According to the Puppetry Journal, Winter 1992, Vol 44, No. 2:
"Verna began her love affair with puppetry while working as a costumer for children's nationally televised programs for WXYZ, an ABC affiliate in Detroit. There she met Bob Elnicky, a puppeteer who worked with Jim Henson. Elnicky taught her how to build puppets using foam in the "Muppet" style."
There's the only connection I can find.
David