Biography

On the way to becoming a kindergarten teacher, Allyssa crossed paths with the social service profession. During her junior year of college, she began working at a Family Relief Nursery with children from families who had experienced abuse in some form. There, she discovered her love of advocating for children and providing a safe adult presence in their lives. These relationships changed Allyssa as a person and her choice of major, too. After graduating with a degree in Human Development and Family Science, Allyssa worked in daycare for a few years before going back for her Master of Social Work. The way she feels about her career today says she made the right move.

As a social worker, Allyssa focuses on helping children and families see the potential and strength within themselves. She loves helping those having difficult times find a glimmer of hope and lives for the moment when patients realize they have the strength inside to keep going and come out stronger at the other end. Whatever your family’s struggle, Allyssa will meet you where you are, follow your lead, and offer the support needed to get to a better tomorrow. She sends her heart to those who may be in their darkest moments and is always ready to lend an ear to listen, a nudge of encouragement, or a helping hand to reach the light again.

During college football season, you’ll find Allyssa at every University of Oregon game despite graduating from Oregon State. Yes, she knows she’s committing a grave offense, but her love for the Ducks is homegrown and mighty! Her cousins and stepsister are also part of Duck Nation, often cheering by her side on game days. In the summer, Allyssa spends weekends on the water, kayaking with the cutest little sidekick, her dog Marley. Other habits include saving fast-food condiments for the next hot sauce or ketchup shortage, refusing to give up buying VHS tapes and DVDs, and perfecting the talent of wiggling her ears!