Elaine studied ikebana first with Keiko Shimojima, Vice-Headmaster, and then with Meikof Kasuya, Co-founder and former Headmaster of the Ichiyo School, and with Akihiro Kasuya, present Headmaster.  She has travelled extensively in the United States giving workshops and demonstrations.  She holds an Executive Master Degree.  Currently she holds regular classes at Hall's Atlanta Floral Design School.  Her teaching schedule also includes an annual three day retreat for her students.  Elaine lived in Japan from 1959-63, 1968-89.  From 1994 until 2006 she was Director of the Ichiyo Art Center, Atlanta.  Her work has been published both in Japan and the U.S.  She was guest demonstrator on the Lynette Jennings television show and she displayed at Coca Cola Headquarters in Atlanta.