Elise's existence unfolded in Asheville, North Carolina, where she was born amidst a nurturing family consisting of three siblings, with her own presence nestled comfortably within the middle sibling trifecta. From a remarkably juvenile age, Elise's fervor for performing began to manifest, as she took to the community theater stage in Decatur, Alabama at the tender age of 11, assuming a starring role that showcased her nascent talent.
Elise's artistic inclinations prompted her to pursue a formal education in acting at the esteemed Ted Bardy Studio in New York City, a prominent institution renowned for its Meisner Based Conservatory style of instruction, which emphasizes a holistic approach to acting, focusing on the actor's emotional availability, spontaneity, and connection with the scene partner. To further refine her craft, Elise also enrolled in supplementary courses in Movement and auditioning techniques, as well as Dialects, under the meticulous guidance of the experienced Gordon Jacoby.