From the Front Lines to the Mind: Veteran, Alyssa Carrion’s, Journey In Mental Health Support

Alyssa Carrion is the Veterans Program Director at Mental Health America of Dutchess County. Their mission is to make Hudson Valley a place where anyone can get access to the full spectrum of mental health and addiction services they need, without jumping through unnecessary hoops. Alyssa Carrion graduated from Carmel High School in 2000. She went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she graduated in2004 with Bachelors of Science in Spanish and Portuguese. She was commissioned as a 2 nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Alyssa attended Military Police Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From 2004-2009, she served on active duty as a Platoon Leader, Battalion S-2, Battalion S-3, and Battalion Executive Officer. From 2009-2012 she served as an officer in the US Army Reserves, serving as a Battalion S-1, Company Commander, and Battalion Special Projects Officer. While serving as a Platoon Leader in the 571 st Military Police Company, Ms. Carrion was deployed to Egypt. She earned numerous awards and recognitions including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. Ms. Carrion also holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington and a Paralegal Certificate from Boston University. She is working to earn her Master's Degree through NYU in Speech Pathology. Currently, Ms. Carrion works for Mental Health America of Dutchess County as the Director of Veterans Programs. In addition, Alyssa serves as a Veteran Peer Mentor for Veterans through the Vet2Vet program and as a Veterans Treatment Court Mentor for Dutchess County. Alyssa is the quartermaster for VFW Post 5444 and serves as the Senior Vice Commander for VFW District 2. Alyssa resides in Carmel, NY with her partner Mitch, and her two awesome kids, Baishan and Connor.