Ashley previously served as Associate Executive Director at the Delaware Center for Justice for two years before being appointed as Executive Director. Ashley spent five years working with the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families in the Education Unit as the Education and Career Liaison for the Department. Prior to working with the State, she worked at West End Neighborhood House Life Lines Program with youth aging out of foster care and spent four years working at a children’s mental health clinic- Northwestern Human Services Children’s Reach Clinic-in Kensington, Pennsylvania as a clinical support staff member. She received her MSW at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and received a BA in Cultural Anthropology for Tulane University.

Fun fact about Ashley: Ashley loves to dance, meditates on a daily basis, and is always down for art projects.

Kirstin previously served as the SURJ @ DCJ Advocacy Coordinator for two and a half years. Kirstin’s responsibilities at DCJ include advocating on justice-based legislation, developing public education and advocacy curriculum, and developing programs and policies to reduce incarceration rates, while also promoting public safety. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Georgetown University and also holds a Master of Science degree in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Fun fact about Kirstin: Kirstin’s favorite pastime is hanging out with her cat while binge watching TV shows on Netflix.

Jessica has been employed with DCJ since 2011.

Tracie, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, works full-time as a Clinic Director for an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment facility. Her primary specialty has been working with individuals diagnosed with co-occurring disorders and those who have experienced trauma. She is an adjunct professor in the Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs at West Chester University. She earned her Bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware and her Master of Social Work at Widener University, where she later earned a certificate in Health Care Management.

Fun fact about Tracie: Tracie enjoys traveling, dancing, yoga and meditation, and spending time with her family.

Suzanne is a social worker, who has provided direct services for several years. She works with older youth and adults who are impacted by the justice system and in transition. Suzanne enjoys assisting participants with identifying and building on their strengths and resources, learning new skills, and working towards making positive changes.

Nikki graduated from the University of Delaware with a major in Women Studies/Sociology and a concentration in Domestic Violence Prevention Services. She was an intern at The Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Unit for a year. She then moved on to work in a battered women’s shelter through Child INC. for three years. Nikki is very passionate about working with marginalized populations of people.

Fun Fact about Nikki: Nikki was born as a congenial amputee. She has a blog dedicated to writing about her unique trait! She loves to write gets inspiration to blog from other individuals who aren’t afraid to embrace their differences.

Years after starting a family and volunteering, Cindy returned to Widener University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government & Politics in 1990, which included a semester in foreign policy at The American University. When she is not on the clock at DCJ, Cindy’s commitment to her community is driven by her determination to make a difference in and around the issues of social justice and peace–work that sustains her spiritual growth.

Fun fact about Cindy: When her passport was stolen during a trip to Calcutta, Cindy navigated over and through the corrupt landscape without offering a single bribe to get it replaced—a memory that still serves her during challenging times.

Kailyn studied Sociology at the University of Delaware (UD) where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. While at UD, Kailyn spent a semester as a Youth Street Outreach Worker in Wilmington’s Eastside Community. Inspired by community members, Kailyn continued to fulfill one of her many purposes in life: to alleviate inequality through policy, education, and compassion. Kailyn enjoys reading, yoga, and all things rooted in peace.

Kate’s areas of interest include pretrial detention and legal and evidence-based services and systems planning. Prior to joining DCJ in December of 2014, Kate worked as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender in New Jersey.

Fun fact about Kate: Kate’s garden placed second in the New Garden category of the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s Wilmington City Gardens Competition in 2011!