Ashley's journey in the field of human services began in 2014, following her move from Syracuse, NY to Portsmouth, NH. From a young age, she was exposed to the world of special education through her mother, who taught in this sector. This sparked a compassion for helping others that would stay with her throughout her life. However, after high school, Ashley decided to explore different paths and attended SUNY Alfred, where she studied Fine Arts & Graphic Design. Simultaneously, she funded her education by working at the Post Office and substitute teaching in special education classrooms.
The next phase of Ashley's career led her to work with at-risk teenagers in alternative high school settings and providing direct support to at-risk youth aged between 5 and 17. During this period, she actively participated in several outreach coalitions to educate and mentor these young individuals. This fulfilling work with the at-risk and developmentally disabled populations inspired Ashley to further her education at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) while also providing direct support.
Over time, Ashley's dedication and hard work led to her promotion as a Residential Program Manager, a role in which she took great satisfaction in helping individuals establish and maintain a healthy home environment. Complementing her professional endeavors, Ashley has been an active volunteer, giving her time to local food pantries, animal shelters, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, and even embarking on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide food, clothing, and medical services to underprivileged children.
Ashley's passion for service continues to burn brightly, and she relishes working with others who share her commitment to making a positive impact. In January 2022, she stepped into the role of Area Director, marking the latest chapter in her continued dedication to the field.