My Story
Hi, I’m Elise!
I was born and raised in South Beaverton and graduated from Aloha High School. I grew up in a conservative Christian family where politics, religion and values were regular dinner-table conversations. My parents taught me to stand firmly in what I believe while loving people who believe differently. Some of my closest friendships still cross political lines, and I am better because of them.
I studied political science at Eastern University, a small Christian liberal arts college outside Philadelphia. I believe people with very different perspectives can sit at the same table, listen to each other and make better decisions together.
I’ve had to start over. More than once.
In my early twenties, after experiencing trauma, I used alcohol to cope with anxiety and depression. At 24, after three arrests and two DUIs, I finally asked for help.
I got sober.
Recovery taught me about second chances, personal responsibility and the difference between helping someone and trying to save them. It also taught me that compassion and accountability belong together.
Years later, I met my husband, Chris, in the rooms of AA. He battled addiction for more than a decade. In January 2025, he died.
As with all love stories and marriages, ours was deeply personal. Despite the speculation and community gossip, I don’t believe choosing public service means turning every painful detail of my family and personal life over for public consumption.
What I will share is how profoundly losing him changed my life.
At 35, I became a widow and a single parent navigating unimaginable change alongside my children. It was the hardest period of my life. Losing my husband changed my perspective and made me realize that I don’t have the perfect answer. I became less afraid of being misunderstood. I learned to trust my own voice, listen harder to other people’s, change my mind when the facts call for it and be comfortable saying, “I don’t know.”
Why I serve.
I have made Newberg my home since 2016 and have served on the Newberg City Council since 2018. My professional life has taken me from healthcare administration and managing multimillion-dollar budgets, to small-business ownership, housing and community development, and consulting with leaders and working on policy across Oregon.
But the résumé isn’t really the point.
I’m a normal person who has battled the challenges of life. I’ve screwed up. I’ve succeeded. I’ve lost people I love. I’ve watched plans collapse. I’ve started over. I show up. I keep all of the plates spinning for my kids, my work, and my community. And I’m not afraid to fight for each of us to have the opportunity to build the best, fullest life we can.
I can’t fix everything. No mayor can.
But I will work to make our local government a bright spot, focused on affordability, community and the things that actually affect our everyday lives. I will make sure that whether you agree with me or not, you know there is a place for you at the table and that your voice has value.
I’m not running for Mayor because I’ve lived a perfect life.
I’m running because I’ve lived a real one.
We need elected officials who have personally overcome the same issues our community is facing.
