Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Centeno is a seasoned behavioral healthcare executive and thought leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing addiction services, mental health integration, and access to care for underserved populations. She currently serves as Executive Senior Vice President of Integration & Access to Care at Care Plus NJ, where she leads initiatives focused on integrating behavioral health services and removing barriers to timely, compassionate care. Throughout her career, Lisa has held progressively senior clinical and administrative roles at organizations including Christ Hospital, Hoboken University Medical Center, and Bergen-New Bridge Medical Center, developing extensive expertise in substance use disorder treatment, adolescent services, behavioral health operations, and care integration.
Lisa has built her career around developing innovative programs that connect individuals and communities with the services they need. She created the Teen T.H.R.I.V.E. adolescent program and later held leadership roles overseeing addiction services, inpatient detoxification, co-occurring treatment, and integrated care initiatives. At Care Plus NJ, she launched The Climb substance use disorder program, expanded open-access mental health and substance use services, and helped develop school-based access centers that bring behavioral health resources directly into educational settings. Her work supporting the School-Based Access to Care model contributed to recognition from NJBIZ for healthcare innovation, reflecting her commitment to creating accessible, community-based approaches to behavioral healthcare.
Lisa combines clinical expertise with strategic vision and a strong commitment to underserved communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Arts in Counseling from New Jersey City University. She is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and she has also served as a consultant to the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, helping develop care-navigation models across its sites. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes perseverance, adaptability, mentorship, ethical decision-making, and remaining teachable—principles that continue to guide Lisa's efforts to expand access to integrated behavioral healthcare and create lasting impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to grit, perseverance, resilience, and hard work. I stay adaptable, remain teachable, build meaningful relationships, and stay committed to my vision despite setbacks.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that I don’t always have to be right. Staying teachable, listening to different perspectives, and choosing progress over perfection have helped me grow. I’ve learned to take risks, learn from failure, and keep moving forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be true to yourself and know your worth. Build confidence from within rather than seeking validation from others, and treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you give to others. You can be passionate about your career while still prioritizing yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see tremendous opportunities in behavioral healthcare through innovation and expanded access to services, including school-based care, autism services, veteran support, and community partnerships. At the same time, funding and workforce changes remain significant challenges. Leaders must be intentional about building connection, culture, and employee engagement, especially in remote environments.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, respect, empathy, and protecting my peace. I believe in servant leadership and measure success by how I can support and uplift others. I also value being fully present with both my work and family, because time is one of life’s greatest gifts.
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