About
As a child growing up with Deaf parents before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was passed, Deaf awareness was non-existent. While she tried to figure out how to balance two worlds, Deaf and hearing, she answered uncountable questions as well as interpreted for her teachers, physicians, lawyers, insurance agents and other adults. During this time there were no laws to protect those with disabilities and frankly there was no interest to understand another community of diversity. The love and beauty of this culture is with her every day and when Lisa Callsen came to a crossroads in her life to either be another employee or to make a difference, Limelight Training and Consulting, LLC (LTC) was launched.
Lisa earned a bachelors degree from Madonna University with a focus in paralegal. She worked as a paralegal in the litigation department of Ford Motor Company. She also has experience with bankruptcy, environmental, workers compensations, and family law. After leaving the legal field, Lisa Callsen held executive assistant positions in various corporations and small businesses.
Balance is the key to a healthy work and family lifestyle and to achieve that balance, Lisa volunteers within her community. From 2001 to 2005, her passion allowed her to serve as President for Illinois CODA (Children of Deaf Adults). She was triumphant in resuscitating an almost forgotten not-for-profit by increasing membership by 800% in one year. Among her many contributions, Lisa organized, marketed, managed and emceed CODAzzle, an evening of performers. Substantial funds were raised to benefit KODAs (kids of deaf adults) to attend camp amongst their peers. She also teaches ASL as a volunteer at the local elementary school as well as participating in Diversity Circle to heighten awareness of Deaf culture.