Biography
Lisa's career is marked by a profound commitment to fostering inclusion and improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Her journey started at New England Village in Pembroke, Mass, where she moved from direct support professional to designing and opening the Sollar Wellness Center, a unique facility offering aquatics, fitness, music, art, and education specifically designed for persons with disabilities.
Transitioning to the South Shore YMCA as the Association Director of Inclusion in 2014, Lisa expanded her impact by developing innovative programs and playing a crucial role in staff training, emphasizing the importance of social and recreational inclusion. Her national recognition as a leader in the field and appointment as the Co-Chairperson of Y-USA’s Diverse Abilities Working Group underscores her influence and commitment on a broader scale.
In 2018, Lisa founded MERGE Inclusion Consulting, extending her expertise beyond the YMCA to offer consultation, staff training, and systems implementation to various community entities dedicated to disability inclusion. This move exemplifies her desire to share best practices and contribute to the broader mission of creating inclusive communities.