Jelka is originally from Zadar, Croatia where she was certified a Marine Technologist. She has lived on three different continents and settled in Canada in 1986. Jelka has had many different jobs since moving to Canada but she is a true animal enthusiast and says that she has enjoyed working in veterinary clinics the most. She moved to Chatham in 2011 with her son Joe, and her one cat, and their newt. She currently lives with her husband, Carl and their 2 cats Laura and Larry. In her spare time she loves going to the gym, gardening or baking.