1. Let’s start with the basics—where are you originally from, and what brought you to this area? How long have you been living here?
I’m originally from Stockton, NJ, just outside of Flemington on the way to Sergeantsville. I grew up in a tiny school in Delaware Township that reminds me so much of our Mendham Township Schools. My husband, Steve, is from Chester, and we always knew we wanted to raise our family in the West Morris Mendham area. We built our home in 2013 and moved in just one month before our second daughter was born. It’s been home ever since.
2. Tell us about your family! How many kiddos do you have, and what ages/stages are they in?
We have two daughters, Madison (12) and Ellery (11) and they are both in middle school this year. Our lives basically revolve around the Chester Mendham sports circuit, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Steve and I both volunteer on the board for Basketball and Lacrosse and coach for both of their grade levels. The girls play field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball, and we love cheering them on from the sidelines. Sports have become our family’s favorite way to spend time together and stay connected.
3. Can you share how you became a part of Ellie MD?
Like so many moms, I was doom scrolling one night when I couldn’t sleep, searching for answers and ways to feel like myself again. I felt like I was doing everything right: eating well, working out, getting my steps in, yet nothing was changing. My energy, my body composition, even my mood felt off. Every doctor told me my labs were fine, but I knew something deeper was missing. That’s when I discovered the world of peptides for health and longevity. Once I started learning about how they work with your body to restore balance and function, everything changed, and I knew I had to share it. That’s what led me to EllieMD.
4. What exactly is Ellie MD and what type of products do you offer?
EllieMD is a concierge telehealth medicine platform that focuses on peptide therapeutics and preventative healthcare. We partner with trusted, licensed 503A and 503B pharmacies and a network of functional medicine providers to bring prescription-grade products directly to patients.
Our mission is simple: make longevity, hormone optimization, weight management, sexual wellness, and skin health accessible and affordable. Think of it as having celebrity-level access to advanced health and anti-aging solutions at regular-people prices.
5. Has health and wellness always been something you were interested in?
It really has. I grew up as a multi-sport athlete and spent more than 10 years coaching high school teams. In my early teaching years, I even became a certified personal trainer because I was fascinated by nontraditional ways to build strength and improve performance. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a runner (I like to joke that I only run if I’m being chased), but I’ve always loved the empowerment that comes from lifting heavy and feeling strong. Years ago, I became certified in a proprietary Smart Muscle and Bone Activation System that delivered powerful results in a fraction of the time, which was perfect for busy moms and professionals. Looking back, that curiosity for innovative wellness methods is what eventually led me to peptides and longevity medicine.
6. If a mom reading this wants to learn more, but has no clue where to start—what’s step one with Ellie MD?
Step one is simple: connect with me. I always start with this question: If you had a magic wand and could change one thing about your health in the next 60 days,
what would it be? It could be energy, weight, muscle tone, inflammation, sleep, hormone balance, skin, or just wanting to feel like yourself again. Once we identify your goals, I help match you with the right peptide protocol. From there, you complete a health questionnaire that’s reviewed by a licensed provider in our network. If approved, the prescription ships directly to your door in a temperature-controlled package. Throughout your journey, I stay connected for support, education, and encouragement, but you also have access to your prescribing provider 24/7 for messaging, dosage personalization, and ongoing care.
7. As a mom and a business owner, what has been the biggest challenge in juggling both roles — and what’s helped you stay grounded?
The funny thing is, my teaching career and my work with EllieMD are deeply connected. I’ve been a high-school English teacher for 25 years, and that same love for teaching and empowering others is what drives me in this space too.
In the classroom, I help students find their voice and confidence. With EllieMD, I help women rediscover their health and confidence, often after years of feeling unheard or dismissed. Both roles light me up. EllieMD has also become a creative outlet for me. Whether I’m breaking down a complex peptide in a way anyone can understand or laughing with my daughters as we film a new Instagram reel, it brings me joy. My goal is simple: to remind women they’re not alone, and that there are safe, effective ways to start feeling good again. That’s what keeps me grounded and grateful.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Travel! We love to explore new places – especially those where we can be on the water.
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Hazel Boutique – The Hazelnut Cafe – Lavallette, NJ
3 – Favorite lunch place? Fresh Pressed in Bernardsville – Their black bean burger wrap is amazing!
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Riamede – get the Apple Cider Donuts.
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Ristorante MV
6 – Favorite boutique? BBoutique in Bernardsville
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Black Horse or MV
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Mendham Bagels
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Sapori d’Italia – I love the family that owns it.
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Mendham Creamery
This interview was done in partnership with Heather Hunkele, Founding Partner @EllieMD, be sure to follow her on social media below:
