Lisa Jones

Lisa's passion for working with students with special needs is rooted in her belief that all students, with the right support, can contribute to their community in a meaningful way.   Lisa grew up in Minnesota where she spent a lot of time playing in the snow. She has traveled to over 28 countries and has lived in many special places around the world including Thailand, Indonesia and Italy. In 2004, she moved to Asheville and is proud to call these beautiful mountains her home. 

With a strong background in the arts, Lisa uses art as a tool for her students to access the curriculum, build self-confidence, develop skills in self-regulation, nurture creativity and engage in daily mindfulness practices.  Lisa enjoys working collaboratively with parents and teachers to create short-term and long-term goals with her students, and to develop effective strategies to support her students in reaching these goals.  She believes that the inclusion model is best for all students, not just for those who receive special education services.  

Lisa is a graduate of St. Olaf College, where she majored in both English and studio art. She earned her Masters of Fine Arts with a certificate in printmaking from SACI in Florence, Italy.  In 2020 she earned her Masters in Special Education, with a certificate in General Curriculum (K-12) from Western Carolina University.  When not at FernLeaf, she and her husband Joe can be found listening to all kinds of music while cooking delicious food, camping, and playing with their two children, Owen and Audrey.