Hi y’all! I’m Alli!
I’m a 2019 graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Social Work. I’m a middle school counselor in a small town in Kansas. I finished my masters degree in School Counseling through Fort Hays State University in 2021. But if I’m being completely honest with you (& myself), that probably won’t be the end of my education as I love learning new ways to make a difference & to support students. In fact, I’m currently in training with my sweet pup, Piper, to get our therapy dog certification!
On the blog you’ll find me writing about my experiences learning how to adult & sharing my passion for finding ways to connect with & love on struggling youth. I have a knack for finding trendy, affordable fashion & being able to transform a few key pieces into several different outfits. I also love trying new hair & beauty tricks so I’m always on the lookout for new things. I look forward to sharing all of my finds with you!
Meet my pup!
Piper is a one & a half year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We are currently finishing up our training to get her certified & licensed as a therapy dog! She gets to go to work with me at the middle school every day & she fits in so well because her favorite part of the day is recess + she loves snacks. There are tons of studies on the benefits of dogs in the counseling setting & I’ve been able to witness it first hand with Piper. Between her sweet puppy dog eyes & friendly personality, she has never met a stranger. She's just happy to live life. We should all be a little more like Piper!
Meet my mama!
The behind-the-scenes gal who helps me run the blog by adding in links & codes, communicating with collaborators, etc. & helping to spark my creativity. She manages the blog’s content calendar & makes sure that everything runs smoothly. I absolutely could not do this without her!!!
She & my dad are recent empty nesters & are enjoying this new stage of life. My mom is a prayer warrior & fiercely loves her Bible study group, book club, & any chance she gets to have coffee with friends or visit a winery.
On the blog, you’ll find her jumping in from time to time to write about her family & faith, sharing a favorite recipe or the latest book she’s been reading, & encouraging you to live in the moment & embrace whatever season you’re currently in.
Meet my middle sister!
Bethany graduated from Kansas State University in May with her Bachelors in Human Development & Family Science. She just started her Masters in Couples & Family Therapy and is loving it so far! With Bethany getting her degree in a helping profession, I’m sure you can imagine it gives the two of us SO MUCH to talk about — theories, analyzing people, etc. lol! She lives in Manhattan in a house for the first time & works on campus. She loves random drives with her friends, doing things with her cohort, coffee runs & spending time with Jesus!
On the blog, you will find her sharing about her journey to become a therapist, what she’s learning in her bible study, tidbits on figuring out early adulthood & creating daily collages shared on social media.
Meet my youngest sister!
After struggling at K-State for a year: changing her major a couple of times, living in the dorms & then her sorority house, Avery made some big life changes! She is currently in a hybrid program through Fort Hays State University to get her associates in general studies with an emphasis in massage therapy and will graduate in May. She’s also working on her certification to become a yoga instructor. She is in the works of opening her own massage therapy and yoga business. She spends way too much time on TikTok and is easily influenced. When she’s not on TikTok she’s playing pickle ball with her friends, or petting her cat. She’s super excited about the new journey she’s on! Her two favorite things are Jesus and all things dessert!
On the blog, we’ll be asking her to share some things related to stress relief, wellness & essential oils. So be watching for that once she gets settled.
Simply Small Town Blog has been more than we ever could’ve dreamed & the opportunities to chat with women from all over (no offense, men) about similar passions or sharing great clothing finds has been the sweetest unexpected gift! We look forward to growing (& shopping) with you this year!