Lisa Dale Stanford, PhD, ABPP
Lisa Dale Stanford, PhD, ABPP, of Big Canoe, Georgia passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024 at her home. She was born April 2, 1960 to Jack and Jody Stanford in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She received her high school diploma from Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee. She went on to get an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master’s Degree from Memphis State University and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Georgia. Lisa met her husband, James H. Bailey in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Stanford served 30 years in four major healthcare systems – Cleveland Clinic, University of Illinois Chicago, Akron Children’s Hospital, and her most recent appointment as neuropsychologist, professor, and Vice-Chair of neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She also was a member of the University of Pittsburgh teaching faculty.
Lisa’s interests and pursuits outside of work were varied, complex, and lifelong. She was competitive, striving to win, even if was bettering her own last record or achievement. She began horseback riding at the early age of three, trained horses, competed in equestrian events, and recently rode the trails at Bent Tree. She was an avid golfer who reveled in winning the longest drive, and always enjoyed trying to conquer the course at Big Canoe. Participation in sports, both individual and team-oriented, were not only part of her afterschool activities, but also her afterwork hours. She achieved her black belt in taekwondo, once flipping her 230-pound instructor to the mat. In her most recent “new sport” played goalie, in pads and a sledge, for the first half of a fundraiser for UPMC Spina Bifida Clinic in which staff members competed against an organized, trained team of players with spina bifida. The opposing team attempted several shots but did not score a goal against Dr. Stanford. Lisa was equally at home in the water, on the land, or in the gym. Whether kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, rock climbing or playing a round of golf, whether high jumping, playing softball, soccer, volleyball, or basketball, whether running in the NYC Marathon, or walking a half-marathon with a cancer-stricken body not yet diagnosed, Lisa played sports and life through injuries and challenges, with self-motivation, determination, and an unstoppable will.
Finding Zen in tending plants in the house or in the yard, reading, practicing yoga, or meditation, mindful intentions were always forefront. Dr. Stanford’s love of life was mirrored in her love of her profession. She was known for her effervescent personality, wit, dedication to the profession, and commitment to her students. Above all, what Dr. Stanford valued most was serving her patients, teaching too, by example. She positively affected the lives of those whom she trained, leaving a legacy to carry on her wisdom.