The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes Visions In Education alumni who have excelled in higher education, their careers, or through meaningful contributions to their communities. Through the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, Visions will honor these individuals and highlight their journeys as a reflection of the positive impact our programs can have.
In 2017, Megan Edens began teaching in the Home School Academy at Visions In Education. Only a few weeks earlier, she had proudly celebrated her daughter Alyssa Edens’ graduation from the very same school.
Before becoming a teacher at Visions, Megan had encouraged her daughter to enroll at Visions, making space for Alyssa’s budding independence, desire for flexibility, and love of learning. In the University Prep Academy, Alyssa’s education was molded by group meetings in the library and the freedom to learn life skills, such as cooking and cleaning. As she grew older and continued her studies at Visions, a longtime passion for helping others began to take shape.
“Growing up, many of my friends struggled with mental health issues and I knew I wanted to help in some way,” Alyssa explained.
Alyssa’s teacher, Andy VandenAkker, was a key influence during this time. With patience, kindness, and individualized attention, Mr. VandenAkker offered Alyssa invaluable support, especially when she was deciding on her college path.
“I really enjoyed my time with Mr. VandenAkker. He was a great teacher and was very encouraging! He was very supportive when I selected where I was going to undergrad.”
After graduating from Visions, Alyssa went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Biola University, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at APU, gaining hands-on experience through multiple roles: working as a respite care provider for a young girl with Down syndrome, serving in the Los Angeles County Foster Care system, and completing a practicum at a local nonprofit.
“As a respite care worker, I take care of a young girl and drive her to different therapies (speech, physical). I pick her up from school and enjoy being able to spend time with her,” said Alyssa. “While working in the foster care system, I drove to clients’ homes and conducted therapy for the children and families. At my current site, I am conducting assessments for children and adolescents and determining their diagnoses. I mostly work with children with ADHD and ASD, but have also worked with children with intellectual disabilities, anxiety, and depression.”
For Alyssa, Visions was the stepping stone to a career that inspires, engages, and fulfills one of her most-held values: taking care of one another as a community.
“Visions allowed me to do well in school while also giving me time to learn life skills,” explained Alyssa. “As I grew up, the urge to help people…strengthened. Now that I have begun seeing clients, that passion has only grown and has confirmed that I have picked the correct field.”
What Alyssa gained from Visions was the ability to learn – about language and history, math and science, but also about service, purpose, and passion. Alyssa comes to the Alumni Hall of Fame as a true Visionary, one who seeks to understand the world not just through knowledge, but through empathy, action, and a commitment to making a difference.
“Alyssa is a person who represents what Visions stands for. She not only gives back to the community, but is pursuing a profession that is essential right now,” said Megan. “She can show Visions students that you can do anything you put your mind to and can make a difference in not only the people around you, but provide support and resources to share with others. She demonstrates passion and drive, she actively listens to others, she sets a positive example through her actions, and she can empower individuals to achieve their goals.”
