Ellisa Katrece Clark- Rawls

Lady Ellisa K. Rawls is one of two children born to Evangelist Elizabeth and Deacon Ellis Clark. She is a Newark native with a strong Christian heritage. Having attended the Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church, Saint Paul’s Unified Freewill Baptist Church and now Citi Church; she is well versed in the rich culture of the church.  Her life in Jesus Christ and the great salvation she enjoys in His name is the foundation for her life’s meaning, pursuits and service.

 

Ellisa is the First Lady of The ST. Paul Church, Atlantic Highlands NJ; where her husband, Brian Rawls Sr., is the pastor. She is the Head of Women’s Ministries and the Director of the Core Team. Under their Spirit-led administration, St. Paul is enjoying a season of bounty and great harvest.

 

Lady Ellisa’s keen insight into human relationships has found her dubbed by her husband as a “prophetess of marriage and family matters”. Her wisdom and divinely-balanced approach to problem solving has made her a sought after speaker and counselor to many friends, celebrities and congregants.

 

Throughout her Christian life, she has served as served in many leadership roles. Over the past 20 years, she worked side by side with her husband teaching, planting and strengthening churches.  Her keen knack for administration makes her an asset to every community she serves.

 

Ellisa’s record of accomplishments is not confined to the church. With all glory to God, Ellisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University; and a Master of Education degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth. She is currently completing her Doctoral work at St. Elizabeth University, where she will obtain A Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2026.

 

She is a Member of:

• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

• Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in the field of education.

• And has completed the Executive Leadership program through Rutgers University

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

• New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA)

 

She has been honorably awarded and cited by:

• The Unified Vailsburg Service Organization

• The City of Newark Municipal Council

• The New Jersey State Assembly

• Mayor Ras Baraka

• Senator Cory Booker

• The Delta Pi Chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa national sorority as an outstanding First Lady and Spiritual Icon.

• She is the recipient of the New Jersey Pastor's Wives Award

 

For over 20 Years, Lady Ellisa has been employed in the area of education and childcare. A snapshot of her professional profile includes the establishment of Genesis Learning Place, her own childcare center; Blessed Sacrament School, where she served as teacher; Tri City Corporation; New Life Childcare and

Unified Vailsburg Service Organization where she served as the Lead Childcare Director in each. Ellisa is currently sharing her talents and expertise within the Middlesex County Boards Of Education.

 

Her finest work and impassioned preoccupation is with her family. She is mother to Brian Rawls Jr. whom she absolutely adores. Truly all within her gates rise and call her blessed!