Lisa was born in Tasmania and moved to Melbourne at the age of 16 to complete a dance scholarship.  In 1990 Lisa travelled overseas performing as both a singer and dancer in London, Japan and Monte Carlo.

On returning, after a brief bout of corporate conformity as a stockbroker, Lisa began singing in various jazz venues around Melbourne such as Bennett's Lane, The Hyatt and Regent Hotel and her voice featured in numerous successful advertising campaigns.

In June 1998 Lisa made her operatic debut in the role of Musetta in Melbourne City Opera's La Bohéme, and returned later that year as Nedda in I Pagliacci, and as Adina in L'Elisir d'Amore.