Alisyn Kandybowicz

Share your military spouse story:
Being a military spouse has been an absolute honor and adventure. My husband’s career has immersed us into new places, introduced us to incredible people and mentors, and our three children have become the most adaptable humans (who get odd looks by the way they call off-post teachers and adults “sir” and “ma’am”). My husband's support has empowered me to pursue grad school, launch NatureTalks LLC private practice, and found Mission: Food Forest (a 501(c)3 non-profit). Military life gives me a sense of urgency. Knowing our time at each duty station will be short motivates me to “think globally and act locally,” creating community initiatives that ripple outward. The mentors and connections I’ve found have fueled my passion for making a meaningful, inclusive impact in every community we join, whether through therapy, gardens, or volunteer programs.

Describe any leadership positions or provide an overview of your leadership contributions within the military community.
I’ve served in multiple leadership roles supporting military families: 1st Vice President (2023–24) and WebMaster (2022–23) for the Fort Knox Spouses & Community Club, 305th MI BN SFRG Leader (2019–20, Fort Huachuca), 304th MI BN SFRG Informal Funds Custodian (Fort Huachuca), Fort Knox Community Garden Coordinator (2022-24). Other community initiatives include founding 501(c)3 non-profit, Mission: Food Forest, establishing NatureTalks LLC, private practice which seeks to hire military spouses and serve military families with children with disabilities. These roles demonstrate my ability to organize, inspire, and guide volunteers, foster collaboration across organizations, and implement sustainable programs that strengthen families and communities at scale.

What programs or projects are you currently involved in that support the needs of military families?
I currently lead Mission: Food Forest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that cultivates sustainable community gardens, provides grants, resources, and consultation, and connects military installations worldwide. Through hands-on programs, we teach families gardening skills, foster resilience, and improve access to fresh, nutritious food. I also operate NatureTalks LLC, a therapy practice that seeks to hire military spouses and specializes in providing neurodiverse-affirming care for children with developmental disabilities and complex communication needs, including AAC users. Both initiatives focus on connection, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring military families have access to meaningful experiences and support regardless of location.

What moments best reflect your impact on building inclusive community among military spouses?
Creating the children’s garden at Fort Knox, complete with an AAC board for nonspeaking children, exemplifies my commitment to inclusivity. Scouts, schools, and families collaborated to plant pollinator gardens, paint murals, and build garden beds. During COVID, my children and I delivered our fresh garden produce to our neighbors' doorsteps. These efforts fostered trust, connection, and collaboration among soldiers, spouses, civilians, and children with disabilities. By integrating neurodiverse and family-centered approaches, I’ve built welcoming, empowering spaces where all military families feel seen, included, and supported.

Identify your main advocacy effort and describe your personal connection to the cause.
My primary advocacy is expanding access to sustainable food systems and inclusive outdoor spaces for military families. As a military spouse and bilingual CCC-SLP, I’ve witnessed families struggle with food insecurity, frequent relocations, and limited access to therapy or community support. My work with community gardens, Mission: Food Forest, and NatureTalks LLC combines my passion for nutrition, child development, and inclusion, addressing both physical and mental well-being while strengthening community resilience. This cause is deeply personal: it merges my love for connection, nature, and service to the military community.

Summarize your advocacy outreach strategies, including any events, media involvement, or other communication efforts.
I engage the military community through hands-on programs, volunteer events, and collaborative initiatives (virtual and in-person). I’ve coordinated garden openings, educational workshops, and family-focused volunteer days at Fort Knox and other installations. Through social media, press releases, and community newsletters, I promote programming and resources, including outreach for families of children with disabilities. I leverage media and partnerships to highlight inclusion, nutrition education, and sustainability, ensuring programs are visible, accessible, and replicable across installations, inspiring engagement and fostering long-term community impact.

What do you hope to accomplish with the AFI Military Spouse of the Year^® title?
I am beyond honored to be considered for this prestigious award. I would love to have the opportunity, as AFI MSOY, to use this platform to expand programs that connect military families with sustainable food systems and nature-based activities, including gardening, beekeeping, foraging, homesteading, and hunting/fishing. These initiatives promote nutrition education, mental health, and resilience, while fostering connection among families. Community gardens also support military installations by improving measurable outcomes in mNEAT assessments, demonstrating real, data-driven benefits for garrison wellness. I will leverage this platform to secure resources, build awareness, and empower military spouses to lead inclusive programs, turning installations into hubs of connection, sustainability, and family support.