Lisa Forbes

Lisa K. Forbes received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Northern Colorado in 2014. She currently serves as a Contributing Faculty member in the College of Social and Behavioral Health at Walden University and began this role in January of 2025. Dr. Forbes teaches courses in the Mental Health Counseling Program. She has also taught Techniques of Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Introduction to Play Therapy, Practicum in Counseling, and Internship in Counseling at other universities. Dr. Forbes research focuses on intensive mothering practices and mental health outcomes as well as playful pedagogy and play in adulthood. She co-founded a global faculty network of over 900 faculty members called Professors at Play which is dedicated to training faculty members on playful pedagogy in adult learning as well as providing a community and support network. She has a number of presentations, keynote addresses, and publications such as articles, books, a children’s book and blogs.

Education

PhD, University of Northern Colorado

MS, University of Northern Colorado

Public Service

Editorial Advisory Board - Play Story Press, Board Member -

Professors at Play, Other -

ThinqStudio at University of Colorado Denver, Other -

Chi Sigma Iota Beta Alpha Omega, Other -

Awards / Honors

Excellence in Research Award, School of Education and Human Development, 2023

Excellence in Teaching Award - All Campus, University of Colorado Denver, 2022

Excellence in Teaching Award - School of Education, School of Education and Human Development, 2021

Publications

Darwich, L., DeBay, D., Forbes, L., Mahfouz, J. (2025). Play, reflect, cultivate social and emotional learning: a pathway to pre-service teacher SEL through playful pedagogies. Frontiers in Education

Forbes, L., Craven, C. (2023). Play experts' view on the future of play: I have a vision poem. Journal for Play in Adulthood

Forbes, L., Thomas, D. (2024). Playing with human change.

Forbes, L., Thomas, D. (2023). Professors at Play PlayBook.

Forbes, L. (2021). The process of playful learning in higher education: A phenomenological study.

Presentations

Norman, C., Forbes, L. (2024). Play Therapy-Informed Skateboarding . Oklahoma Association for Play Therapy Continuing Education

Forbes, L., Thomas, D. (2024). Playful Pedagogy in Higher Education. University of the District of Columbia

Forbes, L. (2023). Playful Rebellion: Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously as Adults and Academics. ThinqStudio - University of Colorado Denver

Forbes, L., Thomas, D. (2023). Radical Playfulness in Higher Education: Seeking Human Freedom and Transformational Experiences.

Forbes, L., Thomas, D. (2025). The Power of Playful Pedagogy: Igniting Belonging, Engagement and Learning. Southern Connecticut State University