Maelen first learned Middle Eastern dance to exercise and relieve stress while going through Veterinary School at Washington State University. After graduation, she continued to take dance classes. She studied with Shiraz, Zaphara, and Majhi.
She has been a member of Shahrazad Dance Ensemble for many years, and enjoys dancing with some of her best friends. Maelen enjoys performing both ethnic and more modern dance styles, and is very fond of performing the fusion dances of our alternative dance troupe, the “Wild Women of Wongo.”
Maelen had a long career as a small animal veterinarian and is now retired from that work. She enjoys riding her horse, creating science fiction and Lord of the Rings-related costumes, beading, and learning to speak Korean. Her travel adventures have included Austria, Australia, and a tour of the Lord of the Rings filming sites in New Zealand.