Alissa Mahler is married to pundit Michael Knowles. She is a PhD candidate studying developmental psychology. She is also a mother of three. Alissa lives a private life centered on research, faith, and family.
For this piece, we will look into the life of Alissa Mahler. Also, her educational and occupational background, and the story of how she met Michael Knowles.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Alissa Mahler |
| Also Known As | Alissa Knowles |
| Birth Year | 1990 |
| Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Education | BA (University of Maryland), Journalism (Yale), MSc & PhD (UC Irvine) |
| Field | Developmental Psychology, Social Ecology |
| Past Role | Research Fellow at NICHD (2012–2014) |
| Marriage | Married Michael Knowles in 2018 |
| Children | 3 sons (born 2021, 2022, 2024) |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Social Media | Not publicly active |
| Notable Work | Youth development and justice research |
| Public Presence | Keeps a private life; rarely in the media |
Growing Up and Where She Came From
Alissa Mahler was born in 1990 in Nashville, Tennessee. She was raised in an average neighborhood and attended public school in Bedford Hills. Like most children, she lived a quiet life. Even back then, she was curious and loved to learn. She didn’t grow up in the public eye, and, to this day, she chooses to live this way.
She was a student who attended class, focused, and did her homework. Her early life shaped her into a human who people had the ability to love learning deeply, and that has been abundantly evident in everything she has done since.
According to Legit.ng, Her strong passion for schooling would later put her into realms like journalism and psychology. And discerning why we do what we do was a goal since she was a little girl.
Her Education: An Extended Education
Following high school, Alissa Mahler attended the University of Maryland. She studied psychology and history. These two interests helped her learn about how people think and how the world has changed over time.
But again, she did not stop there. She also studied journalism at Yale University – one of the best schools on the planet – showing how serious she was about learning and growing.
Afterwards, she moved to California to attend the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine). She earned a master’s degree in social ecology and a PhD in developmental psychology. That’s a lot of time committed, but it shows how committed she was.
At UC Irvine, she did not simply sit in rooms and engage with readings and assignments. She also worked on research projects that asked important questions about youth development and justice system involvement with youth. Research of this nature takes time, reading, and deep, deep thinking.
Her Work: Helping Youth by Research
From 2012 until 2014, prior to her PhD, Alissa worked as a research fellow at the NICHD – the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. This is a reputable U.S. organization that studies health and development (Source: NICHD).
Moreover, Alissa worked on a project that tracked teenagers over time. Longitudinal research of this type helps scientists know what shapes youth as they develop. She focused on areas like family, schools, and emotional growth.
When she went to UC Irvine, she was still doing similar work. She began working as a graduate researcher and for a doctoral program as an event organizer for community-based events. She wrote and published academic papers and collaborated with other researchers on projects. That’s related to juvenile justice, that is, the justice in the jurisdiction of the legal system for young people.
She did not only think in theory. She thought in action. And that is what makes her work special. She created a combination of academic thought with compassion for the people behind the numbers.
How she met Michael Knowles: a long love story.
So, many know Alissa Mahler today as Michael Knowles’ wife. A conservative commentator and host of the Daily Wire. But that is a different story and much earlier than he was famous.
Alissa and Michael were just kids in middle school when they met. They may have even met in fifth or sixth grade and quickly became friends. They began dating in 2006. That means they have been together for nearly twenty years.
After years of dating, they got engaged on February 19, 2017, and they married on June 3, 2018. Their wedding was at the Church of St. Michael in New Jersey, a beautiful Catholic church consistent with their faith and traditions.
Becoming a Mother and Starting a Family
Alissa Mahler and Michael Knowles built a family. They have three young sons. Their first son was born in January 2021. Their second son was born in August 2022. Their third son was born in June 2024.
So, they have certainly been busy building their family. Raising three children in a row is a busy thing. Alissa has been doing her job of motherhood with thoughtfulness and care. Even though her time has been spent in academic inquiry in a serious way, she has a family-first mentality.
Living a private life in a public world
Even though her husband often does live public appearances on television or in various podcasts, Alissa Mahler has chosen to be out of the public eye, in regard to her life, as much as possible. She is not a social media person. She does not do interviews and does not partake in many public events. She likes to keep it simple.
Supporting her husband behind the scenes
Michael Knowles makes public statements about social and political issues. He has a point of view, and because of that, he has vocal critics. That kind of career can add quite a lot of pressure. Alissa Mahler supports Michael Knowles in that position.
I don’t see her in front of the camera, but I know she is behind the scenes and she supports the everyday life of Michael Knowles. When Michael Knowles received an honorary degree from Ave Maria University in 2025, Alissa was there in Indianapolis, the venue where Michael received the honour.
The woman behind the name
If you were to type in “Alissa Mahler” in a search engine, you would likely think of a lot of pictures or interviews. More than anything, you see solid, quiet strength. Alissa Mahler’s life is not about power and fame. It’s about purpose.
She has published academic research, worked at respected places like NICHD, and helped young people through her studies. She’s raised three kids. She’s supported her husband. And she’s done all of it while staying out of the public eye.
Final Thoughts
Early on, some people may have only known Alissa Mahler as Michael Knowles’ wife. Once you look a little deeper, there is a lot more to her. Alissa Mahler is an accomplished academic, a devoted mother, and a quiet bystander in women’s leadership. And she keeps her focus on her real purpose.
Her story shows that success doesn’t always come with fame. Sometimes, it comes from making good choices, staying close to your values, and helping others, especially your family.
As of 2025, she continues to live in Los Angeles with her husband and children. She keeps her life peaceful, honest, and strong. And that’s something worth learning from.
(FAQs)
Who is Alissa Mahler?
Alissa Mahler is the wife of conservative commentator Michael Knowles and a highly educated academic with a PhD in developmental psychology.
What does Alissa Mahler do?
She is a researcher focused on youth development and juvenile justice. She has also worked as a research fellow at NICHD and at UC Irvine.
Where did Alissa Mahler go to school?
She studied at the University of Maryland and Yale University and earned her PhD from UC Irvine.
When did Alissa Mahler marry Michael Knowles?
They married on June 3, 2018, at the Church of St. Michael in New Jersey.
How many children do Michael Knowles and Alissa Mahler have?
They have three sons, born in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
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