Alysha Rivera grew up in an under-resourced community in Southern Arizona, surrounded by a family deeply committed to helping others. Family members served as nurses, counselors, and special education professionals, inspiring and nurturing Alysha’s path toward a career in human services from an early age.
Her academic journey took her to Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, where she graduated with bachelor’s degrees in human communication and sociology on a National Hispanic Scholarship.
After earning her degrees, Alysha worked as a paraprofessional with children on the autism spectrum disorder spectrum. She began her career at Axis Health System as an Integrated Behavioral Health Support Specialist, working closely with the primary care team. Alysha is now the Wellness Coach Supervisor.
As a Wellness Coach Supervisor, Alysha loves to provide behind-the-scenes support. One of her most rewarding accomplishments has been equipping newly hired Wellness Coaches to work with primary care and behavioral health team members. She enjoys being able to support a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to patient care.
Alysha recalled a particularly impactful moment when she aided a patient in scheduling behavioral health services to address generational substance use. The patient, sharing a photo of multiple generations, poignantly remarked, “You are helping end a cycle of substance use in my family.” This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores how the act of connection to the right resource can make a difference for individuals and families alike.
Looking ahead, Alysha plans to start a master’s program in Social Work. Her goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, providing clinical therapy to children and continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.