Hi there, my name is Ashley James and I am a Master’s level Certified Recreation Therapist that specializes in trauma-informed expressive arts, adventure therapy, and experiential learning.

My creative journey began in my youth where I would escape from home and school life by getting lost in the world of drawing and painting. During my junior year of high school, I decided that I had to get "serious” about the direction in which I wanted to take my life. I decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Towson University with the hope of helping others heal.

After my best friend’s loss of her husband while serving overseas, I devoted the next twelve years to giving back to the military community in any which way that I could with much emphasis dedicated to facilitating recreational programming involving activities such as expressive and creative arts, and adventure experiences such as rock-climbing, hiking, white water rafting, etc. I was a former Army spouse for six years and supported families in many different capacities. However, my passion rests in helping to plant a seed for others through teaching art.

As a Certified Recreation Therapist and educator, I am passionate about empowering others in using their creativity to challenge themselves. I embrace a person-centered approach and believe that each individual is unique and has the ability to process, overcome, and share their own stories to help support being their best selves.