Mom Muse | Lisa Geyser

One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, Lisa Geyser is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Recently named “Mom of the Year” by Valle del Sol, this recognition could not have gone to a more deserving woman. She works tirelessly for her community and is raising her two boys to be philanthropic as well. When she struggled to find volunteer opportunities that her young boys (Alex, 7 and Jackson, 5) could participate in, Lisa and her friend Alexandra Sklar decided to start Families Giving Back in 2012. Since its inception, Families Giving Back has created volunteer programs with non-profits such as UMOM, Ronald McDonald House, Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH), Homeward Bound, CASS and Ryan House, just to name a few.

Lisa being honored by Valle del Sol as “Mom of the Year”

In partnership with each non-profit, these ladies develop creative ways to have kids help and volunteer in a hands-on manner. Lisa strongly believes that by teaching her boys and other children to be compassionate and give back early on, we can create great leaders for the future and build the next generation of philanthropists.

The Geysers at a Families Giving Back event

Families Giving Back in action

Alexandra Sklar and Lisa at St. Mary’s Food Bank

Raised in Utah, Lisa is one of three girls in a tight-knit family and is also close to her very large extended family. She moved to Arizona in 2000 and married her husband Jeff in 2005. In addition to co-founding Families Giving Back, Lisa is active on numerous boards and event fundraising committees throughout the Valley of the Sun. These activities range from serving on the board of Las Palomas and helping to start the “Barrow Beyond” foundation at the Barrow Neurological Institute, to being a member of a distinguished list of committees, including the PCH Beach Ball, Homeward Bound Old Bags Luncheon, Make-a-Wish Wish Ball, and American Heart Association Heart Ball.

Lisa and her mom JoAnne Pacheco

 Lisa and her sister Monica Ulmer

MSL:  Describe your style in five words or less.
Comfortable and classy.

MSL:  What’s the one item in your closet you can’t live without, that makes you feel both chic and comfortable?
Rebecca Taylor jackets. Since I’m petite it’s VERY hard to find a good-fitting jacket. I feel Rebecca Taylor fits me best. (MSL, We LOVE Rebecca Taylor too, Lisa!! One of our favorite designers.)

 Lisa and Jeff at Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night

MSL: What inspired you to start Families Giving Back? How can people find out more?
My two young boys and my AMAZING husband Jeff were my inspiration for Families Giving Back, and continue to be. Families that would like to get involved with their children can find more information on our website.

MSL: Do you have any events coming up for Families Giving Back?
Families Giving Back throughout the month of May is hosting numerous food drives for our “Families Against Hunger” campaign. The information is all on our website.

MSL:  Do you have any tips on how you streamline your morning routine?
When I have an early morning coming up, I blow my hair out the night before. This saves me a ton of time in the morning.

Alex and Lisa on vacation

The Geysers at Jackson’s graduation from Pre-K

MSL:  Developing a unique style comes at an early age for some children. Do you let your children choose what they’re going to wear? How do you talk about getting dressed with your little ones?
Since I have little boys, neither one of them are picky about what they wear. My little guy Jackson is particular though about what “color” he wears. They are little fashionistas even for boys. I LOVE and have a GREAT time dressing them! Especially for special events!

MSL:  What’s your best style advice for other moms out there?
You are a mom. You’re beautiful no matter what you wear!