well," a platform dedicated to guiding people with chronic illness to thrive in all aspects of life.

I was born in 1983 with complex congenital heart disease, or CHD as its affectionately know. This set the stage for a lifelong medical adventure.  I've faced countless challenges,including major surgeries starting from just 3 days old, then again at 6, 8, 21 and 33 years old. Not to mention the umpteen catheters and other hospitalisations. My journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, marked by moments of normalcy and intense health battles.

Dealing with chronic illness has taught me valuable life lessons

Now, you'd think that five surgeries would turn me into Super(wo)man, right? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Everything in my life has been influenced by CHD. From energy levels and managing work to the financial burden of medical care and the mental health challenges I face, every aspect of my existence is intertwined with my condition.

But, it all changed when I hit the end of my tether and was just so over feeling like rubbish mentally and physically. I finally decided to sort it out once and for all. I found myself a great therapist and with their help learnt to wrangle with the ghosts of surgeries past, deal with PTSD, and master the art of flipping setbacks into stepping stones. 

Now, I have a whole toolkit full of tools I can use whenever I need them. I seriously levelled up in the game of life – gaining skills, resilience, and a whole new mindset. I've come to terms with the fact that there's no cure for CHD, and know for sure that I can live my best life and reach my goals.

My fifth open heart surgery in was a turning point.

I embraced it as an opportunity for growth. I faced the surgery head-on, armed with practical strategies and a powerful mindset. From therapy to creative preparations, I left no stone unturned. I transformed my surgery experience, and it became the best one yet. This triumph inspired me to share my journey and empower thousands of others through my first blog.

My professional journey is a badge I wear with great pride

Juggling my dream jobs and health challenges? Check. Advocating for myself? Double check. Navigating a high-profile career with a medical twist? Triple check.

To my parent’s great dismay, when I was 25 I volunteered to work in Cambodia at the World Bank. It was a few years after my 4th open heart surgery and I was feeling awesome, so my cardiologist put up a good fight for me to go. I had the time of my life!

In my early 30s I lived the jet setting life of a Ministerial Adviser. Rubbed shoulders with the likes of HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and the Prime Minister. And, pulled late nights and early starts in Parliament. All in between having a 5th open heart surgery.

Then I found HeartKids, a charity for the Aussie CHD community, and have been on their Board for a few years now. I've loved helping with everything from developing National Standards of Care to Teen Camps. It's a cause close to my heart - literally.

Get the 4-Step process that shows you exactly how to ace your work-health balance in precise detail. 

• By a five-time open heart surgery survivor
• For every work and health situation
• Save your career and your health

Adulting Well is a whole new chapter

This new venture aligns my passions with my mission to empower, educate, and entertain those navigating chronic illness. With a treasure trove of skills, insights, and experiences, I'm here to guide others in thriving through life's challenges.

Welcome to my world 

Where personal growth isn't a straight line, but more like a winding path through a mystical forest. My identity has transformed over the years, and I'm here to guide you through your own journey of growth and discovery.

Adulting Well isn't just a place; it's a mindset 

Here, we take on challenges with determination and a sense of humour. Because life is too precious to be taken too seriously, but it's also too short to waste. So, get ready to dive in, learn, and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way.