Born in the Philippines to a veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict, Elsa Agasid immigrated to the United States in 1956 to seek emergent care for the PTSD her father suffered. They experienced discrimination as newcomers.

Elsa joined ALLICE in 2010 and identifies as a survivor of domestic violence. Her challenging experiences have helped her gain a greater understanding and compassion for new immigrants experiencing racism and discrimination, and survivors of domestic violence.

Music helped Elsa cope with challenging times and stay connected to her Filipino roots through the singing of traditional Filipino folk songs. She is music director at St. Mark’s Parish in Belmont.

A family nurse practitioner specializing in geriatric and hospice/palliative care, she received her undergraduate degree from SFSU and her graduate degree from UCSF. Elsa loves teaching and has served as an Associate Clinical Professor at University of San Francisco and provides community education on topics such as Advanced Dementia and End-of-Life. She also serves as an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy in Burlingame. She served as a past Commissioner on the Commission on Aging in San Mateo.

Elsa is blessed with 4 children and 9 beautiful grandchildren who are her pride and joy!