OHIO Chillicothe student prepares for a career serving others

When Alisa Phillips returned to Ohio University Chillicothe more than a decade after first starting her degree, she brought with her years of life experience, a thriving business, and a renewed sense of purpose.

A senior social work major from Kingston, Ohio, Phillips earned an associate degree at Hocking College in 2010. She began work toward the Bachelor of Social Work degree at Ohio University in 2011, but had to pause her studies in 2013. Now she is back on track and ready to claim her degree 13 years later.

Phillips chose OHIO Chillicothe for its proximity to home. As a mom, maintaining that stability mattered.

“I started my degree years ago and never gave up on finishing it,” she said. “Coming back, I had a stronger mindset and a deeper sense of empathy for people struggling daily with mental and behavioral health challenges.”

That empathy is at the core of who she has always been. Social work has always called Phillips. It just took her a while to answer that call.

Choosing a life built around helping others

For 21 years, Phillips has run her own business as an independent hairstylist. A self-proclaimed “people person,” she thrives on connection and conversation. She sees beyond every haircut or style to the deeper work she loves: listening, encouraging, and making people feel like the best version of themselves.

Balancing that business while returning to school was no easy task. But those years behind the chair sharpened her communication skills and strengthened her desire to support others in more meaningful ways. Motherhood only deepened that calling, according to Phillips, especially as she learned more about the challenges faced by children with ADHD and autism.

The moment everything clicked

Her defining moment at OHIO came as Phillips faced a challenging balancing act and demanding schedule. She found herself juggling motherhood, classes, a job, her business and a practicum all at once.

“I had moments of doubt,” she said. “But as I kept showing up and pushing through, I recognized my strength. Helping others comes naturally to me, and pursuing social work is something I want more than ever. That’s when it clicked: I can do this, and I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Overcoming challenges with determination

Phillips said the hardest part of returning to school wasn’t the workload. It was choosing a specific focus within the broad field of social work. At times, narrowing her career focus felt daunting. Adjusting to the fast pace of college life as an adult student with a family and a business added challenges.

But Phillips kept moving forward, relying on her support system and staying committed to her goals.

“Every small step reminded me why I started,” she said.

Building lasting connections 

Through her practicum at Pathways Behavioral Health in Circleville, Phillips supports children with Autism who need Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as well as speech and occupational therapy. 

Assistant Professor of Instruction Nikki Newman said Phillips has worked hard and grown academically and professionally this year as a student and intern at Pathways for Behavioral Health.

“She has built strong connections with children with developmental disabilities and discovered a true passion for supporting them and their families,” Newman said. “Alisa approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to keep learning.”

Phillips speaks fondly of her time at OHIO Chillicothe, especially the friendships and mentorships she formed. She said sitting in classrooms surrounded by empathetic students and people who had lived, struggled and persevered just like she had, felt powerful.

“My favorite memories have been meeting professors who inspire me and classmates who truly understand me,” she said. “Those connections made my time at OHIO feel special and memorable.”

That strong sense of community inspires her advice for incoming students.

“Start networking now,” she said. “The relationships you build here can guide, support and open doors for you throughout your career.”

Looking ahead with purpose

Phillips plans to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at Ohio University. Her long‑term goal is to become a licensed independent social worker providing psychotherapy to children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, while continuing to work part-time in the hair industry. She also plans to train in EMDR therapy and offer trauma‑informed care.

“The world needs more social workers guiding and supporting our youth,” she said. “They are our next generation, and I want to be part of helping them thrive.”