When Elizabeth Dam enrolled at Alaska Pacific University, she planned to earn a master’s degree in counseling psychology. But life had other plans.

A full-time Infant Learning Program Coordinator at FOCUS Outreach in Eagle River, a mother of two, and managing unexpected health challenges, Elizabeth found herself needing a different path. Rather than seeing roadblocks, APU faculty worked alongside her to create a solution.

“It was actually the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced,” Elizabeth said. “As a working parent, it was the most heartfelt thing I think a college could do for me. The registrar was so easy to work with, and Dr. Erica Stannard and Rosanne helped figure out a path that fit my career and my life.”

Elizabeth transitioned into APU’s Master of Arts program, where she was able to build her graduate work around research directly connected to her profession.

Originally from Arizona, Elizabeth has lived in Alaska for the past decade with her husband, their two children, and a lively household that includes her dog and rabbit. She has worked at FOCUS Outreach for more than three years, helping families determine whether children from birth to age three qualify for early intervention services. Her undergraduate studies in psychology and years in community mental health sparked a deep interest in neuroscience, child development, and improving systems that serve families.

For her master’s thesis, Elizabeth focused on streamlining the eligibility determination process for infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services. The result was a more efficient framework that increased her team’s capacity to serve approximately 25% more children while creating a more consistent experience for both providers and families.

“What I really saw was that when we provide top-notch service that has a form, a function, and a fit, no provider is left wondering what comes next,” she said. “Families receive a high-quality experience because everyone is working from the same clear structure.”

Elizabeth originally chose APU because of its emphasis on cultural humility and its commitment to serving Alaska’s diverse communities.

“I go into families’ homes every day,” she said. “You have to meet people exactly where they are, be aware of your own biases, and approach every interaction with respect. The culturally informed framework I learned at APU is something I use all the time.”

One of her favorite parts of the program was learning alongside classmates from a wide range of disciplines.

“The students are so diverse, with such a wide range of interests,” she said. “You wouldn’t think people studying different topics would create such rich conversations, but they do. We shared resources, learned from each other, and challenged each other in the best ways. APU attracts really driven individuals. That program perpetuates greatness in other people.”

She also credits APU with strengthening the skills she uses every day as both a professional and a leader.

“The biggest things I gained were critical thinking, effective communication, and hands-on learning,” she said. “I became more confident in recognizing when change is needed, knowing how to make that change, and following through.”

After graduating, Elizabeth earned the master’s degree required to secure her permanent SEED Level 10 certification, allowing her to continue advancing early intervention services across Alaska. She hopes to mentor others working in infant learning programs and help strengthen services statewide.

Her advice for future students is simple:

“Make a written study plan and stick to it. Use the library, ask for help, and don’t be afraid to reach out when you need support. There are people at APU who genuinely want to help you succeed.”