Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Erlange Elisme. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Erlange, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

For 32 years, I dedicated my career to education as a school social worker, serving in various roles that allowed me to support students and families in diverse ways. As a bilingual social worker, I bridged language gaps, ensuring non-English-speaking families could access vital school resources. As a Title 1 social worker, I addressed the unique challenges economically disadvantaged students face, helping them overcome barriers to succeed in school and life. My experience extended to leadership positions, where I mentored other social workers and coordinated support for vulnerable foster care youth as a Foster Care Liaison.
At the end of the last academic year, I decided to embark on a new chapter in my career. This transition, while challenging, is also exciting as it allows me to apply my knowledge and experience in novel ways. I pursued further education to prepare for this shift, earning a doctoral degree in social work focusing on trauma-informed care leadership and practice. I also became certified as a professional life coach, complementing my social work background with new tools to help people achieve their goals.
With these new qualifications and extensive practical experience, I’m exploring various avenues to make a difference. I’m considering starting a consultancy to provide trauma-informed care training, working as a life coach to help individuals overcome trauma-related challenges, or teaching in higher education to share my knowledge with future social workers. This career transition reflects not just a change in the job but also my ongoing commitment to learning and creating a positive impact.
As I enter this new phase, I carry the stories and experiences of the countless students and families I’ve worked with. Their challenges and successes continue to inspire my passion for making a difference. My background in crisis intervention, leadership, and now trauma-informed care positions me to contribute significantly to various fields related to education and social work. This new journey is a testament to my personal growth, confidence, and dedication to lifelong learning and helping others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As the founder and CEO of Elisme Consulting Services, LLC, I’ve launched a business that combines my extensive social work experience with advanced trauma-informed care and life coaching training. This venture will allow me to apply my skills and knowledge more focused and entrepreneurially.

Elisme Consulting Services provides professional trauma-informed coaching to women, children, and their parents. Our developing service offerings include:
1. Individual coaching for women to navigate personal challenges and build resilience.
2. Family-centered approaches to support children and parents in managing trauma effects.
3. Professional development for organizations, particularly schools and churches, to foster trauma-informed environments.
As a trauma-informed coach, I create a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients, using evidence-based techniques to support healing and growth. Our vision is to empower individuals, educate organizations about trauma’s impact, and contribute to creating more trauma-informed communities.

What sets Elisme Consulting Services apart is our unique blend of experience, education, and multicultural background:
As trilingual professionals (English, French, and Haitian Creole), we can serve a diverse clientele with culturally sensitive care.
– My bicultural background provides insight into cultural nuances and their impact on trauma experiences.
My doctoral degree in trauma-informed care leadership and practice, combined with my life coaching certification, gives me a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills.
– My extensive experience in various school social work roles provides a rich foundation for dealing with diverse trauma scenarios.
– We offer comprehensive services spanning individual coaching, family support, and organizational training.
This distinctive approach positions us to address the complex, multicultural landscape of trauma and healing in today’s diverse society.

While my professional achievements are significant, my most incredible pride comes from my personal life—my 20-year-old son. Watching him grow and develop has been my most rewarding journey, and it has informed my work with families and young people. His journey reminds me why trauma-informed care and coaching are crucial for helping individuals grow, heal, and thrive.

As we embark on this new venture, we focus on establishing our presence, refining our services, and building relationships with potential clients and partner organizations. We’re excited about the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and our community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey of resilience began long before my professional career. Born in Haiti, I’ve faced numerous traumatic experiences throughout my life – from interpersonal challenges to the devastating impacts of natural disasters and the complex process of migration. These experiences have shaped me profoundly, instilling in me a deep understanding of trauma and the human capacity for resilience. Life continued to test my strength when, shortly after the birth of my son, I found myself navigating separation and divorce. This personal challenge, coming at a time when I was embracing the joys and responsibilities of new motherhood, required me to dig deep into my reserves of resilience. I continue to work through this process, taking the necessary steps to heal and move forward.

My experiences have not only informed my professional path but have also inspired a new personal project. I’m in the process of writing books that aim to encourage others who may be facing their struggles. Through my writing, I hope to share the lessons I’ve learned about resilience, healing, and personal growth, offering inspiration and hope to those who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances.

This combination of personal experiences and professional expertise uniquely positions me and Elisme Consulting Services to offer authentic, empathetic, and effective trauma-informed services. My life story is a testament to the resilience I seek to nurture in others, whether they’re individual clients, families, or organizations. By sharing my journey – from a child in Haiti to a single mother and now to a business owner and author – I hope to demonstrate that trauma does not define us. Instead, with the proper support and mindset, it can be a catalyst for growth, empathy, and positive change. This is the message I carry into every aspect of my work, and it’s the foundation upon which Elisme Consulting Services is built.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

The journey of funding Elisme Consulting Services has been one of resourcefulness and strategic planning. As a new entrepreneur, I’ve primarily relied on personal funds to cover the initial start-up costs. This approach has required careful budgeting and prioritization of expenses. To maximize the impact of my limited capital, I’ve adopted a lean startup model, focusing on essential expenses and seeking cost-effective solutions wherever possible. A key factor in this strategy has been leveraging valuable resources that don’t require significant financial investment.

One such resource has been my SBA (Small Business Administration) mentor, whose guidance has proved invaluable. Their expertise has helped me navigate the complexities of starting a business, potentially saving me substantial amounts in consulting fees and avoiding costly mistakes. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive network of friends who have shared their knowledge and experiences. Their insights into various aspects of business operations have been crucial, offering me practical advice without the need for paid consultations. The emotional support from this network has also been instrumental. Starting a business can be challenging, and having a circle of encouragement has helped maintain my motivation and resilience.

While self-funding has its limitations, it has allowed me to maintain full control over the business direction and avoid early debt. As the business grows, I’m exploring additional funding options to scale operations, including small business grants and potentially seeking investors who align with our mission. This bootstrap approach, combined with strategic use of free resources and a supportive network, has allowed Elisme Consulting Services to take its first steps. It’s a testament to the power of creativity, resourcefulness, and community in entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elismeconsultingservices.com
• Instagram: @drelisme
• Facebook: @elismeconsultingllc
• Linkedin: elisme-consulting-services-llc

Image Credits

Ronel Obey,
Benjamin Clerveaux
Carl Anaxe
Louis Wilkenson