Associate Director of Enrollment Management and Scholarships
Biography
Elissa began her career as a mental health professional for Pressley Ridge Schools. As a Family Services Coordinator, she designed and implemented treatment plans, connected with social workers, probation officers, and school personnel, represented the agency at court hearings, and provided crisis intervention for youth experiencing complex family issues and trauma.
Elissa went on to work as a Field Site Coordinator for WVU’s Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA), serving Monongalia and Marion Counties. Aiming to increase the number of under-represented high school graduates entering and succeeding in undergraduate, graduate, and professional STEM programs, she facilitated HSTA clubs at high schools in each county, obtained program support from health care providers, community members and legislative representatives, and acted as a liaison between local governing board members, students, parents, and teachers.
Elissa transitioned back to the non-profit realm in 2005. As a Program Manager for The EdVenture Group, she coordinated the implementation of the After School Excellence project at 15 sites in and around Pittsburgh, PA, capturing the full spectrum of K-12 education. She designed and conducted trainings for teachers and other clients, led the project team, administered on-site assessments, and wrote proposals and grants. She worked closely with donors, school districts and program directors to establish a successful model for out-of-school programming.
In 2008, Elissa returned to her alma mater to serve as Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment for the undergraduate recruitment team. She established partnerships with university officials across campus, high school personnel, alumni, and community leaders, to design and implement a strategic plan for the successful recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds. She developed communication plans, web content, marketing materials, and trainings, coordinated recruitment events, and developed connections with prospective students from around the country, and in Puerto Rico.
At WVU Law, Elissa is charged with cultivating relationships with potential applicants in order to facilitate an understanding of the admissions process, the law student experience, and financial aid. She manages the awarding process for more than 150 scholarships, serves as the technical lead for student records management, and prepares statistical reports. Elissa also serves as the liaison between the College of Law and WVU’s Student Financial Services team. She was presented with a WVU Values Coin by a former dean of the law school in 2018.
Elissa carries more than 20 years of experience in project management and higher education, and more than 16 years of experience in admissions and recruitment. She is a two-time summa cum laude graduate of WVU, with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts (emphasis in Dance), and a Master of Arts in Counseling. She is a West Virginia Master Gardener, an active performer in her dance community, former President of the Appalachian Prison Book Project, outdoor enthusiast, avid reader, and community advocate. "
Education
- B.A., Visual and Performing Arts, West Virginia University
- Minor, Communication Studies, West Virginia University
- M.A., Counseling, West Virginia University
