Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Ashley J. Ballard

Detroit,MI

Summary

Versatile and results-driven leader with extensive experience in team supervision, program development, and departmental improvement. Known for building strong teams, streamlining operations, and leading strategic initiatives that drive measurable results. Skilled public speaker and facilitator with a talent for engaging diverse audiences, building partnerships, and representing organizations with clarity and confidence.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Suicide Prevention Trainer /Workshop Facilitator

Centers For Family Development
10.2023 - Current

Deliver ASIST, SafeTALK suicide prevention trainings to diverse audiences across Southeast Michigan, including agency staff, corporations, faith-based groups, and Detroit Police Department units such as Hostage Negotiation and Crisis Response.

  • Co-led a federally funded earmark grant with Jewish Family Services to reduce suicide rates through targeted training and outreach.
  • Collaborated with cross-sector partners to promote trauma-informed practices and consistent prevention messaging.
  • Advised community organizations on suicide prevention policies, risk assessments, and postvention strategies.
  • Represented BFDI in regional and statewide suicide prevention initiatives.

Program Supervisor

Centers for Family Development
04.2022 - Current

Ensure program compliance with agency ethics, core service pillars, and MDHHS policies and procedures.

  • Lead staff training and ongoing professional development to promote excellence in service delivery.
  • Supervise team in facilitating trauma-informed, child-centered visitation, supporting family connections and safe reunification.
  • Oversee caseload management to ensure balanced distribution and high-quality, consistent service provision.
  • Prepare and submit billing, monthly data reports, and quarterly program updates to support operational transparency and performance tracking.
  • Provide supervision to case counselors and social work interns, fostering professional growth and development within the human services field.

Program Supervisor

Centers for Family Development
09.2021 - Current

Drive program excellence by establishing systems and workflows aligned with continuous quality improvement standards and state contractual requirements.

  • Oversee day-to-day program operations and maintain clear, consistent communication with executive leadership and external stakeholders.
  • Provide individualized staff supervision and lead training efforts to ensure full compliance with agency protocols and MDHHS expectations.
  • Facilitate and manage key engagements, including internal team meetings, birth parent support groups, and strategic resource planning sessions with community partners.
  • Represent the agency in high-level meetings with MDHHS, private foster care providers, and community coalitions, advocating for collaborative solutions to support family reunification.
  • Participate in weekly strategic planning sessions with the COO to inform program direction, identify operational improvements, and align with organizational priorities.

Volunteer Coordinator

Straight Gate Intl. Church
12.2017 - 12.2023

Lead end-to-end volunteer management, ensuring a strong, engaged support base across all ministry departments.

  • Direct recruitment, onboarding, and transition processes to maintain a consistent and mission-aligned volunteer workforce.
  • Design and facilitate training programs to equip volunteers with the skills and support needed for effective service delivery.
  • Monitor annual volunteer engagement goals and deliver data-driven quarterly reports to church leadership to inform strategic planning and resource allocation.

School Based Prevention Counselor and Parent Engagement Coordinator

Black Family Development
07.2017 - 09.2021

Led comprehensive prevention and intervention initiatives for students and families, fostering a school-wide culture grounded in Restorative Practices.

  • Facilitated Restorative Circles to repair relationships and promote accountability among students, staff, and faculty.
  • Directed the “Parents R.O.A.R.” program, integrating the Dr. Joyce Epstein Model to strengthen school-family partnerships and parental involvement.
  • Planned and executed Title I parent education workshops, community events, and fundraising initiatives to support family engagement and student success.
  • Delivered evidence-based Parent Management Training-Oregon (PMTO) interventions through both one-on-one and group formats, empowering parents with tools for effective behavior management and support.

Consultant

M2 Entertainment
12.2014 - 09.2017

Provided strategic coaching and brand development services to enhance clients’ personal and professional growth.

  • Delivered individualized mental and emotional coaching to support client performance, confidence, and resilience.
  • Shaped brand identities and executed high-impact programs and events to elevate visibility and engagement.
  • Supported youth empowerment initiatives through development efforts with the Lefty Williams Foundation and Dare 2 Dream youth basketball program.
  • Served as Production Coordinator for The Tim and Brelyn Show, overseeing logistics, planning, and on-set execution to ensure seamless production outcomes.

Support Services (Part Time)

Total Life Solutions
06.2016 - 01.2017

Led parenting education and emotional wellness programs for young mothers and families.

  • Facilitated the Mommy and Me program, guiding young mothers in developing early childhood education skills while fostering parent-child bonding.
  • Delivered group and individual sessions as a Certified Anger Management Counselor, supporting emotional regulation and positive behavioral strategies.
  • Provided trauma-informed, strengths-based support to promote family stability and early development outcomes.

Project Coordinator

Pathways for Education
01.2015 - 01.2016

Provide administrative and project support to the Directors of Charter Development, ensuring efficient execution of charter school expansion initiatives and alignment with strategic goals

  • Coordinated documentation, and stakeholder communications to ensure efficient project execution and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Prepared presentations, reports, and charter submission materials to support school authorization and compliance.
  • Managed logistics for community engagement events and stakeholder meetings, fostering relationships and public support.
  • Processed and monitored expense reports, ensuring budget adherence and financial accountability across project phases.

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Claris Health
12.2013 - 12.2014

Support the CEO strategically while leading donor development, public relations, and event management to drive organizational growth and community engagement.

  • Represent CEO in meetings, training sessions, and interviews.
  • Lead donor development by cultivating relationships with major donors, churches, and nonprofits through in-person, phone, and email communications.
  • Manage the donor database, ensuring accurate tracking, proper coding, and timely receipts while maintaining organizational efficiency.
  • Contribute innovative fundraising strategies to support financial growth and sustainability.
  • Enhance public relations efforts by building community partnerships, boosting visibility, and representing the organization at key events.
  • Plan and execute key organizational events, including donor appreciation, staff recognition, and the annual fundraising gala, ensuring alignment with mission and goals.

Education

M.S. - Performance Psychology

The University of Edinburgh
11.2013

B.S. - Psychology

Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
12.2011

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • EMR Systems
  • New hire training
  • Public speaking
  • Creative problem solving
  • Train-the-trainer
  • Training and mentoring
  • Project management
  • Team development

Accomplishments

  • Published thesis: Exploring the Role of Spirituality and Spiritual Beliefs in the Pursuit of Excellence and Attainment of Peak Performance in Professional Athletes, University of Edinburgh.
  • Co-led implementation of a federally funded suicide prevention grant in Southeast Michigan in partnership with Jewish Family Services.
  • Trained over 1,200 individuals in suicide prevention across sectors including law enforcement, corporate, and faith-based organizations.

Certification

  • SafeTALK
  • ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training)
  • QPR (question persuade refer)
  • Restorative Practices
  • Parenting Through Change (Michigan PMTO) Certification

Affiliations

  • Centers for Family Development -Zero Suicide Committee Chair (Present)
  • Centers for Family Development - New Hire Orientation Facilitator (Present)
  • And Campaign Detroit Chapter Chair (Present)
  • The Philos Project -African American Affairs Alumni Board (Present)
  • Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Board Member (2018 -2020)
  • Regent University Los Angeles Alumni Chair (June 2012- Jan. 2017)

Timeline

Suicide Prevention Trainer /Workshop Facilitator

Centers For Family Development
10.2023 - Current

Program Supervisor

Centers for Family Development
04.2022 - Current

Program Supervisor

Centers for Family Development
09.2021 - Current

Volunteer Coordinator

Straight Gate Intl. Church
12.2017 - 12.2023

School Based Prevention Counselor and Parent Engagement Coordinator

Black Family Development
07.2017 - 09.2021

Support Services (Part Time)

Total Life Solutions
06.2016 - 01.2017

Project Coordinator

Pathways for Education
01.2015 - 01.2016

Consultant

M2 Entertainment
12.2014 - 09.2017

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Claris Health
12.2013 - 12.2014

B.S. - Psychology

Regent University

M.S. - Performance Psychology

The University of Edinburgh
Ashley J. Ballard