Elise is the author of four books of humorous spiritual essays, Unhaling: On God, Grace and a Perfectly Imperfect Life; Underway: Reflections on Everyday Grace, Everyday Matters, and In Discovery: Thoughts on an Unfolding Life. .

Her essays have appeared in such diverse places as The Philadelphia Inquirer, Modern Loss, Purple Clover, Racked, Metropolis, Grok Nation, The Word in Season, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. She writes regularly for The Chestnut Hill Local. She has written hundreds of skits and plays for progressive churches, working with Clergy Stuff. Elise was lyricist for the Stanley Drama award-winning musical Flight, and is co-author (with her husband Steve) of 15 plays for children.

Elise has appeared on stage in Listen to Your Mother and This is My Brave (which she co-produced), telling true stories of motherhood and mental illness.

In addition, Elise is a director (of Spiritual Formation at Christ's Lutheran Church in Oreland, PA), and a producer (of five kids). She writes about her funny, hectic life--and the wonder of God's grace through it all.

"Elise is the "comfort food" of author presentations. As we listened to her at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church last week, we sat back, relaxed, smiled and laughed as Elise led us through the antics of her family and the strength of God's love and wisdom. Her books are also wonderful devotionals for daily inspiration and help. Don't miss an opportunity to hear her."
--Donna Johnson, Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler, PA