Lisa graduated with honors from The Catholic University of America in 1984 with a bachelor's degree in Latin American history and minor concentration in Latin American ethnography. During law school at The Columbus School of Law, Lisa interned at Columbus Community Legal Clinic, a law school-based poverty law clinic specializing in family violence and landlord-tenant disputes.

After admission to the Maryland Bar in 1988, Lisa was appointed by Governor William Donald Schaeffer to direct the Maryland Commission for Women. From 1993 to 2005, Lisa directed the YWCA of Sonoma County, leading the organization in strategically implementing its mission and purpose through innovative joint ventures with the faith community, other nonprofit agencies, and many government partners such as the justice system, law enforcement, human and health services, housing authorities, and schools. Lisa also represented the YWCA at the regional, national and world YWCA levels, addressing audiences in Barbados, Korea, Australia, and Ukraine on such issues as family violence and human rights.

Lisa brings nearly 20 years experience as an executive director in the nonprofit and government sectors to her practice as a civil litigator, estate planner and administrator. Lisa's past experience, current legal practice, and ongoing community involvement provide clients with comprehensive and integrative advice, problem-solving, and advocacy.