Ashley Dawson is the Program Director for Snohomish County LEAD.
Ashley was born and raised in Montana and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Montana State University in 2003; she then made her way to Washington and graduated in 2009 from Eastern Washington University with a Master’s of Social Work degree and certificate in Public Administration.
Ashley is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with a passion for trauma-informed care. With experience as a grant writer, program creator, leader, mentor, navigator, therapist, and educator, Ashley brings an array of skills to her position. She recognizes that collaboration is a major key to success and is regularly building innovative connections with local groups to remove barriers and provide clients with comprehensive, supportive care to meet their individual needs.
Prior to her work with LEAD, Ashley was a school social worker for 7 1/2 years and helped to create the Student Support Advocate program that is now replicated in several school districts across Snohomish County to hire trained staff to provide comprehensive support to students and families in crisis. Most recently, Ashley served for three years as a social worker on a co-response team with two police departments. It was there she truly recognized the crucial role of first responders and the importance of building a strong and respectful relationship between law enforcement and social services providers. Ashley was a key player in the Cops & Clergy program where she assisted several communities of faith in creating structure, understanding and hope around their service to people in need.
Ashley is a member of Alderwood Terrace Rotary Club and on the boards of Washington Kids in Transition and Jean Kim Foundation.