ERIN ELLINGTON

Like many success stories, Erin Ellington’s multi-faceted life cannot be captured fully in the unidimensional photographs that reveal only her rare beauty. “It was hard work,” Erin commented. “I grew up in the small farm town of Adel, Iowa, one of seven children of German, French, Dutch and Cherokee Indian descent. My father passed away when I was young. What I’ve achieved has been the result of a positive attitude in the face of adversity.”The elusive combination of brains, tenacity and rare beauty helped Erin achieve her goals. In high school, Erin captured academic honors while also serving as captain of the cheerleading squad and competing on the girls’ golf team, as well as being elected Homecoming Queen. Erin went on to earn combined degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Cornell College, a private school in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Following graduation, Erin worked in numerous professions – as a flight attendant, as a youth crisis counselor, and even as a funeral home’s family service counselor – until realizing her lifelong goal of modeling was within reach.