Leadership

Lisa Lane, J.D., Co-Founder and Executive Director

After graduating as valedictorian and class president from Dillon High School, Lisa attended the University of South Carolina, receiving her B.A. in Philosophy, summa cum laude, her M.A. in English, with honors, and her J.D. from the School of Law, with honors. She joined the law firm of Kennedy Covington Lobdell and Hickman, becoming a partner in 1992.

When her younger son was diagnosed with autism in 1996, she helped establish Project HOPE Foundation as a nonprofit to serve those struggling with autism. She has gained expertise in the field of autism, participating in thousands of hours of Applied Behavior Analysis sessions, and becoming a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. She has met with hundreds of families of children with autism. Along with her co-director, Susan Sachs, Lisa has been instrumental in developing each of Project HOPE's programs. The two women also direct the day-to-day operations of Hope Academy. Additionally, Lisa enjoys the privilege of serving as the music teacher at Hope Academy. Lisa is a frequent speaker to civic clubs, educational groups, and community organizations.

Susan Sachs, Co-Founder and Executive Director

After graduating from Aiken High School, Susan graduated summa cum laude from Clemson with a B.A., majoring in Secondary Education and minoring in Psychology. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She received her Master of Social Work degree from University of South Carolina, graduating with honors. Susan gained a broad base of work experience in the fields of social work and business. She directed a 44-bed residential unit for adults with severe challenges, worked in the communications industry specializing in the education sector, and was Vice President of Marketing for a consulting company.

Upon learning that her son had autism in 1996, Susan has gained expertise in the field of autism, participating in thousands of hours of Applied Behavior Analysis sessions and meeting with hundreds of families of children with autism. Along with her co-director, Lisa Lane, Susan has been instrumental in developing each of Project HOPE's programs. The two women also direct the day-to-day operations of Hope Academy. Susan especially enjoys the privilege of being the morning greeter for the students of Hope Academy. She is a frequent speaker to civic clubs, educational groups, and community organizations.