Alyssa obtained her undergraduate degree from Arkansas Tech University, where she majored in psychology and sociology. She then obtained her master’s degree in psychology from Western Carolina University. After becoming licensed with her master’s degree, Alyssa worked as a community-based therapist for adults struggling with severe and persistent mental illness for two years before returning to Western Carolina University and obtaining her doctorate in psychology. She has clinical experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, the VA, a college counseling center, and an outpatient setting for first responders. Her dissertation focused on recidivism and mental health within rural jails.