Home » News » FPG Profile: Lisa Kristianson

FPG Profile: Lisa Kristianson

FPG Profile: Lisa Kristianson; carolina blue background with circle headshot surrounded by decorative leaves

FPG Profile: Lisa Kristianson

January 27, 2025

Lisa Kristianson, MOT is a project coordinator at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG). As part of our FPG profile series, we recently spoke with Kristianson to learn more about her work at FPG. Here’s what she had to say.


Tell us a bit about your professional journey―and what brought you to FPG?

My work has always revolved around supporting children and their families. It began when I worked as a research assistant on a study with high-risk youth at the University of Washington after graduating from college. Then I went on to obtain my master's degree in occupational therapy concentrating in pediatrics and specializing in sensory processing at the University of Puget Sound. When I began working, my caseload was primarily children with autism.  After both of my own children were school age, I worked in their schools doing a variety of different jobs that involved organization, working with students, and communicating with parents and teachers.  My job at FPG blends all my experiences and strengths together.

What do you do at FPG—walk us through a typical day, and tell us about the projects you're currently working on.

I started at FPG in August of 2023 as the project coordinator for Project EXPRESS in the Autism Hub and I have also assisted in coordinating the AFIRM for Para Pilot.  Project EXPRESS is a study to examine the impact of a social skills intervention program (PEERS®) and an executive functioning intervention program (Unstuck and On Target) compared to service-as-usual for middle school students on the autism spectrum.  I assist the team with managing the data in REDCap, coordinating and administering assessments to students, serving as the primary point of contact with teachers and administrators, and coordinating communication within our team, work study students, and with the San Diego State University site. I love that every day is unique and presents its own challenges.

What do you like most about your job?

The Autism Hub team—I always look forward to seeing them and collaborating.  It is empowering to work with a group of people who are all passionate about making a difference with this population.

What do you find most challenging?

Research work in a school setting can be demanding, especially with the need to coordinate with teachers, students, and administrative schedules. Being flexible and adapting rapidly is a necessity. 

How does your work further the mission of FPG? 

The Autism Hub is dedicated to empowering children with autism, their teachers, and their families to succeed and thrive.

What do you hope to have accomplished five years from now?

In five years, I will be proud to have assisted in bringing Project EXPRESS to a successful end, helping many students and their teachers along the way. I hope to be assisting additional projects at FPG to continue to improve children's lives.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about working at FPG.

I recently returned from a road trip to New Orleans to see Taylor Swift with a few of my Autism Hub colleagues; it’s hard to beat that kind of team building!