Lisa Confora is an art educator at Atlantic County Special Services School District.

Lisa was nominated by her friend and colleague, Sandra Koberlein.

Sandra says: “I first met Lisa a few years back while sharing a room at an AENJ conference.  We met through a mutual friend and have continued to travel together to both AENJ and NAEA conferences ever since. We share a passion for art education!

Lisa started her art teaching career in 1997 at John Ehert High School in Jefferson Parish Louisiana. She currently teaches at Atlantic County Special Services School District where she works with special needs students ages 3 to 21. Lisa has worked with ACSSSD for 18 years and although her days are often challenging, she enjoys her work immensely.  I admire her for her dedication and service to these special students.

For the last 10 years, Lisa has volunteered as AENJ’s Atlantic County Youth Art Month chair. Over time she established relationships at the Noyes Museum of Art in Oceanville and The Arts Garage in Atlantic City affording her students exhibit opportunities. Although it is often difficult to transport her special needs students, she makes every effort possible to give them the experience of seeing their work in gallery settings.  Her students and their families look forward to these special events.

Behind the scenes with AENJ, Lisa volunteers as the person who organizes the Artisan Vendors at the Creative Marketplace and most recently the Member Pop-Up Art Show. She is also a contributing member to the Advisory Council. Again, extending her passion for creating art and showcasing those who create.

In her spare time, Lisa can be found spending time with family, working at Say It with Clay teaching adult clay jewelry making classes in Collingswood, in the Ceramic Pie Studio space in Camden throwing pottery, or in her ceramic and jewelry studio spaces at home. Lisa’s passion for art and its contributing force from nature are evident in her all she creates. She has created a business titled Nature’s Energy. Her artwork includes clay jewelry pieces enhanced with handmade copper chain, functional pottery for everyday use and home décor pieces.  

Lisa is an asset to the field of art education and I am proud to call her a friend!”

Thank you, Sandra, for helping AENJ get to know Lisa Confora! Lisa, we celebrate your hard work and dedication to art education in the great state of NJ!