Elise T. Tellez

Director, Horizons Unlimited, Rowan Salisbury Schools

Native of Dallas, TX

Industry: Science Education

Elise Tellez moved to Salisbury from her hometown of Dallas, TX, more than five years ago, sight unseen, so to speak. She came here for a job. “I had never heard of Salisbury,” she says. On her first visit, she says, “It felt like an energetic and active small community that would be a good place to build connections. It was evident that people were investing in the community. Even though I grew up in Dallas, TX, I really don’t love the ‘big city’ life and prefer a more intimate community where you feel you can make a difference and build genuine connections. Since then, I have decided to put down roots in Salisbury and have moved on to an exciting new job opportunity here.”

She feels right at home with the county slogan, Be an Original.™ “For me, it means that Rowan County is always looking for original and unique opportunities, partnerships, and new ideas,” she says.

A self-described “science nerd,” Elise is Director of Horizons Unlimited, the Rowan Salisbury Schools science center that provides hands-on field trips for students. “It’s so cool that a school system invests in scientific education,” she says. “I’m passionate about hands-on education.”

Horizons Unlimited is physically accessible to the Catawba College Ecological Preserve and the Salisbury Greenway with their additional offerings to students on field trips. In addition to students, Elise promotes community involvement in Horizon Unlimited programs. A series of concert laser shows is planned in the planetarium. The Events Calendar is posted on the Horizon Unlimited Facebook page. “This is a super cool resource for the community,” Elise says.

Elise has biology and environmental science degrees from the University of Dallas and describes herself as an extrovert. She has dived into community organizations here, serving on boards of Bell Tower Green Park, Families First, and the Environmental Educators of North Carolina. She volunteers for Block Work, the Salisbury Community Appearance Commission’s program that brings people together to improve neighborhood appearances, and is on the Planning Committee of Rowan Creek Week. She has completed Leadership Rowan and is active in the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals.

Her favorite outdoor space it the Eagle Point Nature Preserve, which she calls a beautiful piece of land with a unique ecosystem and cool wildlife. She finds it peaceful and fun to kayak or walk her dog, Bella. 

The Dragon Boat Festival on High Rock Lake is her favorite event. ““I love the outdoors. Any event that is outdoors is on my list of favorites,” she says. “It’s really unique and I love paddling.” 

She says that she is spoiled with all the green spaces in Rowan County and in nearby counties where she can walk or bike. “There are handfuls of parks within an hour of here,” she says. 

She picks Shug’s as her favorite restaurant with outdoor seating that allows Bella to accompany her to dinner, fun menus, great cocktails, and great music.

She calls Salisbury “a perfect blend … a Goldilocks situation … not too small, not too big.”

“I feel like it is hard to find a place to live that has nearby outdoor spaces to explore, a thriving downtown with events, and a culture of community – all in one. Rowan is unique – if you want to live in a community with a sense of belonging, avenues to engage in and get more involved, while also being super close to green spaces for adventuring – then this is the spot!”