Ashley Maestas
Olympia,WA
Summary
Empathetic peer counselor with a good understanding of different cultures, perspectives and experiences. Eager to put leadership and problem-solving skills into practice with a trauma informed approach. Personable and dedicated to helping mentees navigate difficult situations and resolve conflicts positively and constructively. Lived experience with housing insecurity, family behavioral/emotional challenges, domestic violence, recovery, and various social services.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Family Support Center of South Sound
Olympia, WA
11.2023 - Current
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and services, increasing their access to valuable support networks.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering a trusting environment to encourage open communication about personal challenges and goals.
- Actively pursued ongoing professional development opportunities to remain informed of emerging trends and best practices within the field of peer support services.
- Promoted client self-advocacy through education on rights, responsibilities, and navigating complex systems of care.
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Fostered relationships with partner agencies and other interested parties to build pipeline of supportive services.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants, promoting healthy landlord-tenant relationships.
- Managed caseloads efficiently, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and adherence to program requirements.
- Helped clients find permanent or temporary housing.
- Provided ongoing support to clients by conducting regular follow-ups and monitoring progress towards self-sufficiency goals.
Parent Partner
Catholic Community Services Of Western Washington
Olympia, WA
07.2021 - 11.2023
- Utilized experience in child welfare system to better serve parents.
- Helped parents developing coping skills and plans for routine and crisis situations.
- Completed frequent visits to family homes to check on progress.
- Scheduled and attended family and individual meetings to set family goals and achievement plans.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
Budtender
Bayshore Cannabis Company
Shelton, WA
07.2018 - 07.2021
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store sales, payment policies and security standards.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
- Developed strong rapport with customers and created positive impression of business.
- Monitored customers for signs of security concerns and escalated issues to management.
Cannabis Grower
Northwest Pearl
02.2015 - 06.2018
- Ran 9 different climate-controlled areas with over 20 plant varieties.
- Consulted with horticultural experts to assess operational strengths and weaknesses and plan enhancements to meet changing demands.
- Wrote and improved SOPs to maintain consistency across shifts and work areas.
- Directed work of 5-member team of nursery staff and greenhouse growers managing need of more than 3000 plants.
Education
Bachelor In Science - Psychology
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 01.2024 - Current
Associate of Arts - Social Work
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA 07.2022 - 06.2024
GED -
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA06.2009
Skills
- Peer Coaching
- Resource Advocacy
- Family Support
- Client Advocacy
- Trauma Informed Care Framework
- Home Visits
- Community Resources
- High-Risk Populations Identification
- Disadvantaged Youth Programs
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Family Services
- Networking Skills
Timeline
Bachelor In Science - Psychology
Western Governors University
01.2024 - Current
Certified Peer Support Specialist
Family Support Center of South Sound
11.2023 - Current
Associate of Arts - Social Work
South Puget Sound Community College
07.2022 - 06.2024
Parent Partner
Catholic Community Services Of Western Washington
07.2021 - 11.2023
Budtender
Bayshore Cannabis Company
07.2018 - 07.2021
Cannabis Grower
Northwest Pearl
02.2015 - 06.2018
GED -
South Puget Sound Community College