Lisa Ardner is a MINT Certified Trainer, member of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), a clinician, consultant, educator, professional coach, and conference keynote speaker with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, addiction treatment, recovery, leadership, and professional development. She is the founder of A Purpose 4 Life, LLC, where she partners with organizations to strengthen Motivational Interviewing practice through engaging, experiential training, consultation, coaching, and ongoing skill development.
Lisa’s approach to MI training is grounded in the belief that learning should go beyond understanding the concepts. Participants need opportunities to practice, receive feedback, build confidence, and discover how MI fits within the realities of their work. Her trainings emphasize demonstration, active practice, reflection, and practical application, creating learning environments that are both engaging and supportive.
Her MI work spans behavioral health, healthcare, addiction treatment, criminal justice, recovery and peer services, education, leadership, supervision, and community-based organizations. She provides foundational and advanced MI training, specialized applications of MI, MI in groups, MI for supervisors and leaders, and strategies for developing and sustaining MI practice within organizations. She also facilitates an ongoing Motivational Interviewing Community of Practice, supporting professionals in continuing to develop their skills beyond formal training.
Lisa is a Master Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-M), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), Recovery Coach Professional (RCP), Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator (RCP/F), and Board Certified Professional Life Coach (PLC). She is also an experienced clinician who has worked in substance use disorder treatment since 2010 at Crouse Health Addiction Treatment Services. Her clinical experience includes working with pregnant and parenting individuals, people involved in the criminal justice system, individuals impacted by human trafficking, and families affected by substance use.
As an Adjunct Instructor at SUNY Empire State University, Lisa brings her experience as both an educator and practitioner into her work with professionals and organizations. As a trainer and conference speaker, she presents on Motivational Interviewing, trauma-responsive practice, addiction and recovery, leadership, family engagement, and workforce wellness. She holds a Master of Arts in Adult Learning with a focus on professional development and trauma-responsive practice.
At the heart of Lisa’s work is a commitment to helping professionals translate MI from something they learn in a training into something they can genuinely use in conversations with the people they serve, supervise, and lead. She values partnership, curiosity, compassion, and creating spaces where professionals can practice, stretch their skills, and continue growing.
Monthly Virtual MI Community Practice Group – Open to professionals interested in sharpening their MI skills.
Virtual & In-Person Group Trainings available for education, human resources, criminal justice, healthcare, and behavioral health/addiction treatment professionals.
