Lisa Chatham, MA

Lisa Chatham has been a faculty member at Naropa University for about eight years, where she gets to blend her work as a practicing psychotherapist in Boulder County with her love of teaching. Nothing excites her more than bringing theory to life with real-world case studies, making sure students don’t just learn concepts but truly get how psychology plays out in real, messy, and meaningful ways.

As a therapist, she has worked in all kinds of settings—everything from forensic psychology to couples and family therapy—which gives her plenty of stories (the ethical, anonymous kind!) to enrich her classes. More than anything, she loves helping students figure out what kind of work truly lights them up and how they can shape a career around their unique strengths and passions. To Lisa, there’s nothing better than watching someone realize they can build a life doing what they love.

Lisa grew up in a Jewish-Christian family that placed a deep value on spiritual life, and that foundation has shaped her in countless ways. Over the years, her study and practice of Eastern traditions—especially meditation—have expanded her understanding of what it means to be human and how we stay present and find meaning in the chaos.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find her hanging out with her family, playing music or volleyball, wakesurfing, or fixing the boat when it inevitably breaks. She has four amazing adult kids who she loves spending time with, and a playful sense of humor that finds its way into just about everything she does. Whether she’s teaching, in a therapy session, or just navigating everyday life, she has found that humor brings a sense of ease to even the deepest work. Lisa loves creating spaces where learning and laughter go hand in hand.