For Immediate Release:

As a member of the first Youth Ambassadors Project back in 2004, Ashley helped develop and shape the content initially posted on mindyourmind.ca.  Her contributions continue to make a difference in the lives of youth today. Most recently, Ashley spoke at the South West Regional Conference 2009-2010: Mental health and addictions in children and youth, a conference organized by The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental health at CHEO and the Ministry of Child and Youth Services where she shared her personal story about struggling with addiction since the age of 8, adding a powerful dimension to the panel presentation portion of the conference.   She is driven to make a difference in her own life and the lives of other young people and we are thrilled to see her being recognized for her successes! When asked how she feels about being one of this year’s award recipients, Ashley says, “I had always felt that I needed to hide my previous life with individuals at work. And now, it felt as though I had shed something.  Like a caterpillar transforming.  Something else happened.  People who I had never spoken to before at work started approaching me with their own stories and their struggles with addiction, hopelessness and isolation. This award has been a gift to many.” 

On May 26, 2010, she will be awarded the Transforming Lives Award, along with  Kim Mik-Girard, Dexter Roberts, Richard Braudo and Canada’s former Ambassador to the United States, The Honourable Michael Wilson. 

Congratulations Ashley! So well deserved!
Article in The London Free Press “Drugs 24/7 to Award Winner”
Article in The Toronto Star “Winners of CAMH Awards provide profiles in courage”
Interview on CBC Radio Transforming Lives

For further information contact Diana Ali, Content Development / Administration Officer at: 
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 519-858-3502.

mindyourmind is a program of Family Service Thames Valley