I'm Ellen Crabtree, writer, editor, and grammar pedant. I've had several careers before striking out on my own, including advertising sales, investment marketing, and communications for an HIV research institute. Along the way I've also volunteered in a community public health project in the inner city of Johannesburg. All of my jobs have involved writing and editing, and eventually I decided to abandon the security of permanent employment for the flexibility and variety of self-employment.

My varied career experience has given me broad exposure to diverse industries and environments, making me someone who "knows a little bit about a lot of things". As a writer, it means I know enough to know where to look for more information and understand what I find; and I know little enough to retain a sense of curiosity and avoid jargon - essential qualities in making content accessible to non-experts.

My experience is more important than my academic qualifications, but for those who care about these things: I have a BA (Hons) in English and Communications from McGill University in Montreal and an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. I undertook an MA in Health Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. I was unable to complete the research component so I can't add it to my palmares but I passed the course work with flying colours and learned what I set out to learn: a greater understanding of the social determinants of health and the influence of socio-cultural norms on health decisions and health outcomes.

When I'm not at my desk you'll most likely find me on my bicycle or my yoga mat. I love riding my bike and I'm a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher. I also like to indulge in a bit of wine tasting, and am fortunate to live in Cape Town, within easy reach of the Cape Winelands. I love to travel, though my work goes with me. The occasional holiday usually involves one or more of my three favourite pursuits. I also sing in the Cape Town Symphony Choir, a long-dormant pastime recently reignited.