Grounded in her Michigan State University experience, Dr. Alyse Folino Ley leads with compassion and prevention to support the mental health of young people across Michigan and beyond.
From the moment she stepped onto Michigan State University’s campus, Alyse Folino Ley felt a deep sense of belonging. “MSU didn’t just feel like a campus, it felt like home,” remembered Ley (D.O. ‘02).
MSU’s mission of outreach and community engagement resonated with Ley since her introduction to the school, back at the age of 15. “Beyond that,” explained Ley, “the wealth of opportunities, supportive environment, and strong academic reputation made it clear that MSU was a place to grow, contribute, and become the person I aspired to be.”
Ley completed her undergraduate studies at MSU, prompting her to continue her education at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. “It felt like the natural extension of that journey,” Ley reflected.
She said the college’s commitment to serving Michigan communities reflected her own desire to make a difference locally. “MSU consistently provided the academic, clinical, and outreach opportunities I needed to pursue my professional goal to serve in a meaningful way.”
Now, Ley is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and a professor at MSU’s colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine, and the director of Prevent 2 Protect: The Adolescent Targeted Violence Prevention Project, or P2P. It is a first-of-its-kind project focused on preventing targeted adolescent violence in schools. P2P takes a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise from mental health, education, and law enforcement to assess and support high-risk K-12 students.
When deciding on a career path, Ley was drawn to the science of medicine and the human experiences that shape behavior, relationships, and identity that psychiatry embodies. “It resonated with me in a deeply personal way,” she recalled, “and being a child and adolescent psychiatrist gives me the opportunity to intervene early, offer hope, and help young people reach their goals.”
Ley said supporting the mental health of young people is an honor and a privilege. “Every day, I’m humbled by the strength and resilience of the young people I work with and honored to play even a small
role in their journey,” she added. “I am eternally grateful for the individuals who allowed me into their lives.”
Her drive to teach, practice, and direct P2P comes from the potential to make a lasting impact, particularly in the lives of young people. “I’m motivated by the belief that prevention is powerful and that every young person deserves the chance to flourish,” said Ley. The support and impact of mentors during her own time at MSU encouraged her to give back to the community she calls home.
“Teaching fuels my passion for shaping future doctors, while clinical work grounds me in the real-life experience of my patients,” Ley said. “My patients inspire me with their courage and ability to face life’s biggest challenges,” she added.
Time at MSU gave Ley the foundation to not only succeed in completing her education but also to flourish beyond that and support the mental health of young people, eventually inspiring P2P. “It allows me
to channel my vision for early intervention into action,” she said. “MSU gave me the confidence and tools to lead, serve, and make a difference.”
“At each step along the way, I was encouraged to explore, challenge myself, and grow,” Ley said, reflecting on the support of her mentors. “I’m driven to be that for others because all young people should have the chance to reach their full potential.”
By: Lieza Klemm