Lydia was born and raised in Teton Valley, Idaho, spending her childhood running around Grand Targhee Resort. Lydia traveled as much as possible and worked a variety of jobs from day care to ski school instructor to campus tour guide before attending law school at the American University Washington College of Law. She also received a Master’s degree in International Relations – Global Environmental Policy from American University.

After finishing law school, Lydia clerked for the Honorable Judge Carman in Yellowstone National Park for the District of Wyoming. She then spent two years as a private injury litigator with The Spence Law Firm. And Lydia is now the Staff Attorney and a Conservation Project Manager for the Teton Regional Land Trust. When not working, Lydia enjoys playing with her fuzzy creatures, Nordic skiing, hiking and backpacking, reading, dancing, and has recently started roller derby. She is also the Board President for Family Safety Network; Board Secretary for the Institute for Community Partnerships and Sustainable Development that works in Togo, West Africa; Vice President of her HOA; and Chair-Elect for the Wyoming State Bar’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Section. She is also the daughter of Mark Hanson, who is also a Board Member.