Allyssia Hay
Meet Alyssia Hay. She has been a CASA volunteer for approximately eight months. She is still working her very first case and doing very well. She has been happily married to Steve Crispino for four years. She has two biological children, Carter Hay (25) and Carlie Hay (19). She also has two bonus children, Kevin Crispino (28) and Kyle Crispino (23). They also have a sweet little cavipoo named Teddy. Alyssia is a licensed medical massage therapist and has spent the majority of the last 22 years working at Donahue and Trahan Physical Therapy. Not only does Alyssia hold a massage license, she is also a certified yoga instructor and has a degree in Dietetics. When not working, Alyssia spends her down time with her family. She enjoys yoga, reading, hiking, riding bikes, fishing and kayaking. She likes to be outdoors and active. Alyssia is not a native to Houma. She was born in Morgan City but she and her family moved to Houma when she was 8 years old for a better job opportunity and has been here ever since. Something that many people do not know about Alyssia is that her family of origin hosted many foreign exchange students throughout her life. She traveled to Europe to visit these students in Denmark, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.
Alyssia first heard of CASA due to having an office in the same building as CASA. Upon researching the organization, she discovered that this would be a great organization to become involved with. However, as many people do, she put off submitting her application because of self-doubt. “Not enough time”; “Can’t handle it”; “Not the ‘right’ person”. She finally decided to go through with the process after the passing of her dear friend, Gabrielle Hernandez, who was a CASA volunteer. It was her way of honoring Gabby’s legacy.
When asked what advice she would give to people contemplating becoming a CASA she said: “Don’t let fear stop you. Will you become attached to these beautiful kids? Yes, you will. That's the point. They need people who will be there for them, to always think of what is best for them, to love them. Don't let the fear stop you from being there for a child in need. You could be the one person, the one constant, the one reliable adult in that child's life that could be the reason they go on to become happy, healthy, successful, loving adults.”
Alyssia we are so grateful to have you. Thank you for all of your hard work.
