Lisa began her career in education, dedicating more than 30 years to teaching at both the elementary and middle school levels. For nearly half of her career, she served as a middle school librarian, supporting students in grades 6–8, a particularly formative and often challenging period in their academic and personal development. During this time, she identified a critical gap in support for students whose needs extended beyond what the school district could provide.
In response, Lisa partnered with a colleague to establish “The Vintage Shoppe,” an innovative resource located within the school library. This initiative provided students with access to clothing for themselves and their families, as well as essential school supplies and toiletries, available throughout the school day. The Shoppe quickly became a valued and impactful resource, fostering not only access to necessities but also a sense of independence and dignity among students. This effort marked the beginning of Lisa’s broader commitment to community outreach, both within and beyond the school setting.
In addition to her work in education, Lisa served for several years as president of her local teachers’ union in Jackson, representing nearly 1,000 educators, paraprofessionals, and support staff. In this role, she navigated complex challenges, particularly during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through strong leadership, perseverance, and a collaborative approach, she unified diverse perspectives and strengthened organizational cohesion. Her efforts contributed to the successful negotiation of two highly favorable contracts, widely regarded among the strongest in the district’s recent history.
In 2023, Lisa was appointed Mayor of Brick and later won two successive elections, embracing the opportunity to expand her impact on a broader community scale. She has prioritized fostering a strong sense of community while continuing her commitment to addressing the needs of residents. Inspired by her earlier work, she sought to replicate the success of The Vintage Shoppe on a larger scale. A fortuitous connection with Tiffany deSousa of CLCL in 2023 helped bring this vision to fruition. Through their collective efforts, the Community Threads Store has become a thriving and meaningful resource within the Brick community.
Lisa’s service on the Board represents a continuation of her lifelong dedication to leadership, collaboration, and community-building. She remains committed to leveraging her experience to bring people together and advance initiatives that serve the greater good.