MSW, CSWA
She/Her

Alison became a social worker after working with several non-profit agencies and realizing she wanted to be able to work more directly with individuals in the populations she was trying to serve. The importance of being of service to others had been instilled in her from a very young age and was something she felt particularly passionate about while growing up. Throughout her life, Alison had naturally been seeking answers to understand trauma, mental illness, suicide and addiction to better understand the nature of these challenges as well as methods of healing. Her love of learning, personal experiences, and fascination with the field of psychology kept pulling her in the direction of pursuing a graduate degree in social work and in this process, her passion and personal pursuit for understanding naturally evolved into a much deeper professional purpose. 

Before becoming a social worker, Alison has been using her business and background with the French language to work in Montreal and France. After working with United Way and developing a love for the non-profit sector, she pursued opportunities with non-profits in India and Nepal. Moving back to the US, she worked in a group home and crisis shelter for youth in Wyoming, which is where she was when she decided to pursue her graduate degree. As a social worker, Ali has previously worked in residential substance use treatment and hospice before joining the Drishti Team in 2021!

Alison has lived in Bend since September 2020. Wanting to flee a big and crowded California city at the height of the pandemic, Alison fell in love with Bend and feeling particularly drawn to the gorgeous scenery and outdoor opportunities.

Alison enjoys spending time climbing mountains, hiking, biking, camping, backpacking and ultimately living it up in her beautiful Bend backyard! She also enjoys books and podcasts on mental health, traveling, and spending time with friends, family and her beloved dog, Z.

Alison feels eternally grateful to be in a career that motivates and challenges her to always be learning and growing, and she feels it is a true honor to get to work closely with so many amazing people and to be part of their journey in self-discovery and healing.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

University of Georgia, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Minor in French
University of Southern California, Master of Social Work