Details about Lisa Stevens' early life are relatively sparse in publicly available sources, but it's known that she developed a passion for games and fantasy from a young age. This formative period undoubtedly shaped her career path, instilling a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and collaborative play that would later define her contributions to the tabletop gaming industry.

Lisa Stevens began her career at Wizards of the Coast during a pivotal period for the company. She was involved with the booming success of Magic: The Gathering and also contributed to the development and growth of the Dungeons & Dragons brand. Working alongside industry giants, Stevens honed her editorial and management skills, gaining invaluable experience in the publishing world.