Lisa McManes

Community Director, Mentor and Facilitator at Orenda

Primarily leading the Orenda Girls and Orenda Bloom Girls programs, Lisa’s diverse skill set encompasses curriculum development, marketing and social media, and community development.

Lisa's educational journey spans over six years in the school system, backed by an Early Education Degree. She is also a certified Kids Life Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher, and Girlvana Teacher. Lisa's passion for education extends to the literary world, where she published and authored a children’s book titled "Follow Your Rainbow." Additionally, she is the creative mind behind Growing The Light and the McManes Family Foundation.

At Orenda, Lisa shines as a Key Facilitator, driving curriculum development and infusing creativity into social media initiatives. Described by community members as “the bringer of good energy,” she is joyful, easy-going, giving, creative, and playful. She always shows up fully, shining her light so brightly that others feel safe and empowered to do the same.

As a philanthropist, Lisa aspires to extend her impact on children's emotional awareness and language by creating social-emotional products and books. She envisions a future where personal transformation collectively influences broader positive change. Where youth and family development, and community-building undergo massive expansion, leading to widespread peace of mind, engagement, and joy. Passionately committed to empowering youth, she guides them to tap into their inner strength and recognizes that everything they need resides within them. Lisa believes that when young individuals feel good within themselves, they possess the energy and force necessary to positively influence and change the world.

Beyond Orenda, she loves to spend quality time with her three children and Husband. She’s the Yin to Jamie’s Yang. Lisa also loves exploring and traveling, indulging in diverse forms of movement, immersing herself in books, hiking, and connecting with nature.

Four Things You Might Not Know About Me

Name 5 things you love

1. Reading — book nerd for life!
2. Turtlenecks. There’s nothing like a good turtleneck. I feel confident and professional, lol!
3. Being in service to others. The “give back” is my kinda jam.
4. Creating space for creativity and play!
5. DQ SKOR Blizzards.
Share a childhood experience that shaped you.

I remember very vividly being in grade 2, and I wrote a descriptive story about going to the zoo, and my teacher loved it! She wanted me to share it with everyone by standing at the front of their class and reading it in front of everyone! This freaked me out—however, I did it, and I loved it! I loved the feeling of sharing my writing and reading out loud, and I made a deal with myself that one day I would write a book—specifically a children’s book! Fast forward 30 years—goal accomplished! You can now find my children’s book “Follow Your Rainbow” at select Indigo stores and other retailers!
Describe a random act of kindness you've either given or received recently.

I LOVE kindness, and random acts of kindness are even better! I actually created a “Kindness Calendar” with my kiddos for the month of December—where we create a special act of kindness to do every day in the month of December. It's legit the BEST! And my kids also enjoy giving and sharing all the kindness. Kindness counts, peeps!
Describe a small, everyday moment that brings you joy.

Oh, this is easy—having a warm cup of coffee after my morning workout. Enjoying a “cup of ambition” is da bomb! Fills my heart with JOY 100%!