Lisa Moon, Optometrist and Artistic Director, Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra

Host Keith Porter draws us into the intriguing story of Optometrist, actor and community theater founder Lisa Moon. Lisa’s parents--daughter of a wealthy Chinese family and a poor American studying Chinese--met at a Chinese university and over the bride’s family’s objections, moved to the U.S. Growing up in San Francisco in a family that encouraged education meant an advanced degree was expected, and Lisa readily complied by gaining a Doctor Of Optometry degree from UC Berkeley. The student romance theme continued as she met and married fellow Optometrist Jerry Chan, and together they bought an Optometry practice in his hometown of Grass Valley. While busy operating and expanding their practice, Lisa took time out to become founding President and Artistic Director of CATS—Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra. She has recovered from a serious health issue that meant retirement from her practice, Chan Family Optometry, which is now operated by daughter Dr. Tiffany Chan, also a noted Optometrist. Lisa maintains an active involvement in CATS, and finds joy in acting, reading, baking and two young granddaughters.