(dis)Empowered
by Ellen Busch

At an early age, Ellen Busch was diagnosed as dyslexic and as a result, was given an academic death sentence; in a split second her self-esteem was destroyed, and her potential evaporated. Despite her challenges, or in spite of them, Ellen’s parents fostered her education outside the classroom, by teaching her how to pilot her father’s boat and how to navigate, understand, and respect the ocean. They enabled Ellen to participate in team sports,  to go on a two-week Outward Bound program, and made it possible for her to get certified in scuba diving at the age of 17. As a young adult, becoming an expert skier and ski instructor, Ellen fell in love with adventure and the challenges it brought. Mastering these skills enabled Ellen to persevere and empowered her to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, all with dyslexia.

Despite her accomplishments, Ellen still suffered from low self-esteem, and was consistently underemployed, as well as a regular target of bullies and predators. After escaping an abusive marriage, Ellen faced her trauma and the belief systems that had been holding her back. Even with the sudden loss of her parents, who were relentless in their support for Ellen, she learned to heal and ask for help. It has been through her work with coaches, therapists, and training with Navy SEALS that Ellen has learned to take back her power, to live confidently, and to thrive as she follows her dreams.  

Ellen's first book, (dis)Empowered, which chronicles her survival story of academic and domestic abuse, was published in May 2023. She currently resides in Colorado where she can follow her passions down the ski slopes, and the world beyond.