Elayn was born and raised in Zeeland, Michigan. She married her high school sweetheart Paul in 1981, and they have three grown married children and ten grandchildren. Elyan and Paul began serving fulltime in Christian camp ministry in 1989 and came to Camp Michawana in 2018. Elyan's life verse is Galatians 6:9-10, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."