Meet our Staff

Ashley Cullen-Williams

Ashley Cullen-Williams is a passionate and licensed mental health advocate and social-emotional learning (SEL) expert with over 15 years of experience in youth and community development. She prioritizes mental health awareness, trauma-informed care, and personal growth and has developed and facilitated innovative programs, authentic self-care experiences, workshops, and professional development seminars that empower individuals, families, and communities. Ashley is a wife and present mother of three, who strives to empower choice and radical gratitude in all of her relationships.

Ashley has led efforts to provide engaging mental health and well-being workshops for schools, organizations, and communities. She is recognized for creating safe, inclusive spaces that encourage healing and connection and specializing in stress management, emotional resilience, racial healing, and restorative justice. In addition to entrepreneurial work, Ashley served as a therapist, providing trauma-focused therapy to clients aged 6-70. 

With a background in leadership roles, including serving as Director of the TRiO Educational Talent Search program at the College of Lake County, Ashley has successfully led large teams, secured millions in grant funding, and developed mental health and career readiness programs for underserved students. Throughout her career, Ashley has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering resilience, self-care, and growth within communities of color.

She holds a Master’s in School and Community Counseling from National Louis University and a Bachelor’s in Community Planning and Urban Studies from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.