“Alisa listens and gently guides her peers towards recovery with respect and humor. I give her credit for helping me form some of my most valued friendships and encouraging me to participate more fully in life.”

— National Alliance on Mental Illness, Support Group Member

“I have continued to know Alisa as a tireless mental health advocate. Alisa has the capacity to add different cultural perspectives on mental illness. Her life experiences, and ethnicity all contribute to her approach to mental illness. She is open and adept at applying those viewpoints and is an invaluable asset and advocate. She makes presentations, writes articles and supports people with mental illness who are people who most need that support. She has gained local and national support and respect as an advocate for mental health and cultural and social causes. She has lived experience, and she lives out a life of commitment and advocacy.”

— National Alliance on Mental Illness, Supervisor

“Alisa’s strengths in professional service to the community and diverse communities impacted by chronic mental illness has been extraordinarily strong and demonstrate a commitment to the public. Her advocacy work and mentorship are outstanding.”

— American Psychological Association, Former Committee Chair

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have Ms. Porter as a mentor during my PhD program, as part of the American Psychological Association’s Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program. She has been a steadfast support who has offered school, career and life balance coaching with so much heart. Ms. Porter is authentic, caring, and deeply encouraging; she has a way of validating and inspiring at the same time. With her thoughtful guidance (and doses of good humor), she has helped me navigate important decisions in my academic journey. She has created a true holding environment, one where I’ve felt supported, grounded, and challenged to grow.”

— American Psychological Association, Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship Program Mentee, Cheryl Aguilar, PhD Candidate and Therapist