Elisa Saunders

Elisa (Lisa) Saunders is a dedicated leader in the field of addiction and mental health treatment, currently serving as the Director of Business Development at Ventura Recovery Center, Inc. Born and raised in South Florida, Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Florida Atlantic University and spent 14 years as a high school English teacher before transitioning into addiction and mental health work, inspired by her own recovery journey. Since achieving sobriety on September 19, 2011, she has built a career centered on helping others find the right treatment and supporting families through the complex process of placement and intervention.

Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy and community service. She was recognized as Palm Beach’s Finest Woman of the Year for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2013 and 2014, raising funds for life-saving research. She was also a founding member of Women Empowering Women, a nonprofit that supported young women in recovery to attend college, successfully guiding five women through higher education. In addition, she serves on the Advisory Board for Miriam’s House for Women and Children, co-chairs the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Women in Addiction Treatment (WAAT), and participates in the event planning committee for Hav A Sol, providing aid to underserved communities in Los Angeles.

With over a decade of experience in business development across all levels of care, Lisa approaches her work not merely as a profession but as a calling. Her expertise spans addiction treatment, mental health care, client placement, and alumni services. Guided by integrity, compassion, and a desire to be of service, she continues to inspire hope, empower communities, and transform lives. Outside of her professional endeavors, Lisa enjoys the outdoors and cherishes time with her two cats.

• Addiction Interventionist Certification

• Florida Atlantic University - BA

• Palm Beach's Finest Women of the Year for Cystic Fibrosis 2013
• Philanthropy Award

• Women Empowering Women Palm Beach

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
• Hav A Sole (501c3)
• Miriam’s House
• National Breast Cancer Foundation