She received her MFA in painting from Wichita State University in 2010 and continues her studio practice in Montana through national and international exhibitions. She has participated in artist residencies focused on studio practice at the International School of Painting, Drawing, and Sculpture in Montecastello diVibio, Italy, Vermont Studio Center, and UCross. Lightner was the emerging artist in residency at Penn State Altoona in 2012.