We recently connected with Ashley Stafford and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What’s one of the most important lessons you learned in school?

The most valuable lesson I have learned is that perceived failures often guide us to our true destination. After completing my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I applied to 12 separate PhD programs, believing that this was the only path to achieve my goal of owning a therapy practice. Unfortunately, I was only granted an interview at one program and was ultimately not accepted. At the time, this rejection felt devastating.

However, I chose to move forward and embraced an opportunity to work with Child Protective Services. This experience proved to be life-changing and steered me towards pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work. Upon completing my Masters degree, I embarked on a journey that exposed me to a wide range of professional experiences in diverse fields.

I gained invaluable expertise in areas such as higher education research, hospice care, geriatrics, home health, and intensive psychiatric treatment. These experiences, which emerged from the setback of not being accepted into a PhD program, prepared me to work at any level of psychiatric and mental health care.

Looking back, I now realize that the loss of my acceptance into a PhD program was a pivotal event that led me to a breadth of knowledge and skills that I would not have acquired otherwise. It opened doors to diverse opportunities and equipped me with a well-rounded foundation, ultimately shaping me into the mental health professional I am today.

I am grateful for the unexpected path I embarked on and confident that the wisdom gained from these experiences will greatly benefit my future clients and contribute to my success in owning a therapy practice.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor, my area of expertise lies in trauma treatment. Recently, I took immense pride in establishing CANVAS OUTPATIENT: an Adolescent Intensive Outpatient clinic that focuses on trauma-based interventions. Our program offers a comprehensive range of services to support adolescents aged 12 to 17 with their mental health challenges. At our clinic, we understand the need for flexible scheduling and have introduced evening group therapy sessions, individual and family therapy options, medication management, and EMDR therapy. By offering these services, we strive to minimize disruptions in the lives of teenagers who require more than weekly therapy but do not need the highest level of care such as inpatient hospitalization. Our aim is to act as a stop-gap measure in preventing psychiatric hospital admissions for adolescents.
Compassion, inclusion, empowerment, and individualized care are the cornerstone values that guide our approach. We believe in creating a safe and compassionate environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. Through our trauma-informed interventions, we aspire to empower adolescents to heal, grow, and regain control over their lives.
We take great pride in offering a program that combines evidence-based practices with a holistic approach. By fostering inclusivity and considering individual needs, we can effectively address the unique mental health challenges that adolescents may face. Our dedicated team is committed to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that each adolescent receives the support they deserve.
CANVAS Adolescent Intensive Outpatient clinic is dedicated to serving adolescents aged 12 to 17 who need mental health care. Through evening group therapy, individual and family therapy, medication management, and EMDR therapy, we aim to reduce the need for psychiatric hospital admissions and provide comprehensive, compassionate, and individualized care.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Maintaining high morale in a start-up business can pose challenges. However, from my experience, I have discovered three key factors that can significantly contribute to creating a positive and uplifting work atmosphere. First and foremost, prioritizing self-care is absolutely critical. As the owner, I recognize that my own well-being directly impacts the morale of my team. By taking the time to nurture and care for myself, whether through exercise, engaging in hobbies, or simply finding moments of relaxation, I can approach each day with a grounded and positive mindset. This positivity is contagious and spreads throughout the entire team, fostering a more optimistic and motivated work environment.
Secondly, fostering accountability starts with me as the boss. I firmly believe in leading by example. If I make a mistake or encounter a setback, I take complete ownership of it. By demonstrating accountability, I show my team that we are all responsible for the outcomes of our work. This creates a culture of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement, which positively impacts morale.
Additionally, recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements of team members plays a significant role in boosting morale. Regularly expressing gratitude and acknowledging the hard work and contributions of individuals not only cultivates a sense of belonging and satisfaction but also incentivizes the team to strive for excellence. Celebrating milestones and successes, whether big or small, fosters a positive and motivating atmosphere that encourages teamwork and collaboration.
By prioritizing self-care, fostering accountability, and actively recognizing the efforts of team members, I have witnessed a remarkable improvement in morale within my start-up business. These practices not only contribute to a positive work environment but also empower and inspire team members, enabling them to perform at their best and achieve collective success.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was working in a hospital emergency room, conducting crisis evaluations for psychiatric emergencies. Initially, the job felt incredibly overwhelming, and I often experienced imposter syndrome, doubting my abilities. The isolation and loneliness added to the challenges. However, as time went on, something remarkable happened. The staff I worked with gradually transformed into a second family for me. I formed deep connections, and some of my closest friends to this day originated from my time working in that emergency room. We supported each other through the toughest times, both personally and professionally.
Unfortunately, when COVID-19 emerged, I was unable to be physically present with my ER family during this crisis. My job role shifted, and I found myself at a crossroads. I had been simultaneously building my private practice, but fear held me back from leaving the security of my hospital position and dedicating myself fully to my passion. The pandemic brought with it a terrifying and devastating reality, but it served as a catalyst and pushed me to make a life-altering decision.
Ultimately, I decided to step away from the hospital and fully pursue what I love. This shift was equal parts terrifying and liberating. COVID-19 became a pivotal moment, one that propelled me forward on the path of my dreams.
While the pandemic brought immeasurable challenges, it also led me to a place of self-discovery and the realization that sometimes the greatest opportunities can arise from the most difficult circumstances. Leaving the comfort of the hospital and embracing my private practice has allowed me to fully embody my passion and purpose, serving others in a way that aligns with my deepest values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.canvasmind.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canvasmentalhealth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552595755667&sk=about
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-stafford-99768551/

Image Credits
Fig and Sparrow Photography