Lisa is an Asheville native, with deep family roots in Buncombe County. She came to United Methodism by way of Baptist and Presbyterian traditions, choosing Central UMC along with husband Richard when their first child was on the way. Lisa has 3 adult children; Erik lives in Asheville, Marianne lives in Waynesville, and Cole is attending NC State.

A trained professional school counselor, Lisa spent a number of years as a full-time mom, during which time she took Clinical Pastoral Education at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville as a way to “refresh her counseling skills.”  That she did, and also heard God calling her to ordained ministry.  Her path to answering that call was a long and winding one.
 
Thankfully, it was full of supportive colleagues, friends and family along the way.  Armed with that support, and her Masters degree in Counseling, Lisa achieved her Graduate Theological Studies from Wesley Seminary through its partnership with Pfeiffer University, logging many a mile on the road to and from south Charlotte.

Lisa has served as Congregational Care Minister at Central since 2018, first on a part-time basis then becoming full-time in 2023.  In addition to having conversations about connecting folks to giving and receiving support when needed, Lisa is a lifelong Carolina fan and alumna and will talk UNC basketball practically any time.