Beyond Differences is pleased to announce that Alyssa Ching has joined their team as the Director of National Programs. Alyssa will work closely with our 9,000+ schools nationwide to manage and expand our three national school-based programs: Know Your Classmates®, No One Eats Alone® and Be Kind Online®. 

Alyssa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the educational and nonprofit sectors and has worked on key SEL and DEI initiatives. While earning her M.Ed from Long Island University, Alyssa worked as a high school SPED teacher, before becoming an instructional coach, account manager, and curriculum developer. For the NYC Department of Edu, Girls Who Code, and other nonprofits, she has created vibrant student learning experiences and helped educators hone their craft. 

“I am most proud of my work as a teacher in New York City and leading another organization through a DEI strategic plan, resulting in employee-led affinity groups and more equitable work policies,” she says.

Alyssa was drawn to the position at Beyond Differences because of the organization’s mission to inspire youth to create a culture of belonging. As the proud daughter of immigrants who taught her the values of integrity, kindness and including others, Beyond Differences’ year-round programs resonated with her. 

She is looking forward to continuing to amplify teachers’ brilliance and equipping students with the skills to authentically live their lives out loud and embrace each other’s differences. 

“I hope our year-round national programs will allow teachers to not only better connect with their students, but with themselves through our SEL-infused activities and lessons,” Alyssa says.  “When teachers thrive so do their students, administrators, and families – it’s an entire ecosystem that is positively impacted.”

Alyssa’s interests outside of work range from catching air on her skateboard to whipping up Filipino-inspired desserts. She is a huge animal lover and enjoys spending time playing with her two adorable rescue dogs, Tiger Lily and Tobi.

The misson of Beyond Differences® is to inspire students nationwide to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging for everyone. We envision a world where all youth are accepted, valued, and included no matter their differences. Beyond Differences® offers FREE SEL curriculum, lesson plans, and supplies’ to middle school educators all across the nation. Bring our programs to your school today!