Elise is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and art therapist. Originally from Sydney Australia her career began as a professional dancer. After relocating to North America, she worked professionally in the theatre for over a decade. Elise is the director of The Woods Arts and Wellness, delivering arts to increase wellbeing with a commitment to overcoming barriers and making arts accessible. Elise is also a concurrent disorders counsellor with Vancouver Coastal Health, and adjunct professor at Adler University. Elise has an MA in Psychology with a minor in Spirituality Mind Body from Columbia University, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology – Art Therapy from Adler University.

Elise is passionate about all arts, believing in their capacity to increase hope and their necessity for a healthy community. She is honoured to support Ballet BC in the vital work they are doing, inspiring people here in Vancouver and globally.