Elaine graduated in Modern Languages from the University of Aberdeen and after a period as a trainee journalist began studying Shiatsu at the East West Centre, London, in 1980. Having completed Kushi Institute Levels 1 & 2 she went on to study with leading teachers from Britain, USA and Japan, noteably Harriet Devlin, Shinmei Kishi, Wataru Ohashi, Shizuko Yamamoto and Pauline Sasaki.
Elaine's most extensive training was in Zen Shiatsu as taught by Pauline Sasaki.

For 10 years 1981- 91 Elaine was Secretary of the Shiatsu Society, the professional body governing Shiatsu in Britain. She was instrumental in setting up the Society's Practitioner Assessment Panel which governs entry to the Society's Practitioners Register.
 
Elaine established a Shiatsu teaching programme in Glasgow in 1986 in order to spread awareness of Shiatsu and provide a structured training to professional standards.
 
In 1992 she wrote a beginner's guide to Shiatsu, "Health Essentials: Shiatsu" published by Element Books. ISBN No. 1852303182   Her second book: "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Shiatsu" was published in 1998 ISBN No. 0-00-713114-3

The most recent development in Elaine's practice is in Shiatsu for Horses, which she has been studying since 1998. Elaine has completed levels I & II with the late Pamela Hannay, the pioneer of Shiatsu for Horses. She is the "human tutor" on the 3 year Shiatsu for Horses Course run by Liz Eddy. She is also the chairperson for the Equine Shiatsu Association (tESA).

Elaine currently teaches Advanced Massage as part of a Holistic Therapies Diploma at Cardonald College Glasgow.
 
Elaine's background influences and studies include aikido, yoga, T'ai Chi spiritual healing and meditation.