Elisa Ortega-Schultz, MS, MA, LMSW

"I am humbled and honored to be selected for this role. I view this position as a lighthouse, a safe space for employees to come and seek guidance and resources."

Elisa was appointed the inaugural Employee Ombuds Officer at Grand Valley State University in 2021. Elisa graduated from Grand Valley with a Masters in Social Work in 2010 and her second Master’s degree in Communications in 2020. She started at Grand Valley in 2017 as the Work-Life Consultant in Human Resources where she managed the personal and supportive options of the conflict resolution process.

Elisa is a trained professional with institutional knowledge who will listen to your concerns and explore and evaluate your options with you. Elisa understands how a workplace culture impacts a person's wellness. She has spent a lot of time listening to the needs and hopes of faculty and staff at Grand Valley. Elisa comes with 10 years of experience as a Masters-level social worker. As a social worker, she specialized in interpersonal effectiveness, conflict, and trauma. Elisa has a history of working with folks from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Elisa's interests and research are on the intersections between emotional wellness, workplace cultures, and the needs of people of color. Elisa approaches situations with unconditional positive regard and cultural humility. 

Click here to visit the Student Ombuds webpage