Ashley's Story

Youth Services Coordinator

I started out as an Independent Living Specialist with ACCESS and moved to a mid-management role as the Youth Services Coordinator. In that role, I coordinate partnerships between ACCESS and DVR, special education, and 18 – 21 year old programs within our four county service region, to provide pre-employment transition classes such as Help Yourself (self-advocacy), Dollars and Sense (financial literacy), and Skills to Pay the Bills (soft employment skills). I also helped ACCESS to partner with United Way of Dane County to offer healthy relationship workshops to youth ages 14-24.
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I am a former consumer with Access to Independence, a compassionate supporter of disability and youth rights, and am certified as a Peer Support Specialist. With my beliefs, education, and personal and lived experience, I have found my calling in working with others on achieving their goals towards independence. As a Wisconsin Native, I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, watching my son play basketball, thrifting for treasures at thrift stores, antique stores, and estate sales, and catching a good concert - especially if it’s Dave Matthews at Alpine Valley Music Theatre.