Meet Ashley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve learned to be effective and successful in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me by grounding myself in confidence, preparation, and authenticity. Early on, I recognized that I couldn’t control how others perceived me but I could control how I showed up. I made sure my work was excellent, my voice was clear, and my presence was intentional. I also leaned into what makes me different which are my lived experiences, cultural perspective, and ability to connect with others in meaningful ways. Over time, I realized that being ‘the only one’ wasn’t a disadvantage, but an opportunity to bring something new to the table and open doors for others behind me. I’ve also learned the importance of building quiet networks of support, finding allies, and sometimes being my own cheerleader. Navigating those spaces has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of bringing my whole self to the work, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the founder of Growing Minds Behavioral Health, where we provide culturally competent, compassionate ABA therapy to children and families across Maryland and Northern Virginia. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over a decade of experience, I’ve made it my mission to create a practice that doesn’t just focus on clinical excellence, but also centers the voices and lived experiences of the communities we serve, especially Black and Brown families who are often underrepresented and underserved in the world of autism services.
What excites me most is seeing families empowered whether it be watching a child use their voice for the first time, or seeing a parent go from feeling overwhelmed to feeling like they have a true partner in their child’s care. That’s what makes this work meaningful.
What sets our brand apart is our commitment to heart centered care. We don’t do cookie cutter therapy. Every program is individualized, and our clinicians reflect the diversity of the communities we work in. We lead with empathy, transparency, and a deep respect for our clients’ cultural and personal values.
Coming up, we’re thrilled to be expanding our services to include speech therapy and occupational therapy, deepening our impact and making care more holistic and accessible. We’re also expanding into Virginia to provide access to more families in need.
At its core, Growing Minds is about building futures—and doing it with intention, love, and equity.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:
1. Resilience, the ability to keep going even when things felt uncertain or overwhelming has been foundational. There were moments when I questioned myself, faced unexpected setbacks, or had to navigate spaces where I didn’t feel seen or supported. Resilience meant learning to trust my instincts, pivot when needed, and keep showing up, even when the path forward wasn’t fully clear.

2. Cultural Awareness and Empathy, understanding the lived experiences of the families I serve, and being able to hold space for their stories, has shaped the way I lead, supervise, and build systems. This isn’t something you get from a textbook; it comes from listening deeply, reflecting on your own lens, and remaining open and humble. It’s what makes the work meaningful, and what creates real connection.

3. Strategic Thinking, being able to zoom out and see the bigger picture, while still keeping an eye on the small details, has helped me grow a business that’s both values-driven and sustainable. I’ve learned how to leverage data, develop efficient systems, and make decisions that support both clinical integrity and long-term impact.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this:
Don’t wait to feel ready, start where you are and stay open to learning.

Seek mentors who challenge and uplift you, but also build community with peers who get it.

Most importantly, stay rooted in your “why.” When you lead from that place, the how will come.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I believe there is always enough room at the table. Collaboration, to me, is about collective growth, not competition.
I’m especially interested in partnering with clinicians, educators, community organizers, and creatives who are committed to equity, neurodiversity-affirming practices, and supporting Black and Brown families navigating autism and developmental differences.
We would also love to connect with professionals who provide diagnostic evaluations for autism, as we’re looking to strengthen that pathway for families seeking timely access to care. Being able to offer a more comprehensive continuum of support is a major priority for us as we grow.
Whether you’re a fellow provider looking to co-host an event, an organization seeking culturally competent training, or a brand interested in community-centered partnerships, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with me through our website at www.growingmindsbh.com, on Instagram @growingmindsbh, or by emailing ashley@growingmindsbh.com.
Real change happens when passionate people come together, and I’d be honored to explore how we can do that together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.growingmindsbh.com
• Instagram: @growingmindsbh