Lisa Ehlenberger

My background is in psychology, counseling/marriage and family therapy and school psychology. I have worked as a school psychologist for more than 17 years. My primary work has been in Arizona, although I am versed in other USA states’ varied practices, as well as multi-cultural/bilingual evaluations. My breadth of experience includes early childhood through transition to adulthood and work programs with the support of VOC REHAB and/or DDD.

I come from a multicultural German/Spanish family as a first-generation US citizen, exposed to early medical and social non-profits such as AMIGOS de las Americas, since childhood. I have personal life-long volunteer experience, including volunteering in hospitals and the pediatric oncology unit at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, as well as a Camp Rainbow counselor, since the 1980’s.

I value investing in the pursuit of knowledge/practices related to psychology/mental health/special education/individuals with disabilities across cultures/countries and socio-economic status.

I have experience volunteering in USA, South Africa, Malaysia, Kosovo, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, as well as Mexico and Latin American countries. I travel yearly and use this opportunity to volunteer and continuously seek an understanding of localized practices worldwide as they support their vulnerable populations/individuals with disabilities, childhood through adulthood, including studying psychological practices, educational psychology, special education programs, and disability programs/supports/services.

I am a native of Arizona and the mother of two adult daughters, both of whom have volunteered in public health, special education, and participate in the lives of individuals with disabilities. I have been involved in the lives of children and adults with disabilities throughout my life, including co-guardianship of my cousin, who experiences low incidence Autism and participates in a day program in Arizona as well as resides in a group home, supported through DDD services. I am also on the Board of Directors of STARS, my cousin’s day program.

These experiences influenced my interest in the Independent Oversight Committee (IOC) (previously Human Rights Committee, HRC), of which I have been a volunteer member for more than 15 years. I have learned aside my aunt who had been on the committee since its inception, as well as many others who also had been on the committee since its inception.

My current role on the Independent Oversight Committee is Chair of the IOC District Central, Phoenix, Arizona. My goal as Chair is to create a strong, diverse, consistent volunteer group, who have a life-long investment/passion in helping to maintain/ improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and protecting their human rights.
Our most vulnerable populations, worldwide, need others to assist in protecting and advocating
for their human rights.

The Independent Oversight Committees are one way we can ensure the future population will continue to be protected.