ASHLEY M. METZGER
Summary
As a devoted and compassionate MSW candidate (graduating May 2025), I am eager to apply my advanced clinical training to support and empower children and adolescents as a Children's Therapist at Valley Behavioral Health. Passionate about fostering trust and rapport with youth and families, I provide intensive individual therapy using a strengths-based approach. My practicum experience in school social work has prepared me to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, advocate effectively, and develop client-centered solutions. As an empathetic, motivated self-starter with strong communication skills, I am committed to helping youth navigate mental health challenges and achieve lasting stability.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Work Intern (MSW)
Twenty Wells Elementary School
08.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided individual support and advocacy for at-risk students to promote academic and emotional well-being
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to connect families with essential resources and support services
- Assisted in mental health crisis response and intervention , ensuring student safety and emotional regulation
- Facilitated referrals to external services , including counseling, behavioral health support, and community programs
- Collaborated with school administration, teachers, and staff to develop and implement student-centered support strategies
- Maintained open, professional communication with multidisciplinary teams, parents, and students to foster a supportive school environment
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathetic listening and open communication , fostering trusting relationships conducive to growth.
School Social Work Intern (BSW)
Tooele High School
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Case management for at-risk students using Check and Connect model
- Engage with students in the Tooele High School Wellness Center while assessing needs and connecting students to available resources
- Collaborate with Tooele High School's MTSS team to provide intervention services for identified students
- Prepare and co-lead coping skills groups to high school students
Children's Justice Center Support Volunteer
Tooele County Children's Justice Center
06.2021 - 09.2022
- Welcomed clients, families, and visitors as a first point of contact
- Assisted case workers in creating a safe and home-like environment
- Managed primary phone line to ensure service continuity and reduce staff disruptions
- Interviewed families in person who applied for Christmas assistance and determined eligibility according to the organization's criteria
- Utilized a strengths-based approach when working with individuals, families, and staff
- Communicated effectively with relevant human services agencies
- Interacted cohesively with community members while accepting donations on behalf of the organization
- Engaged in online training and educational opportunities provided by the Utah CJC Program to develop insight regarding the forensic child interview process
- Always maintained the highest level of confidentiality
DIBELS Specialist
Bonneville Academy
10.2018 - 08.2020
- Administered state DIBELS assessments to Kindergarten through third-grade students in accordance with requirements set forth by the Utah State Board of Education
- Worked with students one-on-one to enhance reading skills and build student confidence
- Created K-3 DIBELS testing and progress monitoring schedule monthly
- Communicated effectively with administration, faculty, staff members, and state offices regularly
- Ensured all tests were completed in a timely manner according to state requirements
- Communicated effectively with teachers and parents to answer testing-related questions as needed
- Trained staff members on DIBELS test administration
Character Education Specialist
Bonneville Academy
08.2018 - 10.2018
- Taught six different first and second-grade Character Education classes twice weekly
- Created and implemented weekly lesson plans to teach healthy habits and promote prosocial behavior
- Managed a classroom of twenty-five students
- Collaborated with elementary teachers and specialists to coordinate classroom rotations
Teacher Aide
Bonneville Academy
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Assisted elementary teacher in daily classroom activities
- Worked to reduce behavioral disruptions and foster an inclusive classroom environment
- Worked creatively to help regulate children exhibiting intense behavioral challenges
- Worked with small groups to provide learning interventions where academic support was needed
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Utah, College of Social Work
Salt Lake City, UT05-2025
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Minor in Psychology & Sociology
University of Utah, College of Social Work
Salt Lake City, UT05.2024
High School Diploma -
Grantsville High School
Grantsville, UT01.2007
Skills
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Detail-oriented
- Dependable self-starter
- Supporting children with mental health challenges
- Supporting children with behavioral challenges
- Working with vulnerable populations
- Organizing community outreach events
- Advocacy and Empowerment
- Active listening
- Crisis intervention
- Interpersonal skills
- Empathetic
- Teamwork
Certification
- Certified Social Worker (CSW), Pending, 05/25
- Social Service Worker (SSW), 05/24
- Certified Crisis Worker Certificate, 03/24
- Counseling on Access to Lethal Means Certificate, 02/23
Timeline
School Social Work Intern (MSW)
Twenty Wells Elementary School
08.2024 - 04.2025
School Social Work Intern (BSW)
Tooele High School
01.2024 - 04.2024
Children's Justice Center Support Volunteer
Tooele County Children's Justice Center
06.2021 - 09.2022
DIBELS Specialist
Bonneville Academy
10.2018 - 08.2020
Character Education Specialist
Bonneville Academy
08.2018 - 10.2018
Teacher Aide
Bonneville Academy
10.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Minor in Psychology & Sociology
University of Utah, College of Social Work
High School Diploma -
Grantsville High School
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Utah, College of Social Work
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