Lisa Ales graduated from Delta State University in 2005 with a B.F.A in Graphic Design and Crafts. While learning basketmaking she taught the craft to New Discovery Christian Church Girls' Night Out. Her last year of college at Delta State University, she volunteered for the Lighthouse Art and Hertiage Program which is a afterschool kids art program at Delta State. After graduation, Lisa served as Art director, junior councilor and taught basketmaking and jewelmaking at Camp Cedar Point for the Girl Scout Council of NW MS; that same year she taught at Goodman Oaks Bible Camp. While in college at Northwest, Lisa started working in graphic design but decided to leave that field in March 2009 and focus more on her art. Although she works in a variety of art mediums, Lisa is mainly a fiber design artist; her art choice is basketmaking mainly using the twining and coiling techniques.