17�Թ���

USD Foundation & Alumni Association: What drew you to your industry in the first place?
Alyssa Linneman: The people. Both the residents and my coworkers are what drew me into this field. Senior living isn't the kind of industry you choose if you just want a job, you choose it because you genuinely care. That shared sense of purpose creates a workplace culture that is warm, supportive and deeply meaningful. Being surrounded by people who want to make a difference every day is what made me fall in love with this work.

U: In one word: what drive your ambition?
AL: Impact.

U: What achievement so far make you think, "Yep, I'm in the right career"?
AL: Every time I can bring clarity, comfort and reassurance to a family during an overwhelming season, I know without a doubt that this is the work I'm meant to be doing.

U: What's one contribution or idea you're proud of bringing to your workplace?
AL: I love having the opportunity to tap into my creative side. We're always looking for meaningful ways to inform seniors in our community about all the great things Touchmark has to offer, and ever in my short time here, several of my ideas have been used for marketing events and outreach. It's rewarding to know that my creativity is helping more people feel comfortable in exploring Touchmark and imagining what life here could look like for them.

U: Who inspires the way you show up professionally?
AL: I'm inspired by the mentors I've had who lead with both excellence and compassion. Watching them balance professionalism with genuine care showed me that you can be successful while still being deeply human and that's how I strive to show up every day. USD introduced me to my very first mentor, Greg Baumberger, who gave me my first internship in the senior living field and helped shape the foundation of my career.

U: In one word: what does being a standout Coyote mean to you?
AL: Drive.

U: What USD experience best prepared you for your field?
AL: My favorite USD experiences were in classes I took with Matthew Heard. Because he had professional experience in the senior living industry, he taught using real-world scenarios rather than just textbook theory. Now that I'm working in the field, I often find myself connecting my own experiences back to things I first learned in his classroom.

U: Favorite USD hangout or spot you miss most.
AL: The Kappa Alpha Theta house!

U: What stereotype about your field would you love to debunk?
AL: The idea that senior living is only for people who "need" care. In reality, many residents choose communities like Touchmark because they want connection, convenience and a maintenance-free lifestyle long before care is ever needed.

U: How is one USD professor or mentor who shaped your career mindset?
AL: Matthew Heard shaped my career mindset by showing me how meaningful and complex the senior living industry truly is. Through real-world examples and honest conversations about the field, he helped confirm that I was on the right path and prepared me with the emotional intelligence and problem-solving my career requires today.

U: What value guides how you show up in your workplace or industry?
AL: Compassion guides how I listen, support and help each person or family I work with to make a decision that honors their values.

U: Biggest lesson you've learned in your early career?
AL: The biggest lesson that I have learned early on in my career is to never be afraid to ask questions or to share your ideas. Being early in your career doesn't have to be a limitation, it can be a blessing because it brings fresh eyes! Some of my best ideas have come from when I am just starting off in a new role.

U: In one word: the most challenging part of working in your industry.
AL: Change.

U: In one word: the most exciting part.
AL: Enrichment.

U: What's a USD memory that still influences your work ethic?
AL: Being a Student Ambassador during my time at USD is a memory that still shapes my work ethic today. Having the opportunity to showcase all the incredible opportunities on campus, and the community of Vermillion, taught me how meaningful it is to help people envision themselves in a new place. I loved it then, and it's essentially what I do now: guiding future resident and their families through Touchmark to help them discover whether it feels like home and aligns with their values.

U: What's a misconception people have about your industry?
AL: That is still resemble the old "nursing home" model. In reality, today's senior living communities are vibrant, social, wellness-focused environments designed to enhance independence, not restrict it. Touchmark is the perfect example, with the majority of our campus centered around active, stress-free Independent Living; while also offering a thoughtful continuum of care so residents can age in place with confidence.

U: What's your go-to drink or snack during busy days?
AL: An iced coffee or 7energy from 7 Brew always puts a little extra pep in my step on a busy day.

U: Early bird or night owl for work?
AL: Night owl!

U: What's your reset ritual after a long workday?
AL: Silence. After a full day of conversations and social energy, I usually need some quiet time to recharge.

U: What's one skill every standout in your industry should have?
AL: To be successful in the world of senior living you have to lead with empathy, no matter what role you're in. Every person who walks through our doors is navigating a major transition, whether they are moving into the independent living or a higher level of support. Empathy allows you to truly understand the people you're serving, build trust with families and guide them through the change with compassion, clarity and respect. It is the foundation of meaningful, effective work in this industry.

U: One word your coworkers would use to describe you.
AL: My coworker says "enthusiastic" - can't complain about that!

U: What's a surprising or fun fact about you your industry peers might not know?
AL: A surprising fun fact about me is that I actually grew up on the carnival! My parents own carnival games, so many summers were spent traveling from state to state, meeting people from every walk of life, and basically living my best "carnival kid" life. It was colorful, chaotic and absolutely shaped me into the outgoing, people-loving person I am today. Lucky for me, this ended up being the perfect training ground for my career choice in sales!

U: What's your "industry standout" superpower?
AL: My superpower is transforming stress into relief. Whether it's a family navigating a health crisis or a resident exploring a major life change, I'm able to meet them where they are, simplify the complex and help them feel supported every step of the way.

U: Favorite season for work-life balance - or lack thereof?
AL: Spring. There's something about the fresh air, longer days and renewed energy that makes it easier to find balance.

U: What's one big goal you're excited to chase next?
AL: I'm still fairly new in my role, and with Touchmark offering five levels of care, I'm excited to continue deepening my knowledge of each one. The more I understand the full continuum of support we provide, the better I can guide families, answer questions with confidence and be a truly helpful resource to every person I connect with, which is the ultimate goal.

U: What's one issue or idea you'll always advocate for at work?
AL: I'll always advocate for early education around senior living. One of the biggest challenges we see in 17�Թ��� is that families often wait until a crisis happens before exploring their options, simply because they don't understand what modern senior living really offers. By helping people learn about the levels of support available and breaking old misconceptions, we empower families to make thoughtful, proactive decisions instead of rushed ones, and that leads to better outcomes for everyone.