She received her BFA from the University of Memphis, and MFA from The College at Brockport (SUNY). Lester is a registered somatic movement therapist (RSMT) through the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA). She trained with mentor Sondra Fraleigh in Shin Somatics® and is a trainer for the Eastwest Somatics Institute of Yoga, Dance and Movement Studies. Lester's Shin Somatics workshops are offered internationally and this practice is integral to her dance pedagogy along with the Bill Evans Method. Lester serves on the board of directors for the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), and ISMETA, and is founding member of Hub Dance Collective based in Hattiesburg, MS.