Welcome to my Website

There is so much to see, learn and do here. Let me help you to get oriented. The site is broken into two main sections, each contaning a number of sub-sections. The first section is mostly devoted to describing the performances, workshops and residencies that I offer. It also describes my book Doorways to the Soul: Fifty-two Wisdom Tales from around the World (Pilgrim Press l998). In this first section you can also read about Why storytelling is a powerful educational tool, and learn methods for helping yourself and your family to remember and share family history stories.

The second section is titled, "Wisdomtales", and contains a number of interesting sub-sections. The first includes an article written by Elisa titled, "Wisdom Tales as Our Teachers," which includes suggestions for deepening our connection to the tales. There is a bibliography of world wisdom tale collections which I will update regularly with additions from readers and my own research. There is a section called, "A Story A Month". My plan is to base the story on a theme, to offer suggestions for deepening our connection to the story connection to the ideas in the stories, and for sharing it with others. I will also offer readers the opportunity to share their stories and insights related to the story and theme. Reader suggestions for related stories can be found in an adjacent section. My favorite section is called, "Ask TellMeAnuda". This section premiers the birth of TellMeAnuda, the Stand-up Cosmic. TellMeAnutha answers your burning life questions through stories gathered through her many lifetimes. I hope that you will visit this site and send your questions too. I hope you enjoy my site. It was created in two parts. The second part being on a wonderful new very user-friendly web design tool called Trellix Web. Ed Hovestadt, my husband is my web Master.

A Brief Biography of the Artist

Elisa brings a background in dance and drama to her storytelling work, which has been called, "Dance Poetry". Elisa earned an a M.Ed., in the Creative Arts in Learning with a Concentration in Storytelling from Lesley College in l988, which enhances her performance and teaching work. Award-winning author, of Doorways to the Soul: Fifty-two Wisdom Tales from around the World (Pilgrim Press l998), Elisa brings her interest in the world's spiritual traditions to her collection of world wisdom tales and commentary. Elisa was chosen to represent New England at the l990 National Storytelling Festival. She has been performing regularly at Boston's First Night, and for audiences of all ages in schools, libraries, churches and festivals forover fifteen years. Elisa was a Storyteller in Residence in the Boston Public Schools for ten years, fostering an appreciation for multicultural stories, and training students to be confident storytellers. Elisa empowers teachers and other adults to make storytelling an integral part of the classroom nationwide through the Lesley College Master's Program, and as a workshop leader at conferences.

Elisa also has a Masters Degree in Counseling, and is currently working toward licensure. She loves to guide others in telling their stories; finding healing and meaning in the process. She has a special interest in helping individuals and families to remember, treasure and share personal and family stories.