When Passion Meets Purpose: A Therapist’s Journey to Collective Impact
Sometimes, a single invitation opens the door to a life-changing journey. For Psychotherapist Lisa Isenman, MA, LCPC, that invitation came from Champions for Children founder, Paula Widerlite. Lisa found herself at the Georgetown Club, surrounded by passionate, inspiring women like Dr. Claire Boogaard (Children’s National/HSCSN) and Dr. Marissa Leslie (Compass Health), committed to expanding access to children’s mental health resources. Lisa was drawn into the passion, commitment, and the “very local, very high impact” results of the volunteer-powered organization.
What began as a learning experience quickly evolved into action when Lisa joined the Champions for Children board, sharing a mission that felt both personal and powerful. For Lisa, Champions for Children is more than an organization—it’s a community of strong, compassionate women who support each other, prioritize impact over ego, and believe that bold ideas—when driven by passion and purpose— can collectively change lives.
“Mental health care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.”
In her early career as a teacher, Lisa felt most energized by the human connection and the empathy she felt for her students. I didn't want to just tell the story, I wanted to be part of that connection, so I went back to school and became a psychotherapist.
In Lisa’s current counseling practice at The Wake Kendall Group in DC, she sees firsthand the impact of untreated childhood trauma and the deleterious ripple effects it has on families and communities. She also experiences the powerful benefits of mental health care for the individual, their family, and future generations. Having lived and worked overseas, Lisa knows the importance of understanding the systems around a person to know where they are coming from and meet them where they are. Community norms, family structures, and cultural stigmas have a big impact on all of us.
“Real change starts by asking Why? — and staying curious enough to listen to the answers.”
Curiosity and empathy continue to drive Lisa’s work and advocacy. Whether addressing behavioral issues in schools, helping young athletes redefine their identity after injury, or breaking mental health-related stigma in communities rooted in various cultures, Lisa guides her clients through this discovery process in simple and powerful ways.
“I think the best value we all can have is curiosity.”
While joining the Champions for Children board is a natural step, it’s also a new chapter in Lisa’s journey. Counseling is a one-on-one experience, so the energy of the group, the courage to innovate, and the unwavering commitment to children's mental health have only deepened her belief in the power of collective action.