Ashley is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and moved to Duluth to pursue a degree in Social Work. Ashley graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth as a member of the National Social Worker Association with a Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work, minoring in Early Childhood Studies. Ashley has had many experiences working alongside children and families. Prior to becoming a Family Advocate and Trainer at First Witness Child Advocacy Center, Ashley worked as a Direct Support Professional at a local Foster Care Organization for nearly four years. While working at this foster care organization, Ashley gained many experiences working with children that have all been exposed to egregious amounts of trauma, as well as additional social, emotional, cognitive and/or physical disabilities.
Before becoming a Family Advocate and Trainer, Ashley interned at First Witness which is where her passion for serving and advocating for those in marginalized communities, and dedication to fight for human rights really grew. Ashley has seen firsthand how trauma and neglect can affect an individual’s growth and development, which is what fuels her to fight for ending child abuse, supporting children, and promoting prevention education.
In her free time Ashley loves cooking old family recipes, reading romance and psychological thriller books, exploring the outdoors, and attempting to craft!