With more than 25 years in Oakland, Elisa brings deep experience and compassion to her work as a counselor. Originally from San Jose, she earned her BA in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science from Gonzaga University and her MS in Family, School, and Community Counseling from California State University, East Bay. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Her approach is grounded in unconditional positive regard, active listening, healthy boundaries, reflection, humor, and hope—guided by the wisdom of knowing when each is most needed. She is also a proud O’Dowd parent, with two daughters who graduated in 2020 and 2023. Outside of school, she enjoys live music and theater, hiking, travel, baking elaborate birthday cakes, Broadway musicals, college basketball (Go Zags!), cheering on the Giants, lifelong learning, and gathering with her large extended Bay Area family—including one big Old English Sheepdog.