Ashley Lofthouse
Rochester,NY
Summary
Dynamic professional with a rich background in trauma-informed care and neurological needs, honed at Monroe County Department of Human Services and Advanced Brain Technologies. Excelled in relationship building and client advocacy, achieving impactful mentorship and innovative program development. Expertise in teaching and solution-based problem-solving, enhancing organizational missions and client outcomes. Successfully managed end-to-end recruitment processes, consistently aligning candidates with organizational needs while at Robert Half, and interested in the possibility of combining these skills for the TIES program.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Foster Parent Mentor
Monroe County Department of Human Services
11.2023 - Current
- Attended a 40 hour training in Albany to learn the new curriculum that replaces the MAPP foster parent classes to become better trauma informed.
- Empowered parents by providing resources and guidance on navigating the foster system effectively.
- Available for 1-on-1 mentoring through Hub585 or homefinder.
- Enhanced parent understanding of county policies by conducting informative panel interviews at MAPP 10 training seminars.
- Facilitated peer mentorship opportunities for experienced parents to share knowledge with those new to the role.
- Provided panel interviews and taught fostering trauma strategy training to CASA, Legal Aid Society (AFCs), and family resource specific service providers.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
Foster Advisory Board Member (Volunteer)
Department of Family Services
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Volunteered for the pilot advisory board and served an extra half term to balance new voices coming in with experienced voices stepping down.
- Increased Advisory Board effectiveness by providing strategic guidance to upper management of our local county office about the realities of fostering and why recruitment and retention is low.
- Assisted with action-based ideas to improve FP-CW relations to assist with retention goals.
- Assisted in crisis management by leveraging personal expertise and experience to guide local DSS through challenging situations.
- Created and supervised a subcommittee dedicated to researching Medical Motors; collected data by surveying 500+ foster parents, and presented data to all parties with the intention of providing solution-based ideas on how to make this service safe and efficient.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission; including a confidentially safe online portal for foster parents to access training, resources, and topical messages boards.
ABT Provider
Advanced Brain Technologies
10.2009 - 04.2019
- Studied under a neuropsychiatrist with Blu Aru Studios to learn how to combine OT exercises with ABT music for clients to perform for best results.
- Identified and responded to emergency situations, providing physical, emotional and mental support for critical incidents.
- Educated families on the benefits of ABT music strategies, providing resources for continued support at home.
- Helped clients see personal progress by documenting client reactions, behaviors and other outcomes.
- Made accurate treatment decisions by assessing client functioning levels, strengths and areas of need in terms of perceptual, sensory, affective, communicative, processing or other abilities.
Lead Coordinator (Volunteer)
MOPS
06.2010 - 07.2015
- Coordinated large events 3x per month involving multiple teams of volunteers, resulting in successful fundraisers and community outreach initiatives; average meeting attendance was 50-70 mothers of preschoolers + 12-17 steering team volunteers + 10-20 childcare volunteers + 70-100 kids between 0-6 years old.
- Provided ongoing support to volunteers throughout their tenure, addressing any concerns or issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and commitment to the organization's goals.
- Led a Creative team in monthly programming for 50-70 participants.
- Emcee-d meetings and led discussions when outside speakers addressed the group; taught the lesson once a month or as needed.
- Established strong relationships with local organizations, fostering collaboration and expanding volunteer opportunities.
- Organized recognition events to show appreciation for volunteer contributions, boosting morale and promoting a positive organizational culture.
HR Recruiter
Robert Half Office Team & Office Team Healthcare
03.2008 - 12.2009
- Verified applicant references and employment details.
- Evaluated strengths and weaknesses of candidates through effective screening processes.
- Developed recruiting strategies to identify qualified candidates and build network.
- Placed advertisements, evaluated applicant credentials, conducted initial interviews and pre-screening assessments.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, ensuring accurate understanding of their needs and matching them with top talent.
Event Coordinator & Manager
Crown Plaza Hotel
02.2007 - 03.2008
- Managed event logistics and operations for private functions as well as corporate conferences/meetings.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events working around a 12.5 million dollar renovation of event space.
- Evaluated feedback from attendees after each function, utilizing insights gained to inform improvements in subsequent endeavors.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses, securing in-kind donations or sponsorships for various occasions.
- Met monthly sales goals each month to bring in new business for daytime and evening functions.
- Worked with the Air Force hospitality team to host 100+ refugee families for a 6 month contract; provided and coordinated rooms, meals, and transportation as needed to Air Force Academy for training.
- Led creative and serving teams through all event needs and expectations.
Education
Associate of Arts - Business
DELTA College At SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY12-2006
Skills
- Job Training and Recruiting
- Understanding Neurological Needs
- Relationship Building
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Collaboration
- Solution Based Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Teaching and Communication
- Client Advocacy
- Continuing Ed Certifications: Trauma, Attachment Disorders, FASD, ADHD, and Autism
Timeline
Foster Parent Mentor
Monroe County Department of Human Services
11.2023 - Current
Foster Advisory Board Member (Volunteer)
Department of Family Services
01.2023 - 04.2024
Lead Coordinator (Volunteer)
MOPS
06.2010 - 07.2015
ABT Provider
Advanced Brain Technologies
10.2009 - 04.2019
HR Recruiter
Robert Half Office Team & Office Team Healthcare
03.2008 - 12.2009
Event Coordinator & Manager
Crown Plaza Hotel
02.2007 - 03.2008
Associate of Arts - Business
DELTA College At SUNY Brockport
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