Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Expert
Ashley publicly identified herself as a survivor at the age of 19 when she first spoke at her city's annual candlelight vigil. Little did she know, her experiences and that moment would become the catalyst for her life's work and career. Today, Ashley is a nationally acclaimed expert on domestic violence, teen dating violence, and sexual assault prevention. She speaks year-round to youth and professional audiences, and coaches survivors to reclaim their lives after abuse. She is also the Founder of the Blue Hearts Project, a global storytelling platform for survivors.
Speaking Availability
Experience the impact of Ashley on stage - in person or virtually - where she'll inspire, educate, and inform. Through captivating storytelling and engaging dialogue, audiences increase their awareness and see their ability to effect change.
Ashley has spoken for 15 years as an expert speaker specializing in domestic and sexual violence for diverse audiences. As a Top Youth Speaker®, she reaches students, parents, educators, and youth-serving adults. She also trains workplaces, victim services professionals, first responders, military bases, and serves as a keynote speaker for major conferences.
Signature Keynotes and Presentations
01. Defying All Odds: A Survivor's Story
A story of redemption and rising up that increases awareness, raises hope, and inspires change.
02. Domestic Violence and the Workplace
Understanding the impact of DV on the workplace, how to mitigate liabilities and harm, and how to support employees
03. Recognizing Financial Abuse and What To Do
Financial abuse is a primary tactic to maintain power and control, often cited as the main reason a person stays or returns to the abuse; it occurs in 99% of all DV cases (NNEDV)
04. Stand Up and Speak Out: Ending Teen Dating Violence
Educating students to recognize warning signs, set personal boundaries, and build healthy relationships
05. Be a Lifeline: Empowering Adults to Intervene
Educating youth-serving adults to recognize warning signs, offer effective support, and role-model healthy values
06. Bystander Intervention: Be a Difference Maker
Empowering allies as bystanders to help those in need, while also addressing and shifting toxic culture and behaviors
07. Supporting the Transition From Victim to Survivor
Specialized training for victim services professionals on providing trauma-informed and empowerment-based support and guidance
More About Ashley's Work...
Leadership
- Founder, Blue Hearts Project - a global storytelling platform for survivors
- Testimony, MA Bill Mandating Employment Protections For Victims of Abuse
- Conference Speaker - NOVA (National Office of Victims Assistance), CESE (National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation)
- Survivor in 8x Award-Winning Documentary, Notoriety Network's #SHEROProject
- Miss Rhode Island 2021, Platform to Raise Domestic Violence
- Board of Directors, Women's Resource Center
- Military Training Partner, Difference Makers #10Strong
- Featured SHERO for Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global Magazine
- #TakeThePowerBack Ambassador, Mahendra Singh Foundation
Education & Training
- Valedictorian, Salve Regina University, B.A. in Administration of Justice
- Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy
- Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance Continuing Education
- Trained Rape Crises and Domestic Violence Responder
- Certified Facilitator, Safe Dates: A Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
- Trained in Green Dot and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) bystander prevention
Field Experience
- Military Sexual Assault Prevention Trainer
- Campus Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
- Bystander Intervention Trainer for College Athletes
- District Court Victim Witness Advocate
- Executive Assistant and Press Assistant to the District Attorney
- Boston Celtics White Ribbon Campaign Co-organizer
- Facilitator, Safe Dates: Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum
- White Ribbon Campaign, It's On Us Facilitator
- Community Education and Outreach Coordinator
- Superior Court Domestic Violence/Homicide Paralegal Intern
Watch and Listen...
