Wellness House

– Tribute to Moms –

By Larry Atseff

Growing up, I was lucky to witness the joy that comes with helping others. Having parents who worked in education and volunteered as Little League coaches and Sunday School teachers for my sisters and me, I didn’t have to look far to find role models in the community,” said Lisa Kolavennu, MA, LCPC, Executive Director, Wellness House. Lisa studied psychology in undergraduate and graduate school, knowing she wanted to support people at the intersection of emotional and physical health. Just before becoming a mother, she learned her father had been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. It didn’t take long to decide that a career in psychosocial oncology fulfilled both her personal and professional passion. Today, Lisa is the mother of three children, Jeevan (15), Jaina (12) and Jahnavi (8). “For me, the very best times are the times spent with my family, be it on cheering on the sidelines, enjoying a performance on stage, or fiercely competing at home during family game nights.” Balancing the family’s busy activity schedules with her own career at Wellness House is challenging, yet worth it. She describes her work at Wellness House as the most rewarding career she could imagine and is proud of the example she can set for her own children. “It’s important to me that my children see women in leadership roles in our community. Having the opportunity to also make a difference in the lives of those impacted by cancer is a perfect fit for me.”