Alums find purpose at Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center

Both Lauren Daniels (’16) and Brittany Lewis (’15) studied Community Psychology at UW Bothell, and both found Seattle Children’s Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center by chance. The Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center offers classes and activities for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities as they transition out of the education system and into adulthood.

A transfer student from Brigham Young University, Lauren moved to Bothell in 2014 and wanted to connect with her community when a family member told her about Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center. The center had just opened, and she became their first volunteer and eventually, a permanent classroom aide.

Similarly, Brittany was a transfer student from Western Washington University and discovered the center unintentionally. She realized she could structure volunteering as an internship and became the center’s first intern. A few months after graduation, Brittany was hired, and like Lauren, loves her work.

Brittany and Lauren say the clients are the best part, and now they enjoy mentoring UW Bothell students through community-based learning courses. Watch this video to learn about Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center and the fulfillment these alumni have found.