Lisa Richard is the Southwest Regional Network Coordinator and Rural Outreach Specialist at the Center for Family Involvement at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In these roles, she supports caregivers and families navigating life with disabilities across the lifespan throughout southwest and rural Virginia. As a parent of seven—including two adult children with genetic disorders and intellectual disabilities—Lisa brings deep, firsthand experience navigating rural disability and healthcare systems.

A dedicated advocate and speaker, Lisa empowers families to navigate Virginia’s Medicaid Waiver Program and leads the Center's Genetic Navigator initiative, supporting families following a genetic diagnosis and increasing access to genetic literacy across the Commonwealth.

Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s in Sociology along with an academic LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) certificate from VCU.