When Lisa McCann ’09 became a mother during her first year at Mitchell College, she knew life would be challenging.

“Balancing school, work, and parenting was not easy, but the professors and staff were incredibly supportive. They worked with me to schedule classes around my work hours, and on occasions when daycare was closed, they even allowed me to bring my daughter to class. Their understanding meant the world to me,” she said.

Support for Lisa, who earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal and professional studies, extended to the former Mitchell College Learning Resource Center (LRC), today the Bentsen Learning Center.

“The LRC was a tremendous help during my academic journey. The tutoring center offered flexible hours to fit perfectly with my busy schedule, and I met twice a week with their reading and writing specialists who provided invaluable guidance. Their support played a major role in my success as a student. I probably spent more time the LRC than I did in classes.”

Lisa began at Mitchell studying early childhood education. She realized in her second year that she had a passion for behavioral science, grounded in her lived experience.

“I was a victim of domestic violence as a child, which shaped many aspects of my life. I didn’t grow up wealthy, and I constantly moved from house to house, trying to find stability. When I got to Mitchell and reflected on my life experiences, I realized I wanted to do more—I wanted to help others who were in situations like the ones I had endured.”

“Switching my major turned out to be the best decision for my academic and career goals,” she continued, “as I now have a career that I’m deeply passionate about.”

Paying forward

Today Lisa is a domestic violence housing counselor, advocate, and housing coordinator at Safe Futures in New London. Every day she pays forward the care, compassion, and support that she received at Mitchell to others in need.

“In my role, I oversee transitional housing programs for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. These programs are designed for clients who are homeless and seeking safety and stability. The transitional housing program offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units that clients can stay in for up to two years.”

During her clients’ stay, Lisa works with them on securing permanent housing, developing safety plans, addressing legal issues related to domestic violence or housing barriers, and setting and achieving short-term goals that align with their long-term aspirations.

“Many of my clients use this time to go back to school, pursue higher education, or gain certifications that allow them to increase their income and establish independence, which is something they weren’t allowed to do in the past. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients rebuild their lives, gain stability, and achieve their goals during their time in the program.”

The transformation that Lisa sees in her clients mirrors her own.

“Mitchell College opened my eyes to the power of education, determination, and community. It gave me the tools I needed to build a career helping others escape the cycle of domestic violence and find safety, stability, and hope for a better future. My time at Mitchell was transformative. I learned so much about resilience and perseverance. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my 20 years in this field and remind me daily that, even in the face of adversity, I don’t have to give up.”

Lisa McCann ’09 and her supervisor Fenty Lee ’15, director of residential programs and also a Mitchell College graduate