Lisel Macenka

Lisel Macenka has been a dedicated advocate for children with autism and their families since 2003. She joined The New England Center for Children® Board of Directors in 2008, serving as Chair from 2011–2016 and Vice Chair from 2016–2023. Her leadership helped expand early intervention programs and advance autism treatment in public schools. A graduate of Wellesley College, Lisel earned her J.D. from Washington University School of Law and began her legal career as a corporate associate at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault in Boston. As an Access to Justice Fellow, Lisel will partner with Project Citizenship, a nonprofit that provides free, high-quality legal services to permanent residents seeking to become U.S. citizens.