Combining compelling and relatable storytelling with research-backed practical advice, Ashley teaches students the three essential skills they need to stay positive, focused, and mentally healthy when faced with challenges. Further, these three key skills help all students thrive – equipping them with lifelong tools that build the agency and resilience needed to achieve their goals in life.

Despite her own struggles as a teen, Ashley rose to achieve success and unshakeable resilience from the adversity she faced. Her story and teachings show students that overcoming is possible and that each one of us has the power to direct our own lives.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• How to stay positive, focused, and mentally healthy
• Improved self-awareness and emotional regulation
• Power of reframing and positive thinking
• How to identify and avoid unhealthy relationships
• Cognitive behavioral therapy-based tools to manage negative emotions and choose healthy coping skills

At 14, Ashley was excited about her first dating relationship. Unfortunately, it became abusive, starting a cycle of unhealthy relationships that negatively impacted Ashley during her adolescence – personally, socially, emotionally, and academically. Sadly, Ashley’s story is not unique. In the U.S., 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence, while 1 in 5 high school students know someone being abused. This can be physical, sexual, or, more commonly, emotional. These behaviors impact students’ mental health, safety, social-emotional well-being, and academic achievement.

As a survivor turned subject matter expert, Ashley teaches teens what a healthy relationship looks like, what to watch out for, and what to do when abuse occurs.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Education on dating abuse and top red flags to spot
• Qualities of a healthy relationship vs. costs of a toxic one
• How to set boundaries and maintain personal priorities
• Seeking help and tips to help a friend
• UPON REQUEST: Sexual assault and consent

As bystanders, every student has the power to be a leader, helper, and change-maker in social settings. Bystanders play a key role in preventing harm. Unfortunately, research shows that most bystanders don’t act because they’re just not sure what to do or how to help. This dynamic and interactive presentation helps turn ‘passive bystanders’ into ‘active bystanders’ through education, simple intervention strategies, role-playing, and scenario-based activities.

A proven violence prevention tool, students will learn to spot risks and harm (from assault to bullying and hate speech) and learn easy but effective techniques to intervene.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Leadership as a bystander
• Increased sense of responsibility to help
• How to spot red flags and safely offer help
• Finding your unique intervention “style”
• Enhanced school culture, attitudes, safety and wellness

It’s critical for youth-serving adults to stay informed on the issues today’s youth face, plus know how to effectively respond or refer help for a student who’s been harmed. This presentation helps adults understand the prevalence and secondary impact of teen dating violence on students, and their role to help a student in need. Attendees will hear Ashley’s story, coupled with valuable education and skills training. Depending on the audience, Ashley can also address how to role model healthy relationship skills across all ages. For direct service providers (those working with abused or at-risk youth), Ashley offers professional development for improved and effective response and support.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Teen dating violence awareness + common red flags
• Secondary impact on SEL, academic, and student well-being
• Simple intervention and referral techniques
• Increased overall school wellness
• *PD Variation: Trauma-informed and empowerment-based support

Ashley has a rare talent for compelling audiences to take action.

She educates and unites audiences on critical issues, plus invites and empowers them to contribute tangibly towards change – donating both funds and time.

As a survivor, Ashley witnessed the power of story and service. Today, she is an award-winning activist, nonprofit founder, experienced lobbyist, and advocate for social change. Adding to her skill as a dynamic speaker, Ashley brings firsthand experience in charitable giving from her vast history in nonprofit leadership.

In other words, she understands the need for an exceptional event speaker to drive action. To date, she has helped to raise more than $5 million dollars for dozens of charities and has independently spearheaded and keynoted more than one hundred charitable initiatives and events. Ashley’s keynotes combine captivating storytelling, supportive facts, and powerful calls to action to get audiences involved.