Elin began working with "at risk" youth in 1983. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Social Work and Business, she accepted a position with Claire Bowman as Program Director at Penny Lane Residential Treatment Center. After directing the group home operations for eleven years, Elin developed Penny Lane's Foster Family Agency, serving 400 children in foster care. Claire recruited Elin to serve as Executive Director at North Hills Prep in 1998.