Elissa Thomann Mitchell

Elissa represents the Transformational Power of Intergenerational Community Living project of Rantoul, IL - a finalist in the Strong Communities competition.

Elissa is the Director of Network and Outreach for Generations of Hope Development Corporation (GHDC). She began working for Generations of Hope at Hope Meadows in 2005. In January 2007, she took a position with GHDC where she oversees communication between GHDC and potential and active Generations of Hope Community Initiatives, coordinates ongoing data collection, and provides technical assistance. Prior to joining Generations of Hope, Elissa worked in community mental health.

Elissa holds a Masters degree in Human and Community Development and a Masters degree in Social Work, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is currently a third-year doctoral student in the Department of Human and Community Development at the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on the resilience and positive development of at-risk youth and their families. Elissa is especially interested in the ways that relationships and a supportive intergenerational community can facilitate resilience and recovery in vulnerable populations.