Ellis joined the Toledo Design Collective, a non-profit urban planning organization, in 2017, and has worked to create awareness of its mission to provide thoughtful urban planning for everyone. As Studio Director, she expanded services to include enhanced outreach and engagement by cultivating meaningful relationships with neighborhood partners, staff, and board members. She established the first annual event to thank partners for their continuous support, organized TDC’s first Park(ing) Day and is spearheading a program focused on design implementation on vacant lots within the Junction and Garfield neighborhoods. She maintains and raises the annual TDC budget by securing 80% of its funding through public and private grants, project fees, and fundraising.

With Ellis’ support, five neighborhood organizations have had their Community Plans approved through City Council as amendments to the 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. These include the Garfield Community Plan, Vistula Neighborhood Master Plan, Monroe Auburn Plan and Update to the UpTown Master Plan and Junction Neighborhood Plan. Acknowledgements of her successful neighborhood efforts include a published paper for the Sustainable Built Environment Conference in Helsinki and over 10 presentations to local and state organizations.

She serves as co-chairman for the Junction Coalition, member of the Architectural Review Committee for the UpTown district, and as a member of the Advisory Panel for The Arts Commission’s Downtown Signal Box Call for Artists. She recently joined the newly formed Downtown Parking Lot Review and Improvement Advisory Committee for the City of Toledo.

A Toledo native, Ellis earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in architecture and urban Design from Kent State University.