Growing up as the middle of 5 children, Eloise learned at an early age the importance of personal responsibility and collaboration — everyone had chores and was expected to do their part. Her parents were both active in the community and instilled in Eloise and her siblings the value of service to others. Her parents inspired Eloise to engage in public service and community building.
Eloise began her professional life as an early childhood teacher with the local Head Start program in Waldoboro and then Brunswick, where she helped four and five-year-olds learn the value of sharing toys and playing well with others.
Eloise went on to a career helping others, especially women, participate in the economy through an organization now called New Ventures Maine, which has helped over 35,000 women and men enter the workforce.
Throughout her career, Eloise has assisted others to find their voice and advocate for change. ” I had worked on policy from the outside for years; then I realized, it was time to step up and run for office myself; I knew I had to do my part.”
Eloise was first elected to the State Senate in a special election, in 2013 and is currently serving her second full term representing District 23, Sagadahoc County and the town of Dresden. She was elected by her peers to serve as Assistant Majority Leader in 2018; she continues to serve on the Marine Resources Committee.
Eloise is a long time resident of Arrowsic where she lives with her husband and her small flock of chickens. She is the mother of two grown sons, both of whom graduated from Morse High School. Eloise takes joy in being in Maine’s great outdoors – gardening, hiking in the woods, walking along the shore, or just sitting in her yard.
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