Mrs. vonHousen is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, graduating with highest distinction. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Elise is the treasurer of the Rhode Island Track and Field Officials Guild, and a member of the URI Alumni Society Association Audit Committee. She has over 17 years of audit and tax experience in a variety of industries including not-for-profit, small business, manufacturing and individual tax preparation and planning. She is an avid runner and tri-athlete and resides in Westerly, RI.