Elisa (Lisa) Saunders — Co-Founder
Born and raised in South Florida, Elisa Saunders has dedicated her life to service, recovery, and inspiring others. After earning her B.A. in Communication from Florida Atlantic University, she spent 14 years as a high school English teacher before transitioning into the field of Addiction and Mental Health, a decision deeply inspired by her own recovery journey. Elisa has been sober since September 19, 2011, and credits her sobriety as the foundation for her purpose: serving others with compassion and impact. Her philanthropic spirit has been evident throughout her life. In 2013–2014, she was recognized as Palm Beach’s Finest Women of the Year for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raising thousands of dollars to support life-saving research. She was also a founding member of Women Empowering Women Palm Beach, a nonprofit that provided scholarships for young women in recovery to attend college. Today, Elisa serves on the Advisory Board for Miriam’s House for Women and Children and is also on the Event Planning Committee of Hav A Sol, an organization that delivers footwear to underserved communities in Los Angeles and Fire Relief. Elisa is also the Co-chair for the San Fernando Valley Chapter of Women in Addiction Treatment, WAAT. With over a decade of leadership in Business Development across all levels of care, Elisa views her work in Addiction and Mental Health not as a career, but as a calling. Her commitment to philanthropy and service continues to inspire hope, empower communities, and transform lives.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in the Addiction and Mental Health sector with a strong focus on community outreach and business development.
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Experience: 30 yrs 2 mos
Career Highlights
- Over a decade of leadership in Business Development.
- Dedicated to philanthropy and community service.
- Inspiring recovery journey since 2011.
Work Experience
Women in Addiction Treatment (WAAT)
Co-Chapter Lead (8 mos)
Miriam’s House Los Angeles
Advisory Board Member (9 mos)
Banyan Treatment Centers
Business Development Representative (1 yr)
UHS
Director of Business Development (11 mos)
Community Liaison (7 mos)
Michael's House Treatment Center
National Business Development Specialist (1 yr)
The Canyon at Santa Monica
Director of Business Development (11 mos)
LAGUNA TREATMENT HOSPITAL, LLC
Outreach Coordinator (8 mos)
Del Amo Behavioral Health System
Community Liaison (7 mos)
Acadia Healthcare
Treatment Placement Speacialist (11 mos)
Discovery Behavioral Health
Clinical Outreach Representative (1 yr)
Center For Discovery
Clinal Outreach Representive (1 yr)
Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program
Clinical Outreach Representative (1 yr)
Amen Clinics, Inc.
Clinical Outreach Manager LA Clinic (1 yr 1 mo)
Clinical Outreach Manager (2 mos)
Change Inc by Brad Lamm
Intervention Trained, Sober Companion, Case Management (6 yrs 10 mos)
Self-employed
Self Employed (6 yrs 10 mos)
Breathe Life Healing Centers
Clinical Outreach Manager (5 mos)
Foundations Recovery Network
Outpatient Business Development Representative (1 yr)
Business Development Representative (1 yr 3 mos)
Acadia Healthcare
Business Development Coordinator (10 mos)
Twelve Oaks Recovery Center Community Resource Liaison (2 yrs 1 mo)
UHS
Business Development Representative (2 yrs)
Women Empowering Women
Board Member (3 yrs 9 mos)
Next Chapter Addiction Treatment
Business Development Coordinator for the Southeast Region (1 yr)
Twelve Oaks Recovery Center
Business Development (2 yrs 10 mos)
Community Liaison (1 yr 1 mo)
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery
Certified Recovery Coach/Recovery Coach Trainer (7 yrs 1 mo)
Lifescape Solutions/Evolve Mental Health
Alumni Director (9 mos)
S.T.E.P.P
Board Member (1 yr)
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Palm Beach's Finest Women of the Year for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2013-2014 (1 yr)
Palm Beach County School District
English Teacher (11 yrs)
Bank of America
Personal Banker and Loan Officer (2 yrs 4 mos)
Cheney Brothers, Inc.
Outside Sales and Marketing (2 yrs)
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Sales Associate (1 yr)
Pitney Bowes
Sales and Marketing Representative (2 yrs)
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Florida Atlantic University
Human Services and Addiction Studies at Palm Beach State College
