Lisa Walters, M Ed, OTR/L
Lisa has been an Occupational Therapist since 1991 when she graduated from State University of New York. Lisa’s strong interest in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation led her to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Treating an international population, Lisa worked with patients presenting with diverse diagnoses, including neurological, orthopedic and burn patients.
Lisa moved to Tucson to practice as a senior therapist with a specialty in neurological deficits, incorporating staff and student supervision with clinical practice. In 1999, Lisa integrated Massage Therapy into her practice, with graduation from the Desert Institute of the Healing Arts. Immediately upon completion of her massage program, Lisa became an instructor at the school, teaching various levels of Anatomy & Physiology, Massage coursework, and classes focusing on therapy for Special Populations.
As a professional bodywork educator, Lisa developed and implemented a course for providing massage therapy to patients in inpatient physical medicine and rehab, and a Massage and Cancer course. In addition to traditional classroom teaching, Lisa is also active in providing continuing education for practicing therapists; in 2006, the Massage and Cancer course she developed became mandatory for all bodywork therapists at Canyon Ranch in Tucson.
Lisa is also a Personal Trainer and provides fitness consultations for women and people with disabilities. She is a certified yoga teacher,Tai Chi instructor and Nia dancer, and believes mindful exercise and joyful movement can improve function and quality of life for any individual.