Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ashley graduated from Clemson University with a B.A. in Psychology. As a little girl, she was first introduced to the world of dementia when accompanying her father on visits to his dental patients in memory care communities. During her college years Ashley was further inspired by Joyce Dyer’s reading of her memoir, In a Tangled Wood: An Alzheimer’s Journey. Throughout her young adulthood years, Ashley volunteered at a local nursing home where she led stimulating, social activities for cognitively impaired seniors. From a young age, Ashley’s focus was undoubtedly clear; to bring hope and support to those living with the ripple effects of dementia.
After college, Ashley spent several years working in corporate America. Presented with a promising opportunity and a chance to pursue her true interests, Ashley took a leap of faith and moved to Charleston, SC, where she received her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from The Citadel.
Ashley now works as a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a Memory Care Specialist, at Memory Matters. The team of professionals and volunteers warmly welcomed her aboard in 2012. As Counseling Director, Ashley has created and implemented a menu of counseling services including individual counseling, virtual counseling, and caregiver support groups.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A family of smart, handsome, sweet and witty boys! Happily married with two sons and our male Golden Retriever, Watson.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people feel heard and supported during extremely challenging periods of time.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Skull Creek Boathouse, Frankie Bones, Lowcountry Backyard
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
8 years but have been visiting since my early years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
How do I pick just one?? SO many people with interesting stories…
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bora Bora – white beaches, crystal blue water, warm breezes
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Harry Potter – perfect musical score for a cozy fall day! Ted Lasso, This is Us, Schitt’s Creek
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Look for opportunities every day to include people and practice kindness
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
See Washington DC during cherry blossom bloom
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Blue Dogs
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Memory Matters
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My friend, Annie. It’s feels like coming home whenever we’re together and it’s been way too long! She would definitely be a fan of Skull Creek Boathouse.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how green, lush and natural the environment is–so pretty. And the nesting turtles!!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to counsel while cheering on my boys!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
During my elementary years, I was a volunteer clown named Bebop for Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Turks & Caicos
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June, Christmas, summer solstice–longest day of sunlight!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A nest of fuzzy blankets and a nap on Sunday afternoons!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children–cliché but so true
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Macintosh apple–clean, crisp and sweet
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
family, water, nest
To find out more about Memory Matters please visit: http://www.mymemorymatters.org
