Lisa M. Brunetti, EdD, the founder of Universe Juice, was a department chair and professor at Johnson & Wales University at the time of her accident.   Unfortunately, due to her extensive injuries, she was forced to retire earlier than expected from a beloved 24-year career in education.  Lisa has always been passionate about helping people and having a positive impact on their lives.  Thus, after her accident, she questioned what her purpose in life could possibly be going forward. 

In the summer of 2022, the universe set in motion the series of events that would answer that question. It all began when she met two of the people who saved her life, Mike Hourihan and Nicki King.  Subsequent meetings and conversations with Mike and Nicki made Lisa realize not only how powerful and healing it is for a survivor such as herself to say thank you to their first responders, but it is, likewise, important and healing for the first responders themselves.  Upon coming to this realization, Lisa approached Mike and Nicki with the idea of forming an organization that would reunite survivors with their first responders so they could bring a positive and healing experience to others in their positions.  Finding no similar program, Universe Juice was born, and so was Lisa’s new passion and purpose.

Prior to her career in education, Lisa worked in sales and marketing departments for several organizations in Rhode Island and California.   In addition to receiving a Doctor of Educational Leadership degree in 2021, Lisa also received an MBA from Providence College in 1992.  Lisa happily brings her combined experience and education to her role at Universe Juice.