Alison studied theater and lighting design at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and received degrees in Interior Design and Art History from Marymount University. Working as a commercial artist and art director before taking up glass full time in 2003, she was a studio artist with the Washington Glass School from 2003 to 2006 and has been a Torpedo Factory Artist since 2007. Previously, Alison studied with reknowned glass artists Steve Kline, Elizabeth Mears, Richard La Londe, and Tim Tate.

Alison exhibits at many fine craft shows, including the Architectural Home Design Show in New York and the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC. She has been a Niche Award for Fine Craft finalist and a Smithsonian Artist Residency Fellowship nominee. She served as a panelist for the Kennedy Center Artist Development series, a speaker in the Smithsonian Presents series, and as curator for numerous green-art shows, including America Recycles for the U.S. Department of State. Alison is a faculty member of the Washington Glass School and a Torpedo Factory Resident Artist; she was the Torpedo Factory Artist of the Year in 2010.

Her kinetic sculptures can be found in public, commercial, and residential venues, nationally and internationally.