Her professional career spans over three decades. She has held positions as a pk-12 science/mathematics/technology education teacher and science curriculum specialist in the public schools of Virginia. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Tennessee, she held university faculty positions in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. She also served in an administrative capacity at Virginia Tech as a financial planning manager. Lisa teaches graduate courses in educational law, educational finance, school budgeting, the history of education, and human resources and supervision.