Lemon Tree Collective
Your Dedicated Lemon Tree Collective Team
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Collectively there are so many more people than listed here that have been overwhelmingly positive with encouragement and well wishes for Lemon Tree Collective to grow & serve our community. Countless autism families, professionals, and community members have shared their energy and time. There are many volunteers, musicians, creatives, health & wellness practitioners, professors & teachers, generous donors, inspired community leaders, corporate sponsors — each contributing their unique strengths and resources including their personal time and financial support. We are empowered to do more - to be of service to those on the spectrum. It is indeed extraordinary & inspiring – a testament to the power of collective effort. This kind of collaboration not only strengthens the vision & mission of Lemon Tree Collective but also creates a ripple effect of positive change and support. Thank you.
Acerca de
Board of Directors
Lissa is the founder and CEO of Lemon Tree Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum & their families. With over 25 years of experience as an executive director and owner of an award-winning Design & Marketing firm, combined with her background as a Sr. Business Analyst, Lissa brings extensive organizational and team-building expertise to her advocacy work. Her professional experience is complemented by a deep personal commitment, shaped by raising two precious children—one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum.
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Her journey has been profoundly rewarding, blending her skills in community-building with her passion for making a meaningful impact. Additionally, her work as a Reiki Master in energy healing enriches her holistic approach to advocacy. Lissa resides in Austin, TX, where she continues to advance the mission of the growing Lemon Tree Collective.
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Outside of her advocacy efforts, Lissa enjoys spending time with her wife, Vicki, and friends & family, cooking up a storm, and sharing meals and conversation. You might also find her on a pickleball court, enjoying nature by any body of water—be it a river, lake, or ocean—or creating art. Cherished moments with her adult son on the spectrum, who is both her greatest gift and finest teacher, provide her with endless inspiration and enthusiasm.
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Vicki Faust has a deep passion for numbers and people. After a brief stint at a large accounting firm in Austin, she left the corporate world to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. In 1993, she launched her first business, The Tax Trailer, operating out of a 1963 Airstream. Over the next two decades, she expanded the firm to support 1,100 clients, eventually selling it to a colleague and friend.
In 2006, Vicki ventured into the hospitality industry with the launch of the stunning Kimber Modern Hotel on South Congress Avenue — a groundbreaking, internet-based boutique hotel that garnered numerous accolades. Following the sale of the hotel, she co-founded Driftwood Recovery in 2015, a highly successful substance abuse and pain recovery center that achieved over $10 million in revenue within three years. Her latest endeavor involves remodeling and managing a new boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar in Central East Austin – the Frances Modern Inn & Poeta Restaurant.
Today, Vicki leverages thirty years of financial and business expertise as a co-founding board member of Lemon Tree Collective nonprofit, guiding the vision, mission & financial strategy, partnering with the Lissa, the CEO on financial management, and overseeing growth in launching several micro-businesses within Lemon Tree Collective to employ and empower autistic young adults.
In her spare time, Vicki enjoys life with her wife, Lissa, walking her sweet dog, Bailey, cycling all around Austin or visiting her daughter, Kenna, who is pursuing graduate studies in transpersonal psychology, and of course, welcoming guests at her latest venture, The Frances Modern Inn.
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Sara McDermott
Secretary & Vital Community Connector
With 20 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals with disabilities, Sara has a deep commitment to fostering personal growth and empowerment. Originally from a small town in Iowa, Sara has called Austin home for the past 11 years. During a rewarding nine-year tenure at local nonprofit, Mary Lee Foundation, she began as an Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) case manager, then a Home and Community Based Services and (HCS) case manager, assistant administrator and ultimately rose to the role of ICF Director of Mary Lee Foundation.
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Two years ago, Sara transitioned to self-employment, and launched Mindful Companions, LLC. Mindful Companions offers a diverse range of services including job coaching, life coaching and recreational therapy for neurodivergent individuals.
She is passionate about exploring nature with her dog(s), traveling, connecting with new people and cultures, gardening and practicing yoga. Sara brings a holistic and enthusiastic approach to her work, blending professional expertise with personal interests to enrich the lives of those
we serve.
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Dr. Ada • MD
Medical Director
My name is Dr. Francisca Ifesinachukwu, MD, however my patients call me Dr. Ada, and I specialize in child and adult psychiatry. In my clinic, Summit Mental Health based in Austin, we employ evidence-based medicine to provide individualized care for each patient including autistic adults and children. Our goal is to help each person attain their maximum potential, and to function to the best of their ability.
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Dr. Ada’s caring & keen expertise is making a significant impact in the lives of autistic individuals and is life changing for many families. Her dedication, caring heart and accessibility are a unique and welcome sight in personal care. Dr. Ada is making a positive impact, especially in such a specialized field.
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Dr. Ada is a Psychiatrist, who practices in Austin, TX. She has been practicing for over 27 years and is board certified.
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Advisory Team
Cynda Green
Parent & Texas Parent to Parent Pathways to Adulthood Transition Coordinator
TxP2P.org​​​​
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Texas Parent to Parent nonProfit (TxP2P)
TxP2P improves the lives of Texas children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions.
Cynda Green serves as the Program Director and Co-Director for Texas Partners in Policy Making (TxP2P), where she oversees all plans and program activities, and manages and finalizes grant reporting. In her role as the Pathways to Adulthood Transition Coordinator, she travels throughout Texas to conduct training sessions and provide support to volunteers and parents.
A graduate of the Texas Partners in Policy Making class of 2021, Cynda brings valuable experience and insights to her work. She is the mother of two children, including a 28-year-old daughter who has epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and autism.
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Liz Arreaga - MBA
Marketing & Growth Executive
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Marketing and Growth Executive and Board Member with 25+ years’ experience leading marketing strategies, campaigns, and events across industries. Highly specialized in segmented marketing programs for large public and private companies.
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