Helping, seeing and believing in others is Lyssa Chandler’s forte. Known for her big smile and even bigger heart, Lyssa Chandler, an online graduate student in the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, is considered by many one of the most honest and up-incoming therapists for marginalized people because of her tried and true methods of listening, advocating and counseling compassionately. Hoping to finish her degree soon, Lyssa is already working toward upskilling her professional career. Having received the Minority Fellowship Program organized by the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), Lyssa is hopeful that she can become a licensed therapist who is dedicated to helping those around her. 

Greetings from Alaska

Many wish to travel to adventurous states, where mountains, oceans and trails all collide. Others, like Lyssa, are simply born into them. Born in Georgia, Lyssa was moved as a baby to Anchorage, Alaska. As a kid, she would categorize herself as ‘nosey.’ Whether it was wanting to know who said what, or what was going on, she looks back fondly at how her personality projected her yearning to serve others. 

“It wasn’t like I wanted to be nosey,” Lyssa laughs. “I just wanted to know what was going on, and luckily, the Lord used that trait of mine to know what was going on and to actually do something about it. It wasn’t meant for me to just know, for knowing’s sake.” 

Growing up, Lyssa remembers noticing how much she enjoyed learning about other people. And while some would still call her nosey, she knew it was a natural curiosity that was leading her down a path toward working with other people. Fast forward 18 years, she was enrolled in the military and moved to Germany. During her time abroad, her desire to gain her college degree didn’t cease. Flipping back and forth between teaching or psychology-based degrees, Lyssa finally achieved her goal and completed a Human Development and Family Science degree from American Public University. One of Lyssa’s favorite memories about her degree included having the opportunity to better understand the changes humans go through from birth to death. From their cognitive behavior to emotional maturing to studying how trauma affects people’s life spans, she realized she was on to something. Something had caught her eye – and it was the curious nature of human growth. 

“I just fell in love with how humans change over time,” Lyssa said. “It was like, I knew we changed but to study it from an academic perspective was different. It made me want to learn more about people, our interactions and how we carry ourselves throughout our lives.” 

Shortly after returning from Germany, life took off for Lyssa. In a flash, she married and moved back to Georgia, where she began working at a Christian clinic with other students who were nearly done with their various counseling degrees. Wondering what was next for her, she would watch as her colleagues gushed about their classes, and use their knowledge to help members of the clinic – something she wished she could do, too. After speaking with a few friends, Lyssa began to pray about what God had in store for her. Within the span of a few months, she was shocked when she spoke with a friend about her passion for counseling, and just so happened to know someone attending ACU Online’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. For the next few weeks, Lyssa worked tirelessly with her friend to research what ACU Online was all about. And after a few quick searches and questions, she was sold. 

“I knew I wanted to attend a Christian university since I wanted to practice Christian counseling,” Lyssa said. “So, when I realized that ACU had exactly what I was looking for, I just decided to go for it.” 

Walking Her Path Toward Military Advocacy

Lyssa is no stranger to hard work. As a service member herself, she has always wanted a way to step up to the plate, no matter the obstacle in her way. Whether she’s juggling school or working as a Social Service Assistant for the U.S. Lyssa has always placed her faith in God; knowing He would make her paths abundantly clear. Placing specific people in her life, she sees God’s hand in all aspects of her professional life, including during her time at ACU Online. Holding a strong dedication to the program, she has sought the mentorship of countless professors and staff members, including Dr. Maxine Notice, a professor in the online Marriage and Family Therapy program. 

“She was just one of the professors I most identified with,” Lyssa said. “She knew what it was like to be a woman of color in this profession, and how needed we are in our communities. She was an exceptional professor and knew exactly how to teach students like me. That’s why I believe I am where I am today. God truly placed His hand over this specific mentorship, and it’s only made me stronger because of women like her.” 

Then, in the fall of 2024, Lyssa decided to take an even bigger leap of faith – by applying for the Minority Fellowship Program, a program that offers students pursuing their master’s degree the opportunity to expand their knowledge and comprehension of competent mental health and substance abuse services for marginalized communities. 

“I was not expecting to get it,” Lyssa said. “I only applied because Dr. Notice told me about it, and I thought “well, maybe I should.” 

After reviewing her impressive background and service to the country, Lyssa was chosen, making her one of the first recipients of ACU’s Online Marriage and Family Therapy program. Working hand-in-hand with the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems (FAHS), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the fellowship program offers financial support and professional guidance to its recipients in order to further uphold the academic success of future marriage and family therapists. Needless to say, in more ways than one, Lyssa would be having the opportunities of a lifetime. “I was shocked,” Lyssa said. “If anything, I just gave all the glory to God.” 

Today, Lyssa is continuing to do the good work before her. Working tirelessly to finish her degree and earn her license to become a marriage and family therapist, she knows God still has plans for her that go beyond her wildest imagination. Recognizing the importance of therapy, Lyssa hopes to shed light on the needs of military service men and women. Knowing that many servicemen suffer from traumatic experiences, Lyssa aims to provide the support and therapy needed to help them get back on their feet. 

Are you interested in learning more about ACU Online’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program? Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), you can begin this exciting degree by combining practical training in couple, family and child therapy, mental illness, substance abuse and addiction, with emphasis placed on assessment and diagnostic processes. Plus, you will gain the required knowledge and experience to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapy National Examination. Visit our website for more information.