Elise is the daughter of an Army veteran. Her father’s career allowed her to experience the rich beauty of the United States. His career fostered her ability to adapt to new surroundings and to meet people where they are. 

With more than 10 years in education, her new calling, preparing students for a world where diversity, equity, and inclusivity are not only valued but also a necessary part of building a stronger economy and community.

Elise has focused on DEI curriculum through her educational experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Her knowledge base includes Cultural Identity In Schooling, Race In Modern Society, Liberation Struggles, Jewish and Women Studies, and Black American History. 

Elise has been selected as a Regional Network Leader for the immersive, cooperative, and supportive learning experience at the University of Kentucky-Jewish Heritage Program.

Elise is a Board Member at the Association for Teaching Black History in Kentucky, which collaborates with public schools, community organizations, and nonprofits across the state to ensure that the rich social, historical, and cultural contributions of Black Kentuckians are recognized and integrated into the teaching of both state and national history.

In a competitive application process, Elise was selected as one of only ten educators from across the state of Kentucky to participate in the 2023-2024 Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship. Educators in this cohort craft innovative experiences that connect to three big ideas: creating vibrant learning experiences, accelerating innovation, and building a bold new future with communities.

Elise was nominated as a 2024 co-Upstander for The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. This award recognizes individuals in the region who use their character strengths to make a difference in the community.

Elise has been honored with the 2024 Smith-Wilson Award by the Kentucky Education Association (KEA), a prestigious recognition that has shone brightly since its establishment in 1974.

This esteemed accolade acknowledges the remarkable contributions of individuals or organizations across a spectrum of endeavors, ranging from advocating for minority representation within the teaching profession to spearheading innovative educational strategies that uphold principles of equity and inclusivity. 

Elise has been awarded the 2025 Carter G. Woodson Award by the National Education Association (NEA). Dr. Woodson initiated what is now Black History Month. He is known as the father of Black history. The award is presented to an individual, NEA affiliate, or institution whose activities in Black affairs significantly impact education and the achievement of equal opportunity.

“I am and always will be a catalyst for change.” ― Shirley Chisholm

Trinity is a certified professional school counselor and serves as Coordinator of Early Postsecondary Opportunities for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. She is passionate about community building and collaboration. 

Trinity was the Kentucky School Counselor Association's Kentucky HS Counselor of the Year in 2018, the Kentucky Association of College Admission (KYACAC) Counseling Service Award winner in 2019, and currently serves on the KYACAC Board as the President-Elect, and was the Past-Treasurer and was previously the Secondary Professional Development Chair. 

Trinity is pursuing her Doctor of Education at Northern Kentucky University, with an emphasis on leadership and diversity education, with courses in Cultural Identity in Schooling, Inclusion, Oppression and Social Work, Critical Theories and Leadership, Leadership in a Diverse Society, and Understanding Oppression. 

Trinity has a profound interest in helping students grow in understanding their own identity, the culture of others, and allyship/co-conspiratorship. She uses this passion as an adjunct professor at Thomas More University, teaching courses in the JADE (Justice, Advocacy, Diversity & Equity) Program, including Understanding Identity & Social Justice, with a lens on Catholic Social Teaching. 

Trinity has also successfully taught College Application Camps for the last several years, helping all students to achieve their postsecondary goals. Trinity will bring the mastery needed to navigate tough topics with young adults with a focus on the future.

Elise was nominated as a 2024 co-Upstander for The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. This award recognizes individuals in the region who use their character strengths to make a difference in the community.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

― Barack Obama