Elise has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's and Specialist's Degrees in Educational Administration with the Superintendent's Endorsement, all from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Elise taught in her hometown of Gillespie, then she was the Gillespie Middle School Principal for 3 years. Here at CUSD #1, Elise served as a building Principal for 20 years at every elementary building and combination, including North and South Schools, Early Childhood Center and Intermediate Schools, Primary and Intermediate Schools and finally the Primary School when it became a K-3 center. Elise considers the Primary School students and staff receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2011 as a career highlight. In addition, she and her staff brought many new programs and curriculum to the elementary schools through grants and seeking professional development. Elise is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, where in addition to working on curriculum, assessments and special programs, she spends time seeking new grants, working with existing grants, and managing professional development for the District. Elise is married and has two grown children who are both Carlinville High School graduates. Elise's first passion is her family. In her free time, she loves to run, read, cook, watch a great Netflix series and spend as much time as possible boating at Lake of the Ozarks.