Alyssa Vondrak

Began at Teachwell:

 2025

Why did you choose this field?

I have always loved working with kids, but I didn't know what capacity I wanted to work with them in. I started college with an Introduction to Criminal Justice class, and fell in love with the work and content. I continued to take those classes along with Religion Studies classes, and couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. I took a Juvenile Justice class my Junior year, and I realized there are positions and work to do with juveniles in the field. I then interned at Juvenile Court Services in Sioux City, IA and worked a lot with kids with addiction and some other serious crimes. I then went on to work more in the field in the Davenport Community School District in Iowa! I have just really loved working with alternative/at-risk kids.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?

A teacher or a labor and delivery nurse! (I don't like blood or needles, so not sure why I thought that was a good idea!)

What or who most inspires you?

My husband and daughter both inspire me the most. My husband works very hard to be a great leader and take care of our family. My daughter is growing more and more every day, and it's been so fun to watch her learn!

Why Teachwell?

I have worked at the alternative high school in Davenport, IA, so this seemed right up my alley. Several people I go to the gym with recommended Teachwell and how much they love it!

What are you proudest of?

I am a new mama, so that title is what makes me most proud. I am also very proud of the work I did in Davenport, IA with some pretty rough kiddos. I built some great relationships, and a lot of my students still keep in contact with me as they are getting older!

How do you hope to make a difference?

I hope to be a positive adult in a kid's life. I think we all needed positive adults when we were younger, and I really think that can shape kids for the better.

What lessons has your work life taught you?

There will be times when you get disappointed, but it's never that serious. Kids will be kids, and their brains aren't fully developed. I have learned to keep working hard to be positive, even when it gets hard.

What is your background? Experience, degrees, skills, etc.?

I graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Religion Studies in May 2021. I then went on to work for Juvenile Court Services District 3 in the State of Iowa as support staff until September of 2021. My husband and I moved to Davenport, IA in September 2021 for him to go to Palmer College of Chiropractic. I started working as a Juvenile Court School Liaison in the Davenport Community School District. I worked at Sudlow Intermediate and the alternative high school, Mid City High School. I worked with hundreds of kids that were on probation and at risk of offending. My position was under Juvenile Court Services District 7 and the school district as well. I tracked my students' grades, attendance, behaviors, probation requirements, etc. I would go to court with my students, go visit them in placements if they were there, do student mediations, work with different agencies and programs to aid in student success, do home visits and transport when needed, build relationships with families, run groups, and so much more. I was there until June 2025 when my husband and I moved here to Sioux Falls. I planned on staying home with my daughter, but I have missed working with kids!

People would be surprised to know that I . . .