Alyssa spent over a decade in New Mexico’s foster care system. She was adopted in her teens for about five years, before being removed again and aging out of the system. She is a Jim Casey young fellow and is part of nationwide advocacy groups.

Alyssa has advocated for The Foster Youth Tax Credit, expansion of the tuition waiver for foster youth, and the Fostering Connections Act, which extends support for young people ages 18-21. She is a member of the Administrative Office of the Courts Family Representation Task Force, and part of multiple committees that engage in policy changes to the child welfare systems.

In addition to her advocacy, Alyssa spends her time writing poetry and being an incredible mother to her three boys.