Alisa is well-versed in synagogue life having served congregations on the Central Coast and Northern California for over 30 years alongside a career as a singer and songwriter. Formalizing her role as Cantor, she graduated from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion-The Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in May of 2018 as Cantor, after having served as a Cantorial Soloist for over 25 years.
 
Alisa leads Shabbat services and holiday observances and teaches and coaches B'nai Mitzvah students, for both children and adults.

Alisa teaches all grades, primarily through music, and enjoys an interactive approach when sharing her love for prayer and Jewish values.

She models love, reverence and vulnerability in her teaching style, and strives to learn with and from her students.
Essential to Alisa's core values, is to reinforce self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills in those she works with.
 
Alisa officiates all Jewish lifecycle events including  B'nai Mitzvah ceremonies, weddings, funerals and memorial services.
“The word that best describes Alisa and her music is grace,” says Temple Beth El Aptos President Josh Karter. “Alisa chants and sings with a gentle magnificence.”