Ellen L. Behrens

Ms. Ellen L. Behrens is a Software Developer / Analyst III with Stanislaus County Community Services Agency. Stanislaus County CSA is a public agency providing a wide variety of social services for the residents of Stanislaus County, California. During her educational career, Ms. Behrens attended Stanford University, where she graduated with distinction and received an A.B. Degree in the study of Music. Additionally, she earned a Russian Translator's Certificate for written Russian to English translation. With a natural propensity for technology and specifically computers, Ellen Behrens began building a strong background in a variety of computer programs including early database systems, software, HTML applications, web design and programming. Ms. Behrens began working in the computer field in the Bay Area. One former employer, Sigrid Lorenzen Rupp, an architect, daily encouraged Ellen to be independent and pursue her love of computers and programming, offering great support while Ellen worked as an independent consultant. Leaving the Bay Area, Ellen worked at various computer related positions. Finally, after a number of years, she returned to Modesto and began her work with the Stanislaus County Community Services Agency. After thirteen years with the agency in a more technical support capacity, she applied for and became a Software Developer / Analyst. She is currently helping the agency branch out in the design of Apple applications for the needs of the agency. As a result of having a degree in music, Ellen Behrens is often asked how she transitioned from music to computers. Her reply is simple; she explains that she used all the experiences she gained in various positions and decided to invest the time and funds necessary to pursue a new career doing something that she enjoyed so much. One of Ms. Behrens accomplishments, of which she is proud, is her assistance in the production of media for the Community Services Agency and her work on producing the 2012 calendar for the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC). Ms. Ellen Behrens is a member of Toastmasters International and is President of the CSA Crusaders Toastmasters Club receiving the Competent Communicator Award in June, 2015. In her spare time, Ms. Ellen Behrens enjoys dog obedience training, fiber arts (knitting, crocheting, etc.), reading, spending time with her recently adopted seven-year-old Shetland Sheepdog named Peavy, and traveling with her good friend Phyllis, who is the Chair of the Department of History at the College of Charleston and a medieval historian. Together, they have traveled to Scotland, England, Ireland and Germany, always taking time to share the culture.