Hey there! I’m Elise (Ms. Rooker) and I have been working with children for a long time. From my years as a ballet assistant in the studio to developing and executing musical theatre workshops for elementary aged students during my high school years all before ever being lucky enough to have my own classroom. After moving to New York and while working here professionally, I taught at St. John Villa High School. I am a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York and The New School. A former Miss Staten Island and performer for over 20 years on stage, film and television. I am lover of almost all animals (bit of a personality conflict with the “Danger Noodles.”Me and the snakes don’t get along 😉) You’ll find my name on the list of the Richmond County Fair’s “Pie Eating Champions” and I ride a John Deer with the best of ‘em. Because I grew up in Washington state I know how to climb trees, hunt, fish, clam dig and all manner of outdoor activities. I live in Staten Island with my husband, our son and our two cats Nacho and (The) Dude. My motto: “If you listen, they will learn.”