Elissa grew up in Arva and attended Community Bible Church as a child, teen and young adult. She obtained a Bachelor of Music Education from Western University, and a Master of Arts in Music from Houghton University in New York State. As a part of her Master's program she had the opportunity to travel with the African Children's Choir as Music Supervisor. She then lived in Uganda for three years, teaching music and French at the International School of Uganda, where she met her husband Kenneth. 

Elissa has been serving as Worship Leader and Choir Director at CBC for several years. Kenneth and Elissa have two children - Naomi and Isaiah. Elissa is so grateful to be able to share the love of God and hope of Jesus through music.