Alissa Pottorff is a valued employee at Pressley Ridge Grant Gardens and has been for some time. In fact, in July of this year, Alissa will celebrate her 8th year at Grant Gardens. Alissa was the Master Teacher Counselor (T/C) over the Boys 3 residential cottage for several years before taking maternity leave this past winter. After welcoming her new baby to the world, Alissa returned to Grant Gardens as the Lead T/C during school. In this position, Alissa has provided a great amount of support to the supervisors and school staff.

Alissa is willing to share her great experience with up and coming staff, by volunteering to teach formal trainings and by mentoring Teacher Counselors that she works with. Alissa makes sure that campus rules are consistently enforced with our children and reminds staff of these expectations as well. Through this consistent guidance, Alissa embodies the Re-ED “Competence can be Taught” with both staff and youth.

Alissa can often be seen standing in huddles, sorting out conflicts that have arose in the group. Alissa utilizes the Re-ED principles of “Self Control Can Be Taught” and “The Group is Important” by working out issues through huddles and group process. Alissa keeps her cool in difficult situations and does an excellent job helping our youth deescalate and process during and after crisis or disputes.

Alissa is a valued employee at Grant Gardens and a great asset to our campus. She is devoted to the Re-ED principles our organization is based on and her dedication shines through in her work each day.