Elisa Dreghorn

Director of Development

Elisa Dreghorn joined the Institute for Spirituality and Health in December 2025. She is a seasoned nonprofit development leader with more than two decades of experience advancing mission-driven organizations throughout Houston. 

Known for her collaborative leadership style and compelling storytelling, Elisa excels at connecting donors with missions in ways that inspire lasting investment and impact. She  brings extensive expertise in fundraising strategy, major gifts, foundation relations, and donor engagement. She has a proven track record in building sustainable funding streams and cultivating meaningful philanthropic partnerships.

Throughout her career, Elisa has held senior development leadership roles with several organizations dedicated to health, mental health, and community impact such as CarePartners, American Leadership Forum, Houston Recovery Center, and re:MIND. During her tenure with these organizations, she strengthened donor engagement, expanded philanthropic support, and led milestone fundraising initiatives. 

Elisa earned a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Austin College and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Houston. 

Elisa is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves on the board of directors of Open Dance Project. She enjoys attending Open Dance Project performances and dining at her favorite restaurants in and around Houston. She also enjoys spending quality time with her husband, three sons, daughter-in-law, dog Beau, and cats Lucy and Henry.