Highland counselor Lisa Madsen transitioned from a childhood spent working in a family dinosaur skeleton business to a career in psychology. After earning degrees from the University of Utah, Madsen has dedicated her professional life to connecting with and helping students.
Madsen spent her adolescence working for her father, who served as the first Utah state paleontologist. While working at the University of Utah, her father developed methods to create molds of dinosaur bones, allowing the family to assemble skeletons for museum displays. Although Madsen described the work as fun, she noted a desire for more interaction with young people.
Madsen pursued her academic interests at the University of Utah, where she earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a graduate degree in educational psychology. She has expressed that finding her passion was not an easy process and encouraged students to remain observant of their own callings. Madsen stated that once a person finds something that speaks to them, they will know.
Beyond her professional life, Madsen is an avid reader and enjoys nature through hiking and long walks. She has been with her husband, a firefighter, for approximately 20 years. Their daughter is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Utah.
Madsen noted that if she had not pursued counseling, she likely would have become a librarian due to her love of literature. She finds her current role meaningful because it allows her to create an impact on students. Madsen stated her dream for every student is that they find work that fulfills them, even if that journey requires leaving behind a unique family business.
