The Roanoker Sept/October 2023 - 62

REALTOR PROFILES 2023
Lisa Santacaterina
Lisa Santacaterina has been navigating her clients through highly diverse housing
market conditions since 2006, first in Santa Cruz, then to Las Vegas and now on
the east coast in Roanoke and surrounding counties. " Since relocating to Virginia,
I've come to love the family-oriented, multi-cultural camaraderie and diverse
housing opportunities that Roanoke is known for, " she says.
For Lisa, there is nothing more important than the story, the " somedays " of a
client's dream finally coming true thanks to her hard work. " Sometimes people
around you aren't going to understand your journey, that's okay. It's not for them,
it's for you, " she says. " I often get asked what brought me to Virginia. It's simple
really - a house. A house my husband and I instantly fell in love with. I wanted a
place where we could feel connected, where our 'Someday' would begin. It wasn't
until I encountered death, along with the survivors, that I knew I was ready to jump.
You see, the sentiment was always the same - 'we waited too long.' I couldn't let
that happen to us. And so 'that' house, it called me home. It became a place where
I could heal and grow. Sometimes life is worth the risk, and sometimes, it's the
one you didn't know you needed. "
Her experiences have taught her not only how to be great at helping her clients,
but also impacted her personal life in ways she feels sets her apart from others.
" Have you seen my billboards? " she laughs. " In all seriousness, my standards
are not for sale. You cannot buy my integrity. There is no discount on my values.
There is no negotiation for my soul. I put my well-being no higher or lower than
anyone else's. I don't want any of this if I don't arrive with not on my soul intact
but thriving. "
Outside of her career, Lisa has spent time working on the front lines of organizations
like Red Rock Search & Rescue, the Trauma Intervention Program of So.
Nevada, Team Rubicon and Team RWB. During this time, she became safeTALK
" Since relocating to Virginia, I've
come to love the family-oriented,
multi-cultural camaraderie and
diverse housing opportunities that
Roanoke is known for. "
-Lisa Santacaterina
Certified and ASIST Trained and has been on several scenes where individuals
were contemplating suicide, but she was able to step in and provide support and
develop safety plans to keep them safe. This has allowed her to continue her
mission of raising awareness for mental health, wanting to encourage people to
speak up on the topic and end the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.
The community is just one of the many reasons she instantly fell in love with
Roanoke upon moving here, thanks to its welcoming citizens. " Coming from a
transient town like Las Vegas it just feels so different here. I feel so connected to
this small town. I have been able to live out my 'someday,' something I wasn't sure
that was possible. As a whole, I feel like there is something here for everyone;
from the art scene, the ability to get immersed into nature, the music and all the
activities! "
Shedding Your Story is a project that aims to provide a safe space where
we can speak our truths quietly and clearly for all to " hear. " We cannot
begin to heal from the things we keep tucked away and hidden-we
can only learn to cope. It is when we acknowledge our experiences and
feelings that we find hope within each other and the strength to carry on.
Join me as we speak (or write) our truths and share
messages of hope for those who may be struggling.
MKB Realtors
3801 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 988-3434 | Lisas.mkbrealtors.com
62
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023
SheddingYourStory.com
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The Roanoker Sept/October 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker Sept/October 2023
