- Clinical Assistant Professor
- Campus: WSU Tri-Cities
Biography
Dr. Amy Ashton-Williams, LCSW, is a social worker educator; and has worked in various capacities in behavioral health, substance abuse treatment and social work education for over a decade. Dr. Ashton-Williams is an instructor of undergraduate social work courses; and has assisted in developing accreditation policies and manuals for, new social work programs. Dr. Ashton-Williams’ teaching focuses on ethics, the development of professional identity, harm reduction, and the practical application of theoretical knowledge to everyday practice.
Dr. Ashton-Williams has held numerous leadership positions in the areas of clinical, academic and policy development including Mental Health Clinical Manager in Tribal Health, Executive Director of a Regional Health Network, Director of County Behavioral Health, Chair of the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers, and Chair of the Research Committee for the Association of Social Work Boards. Dr. Ashton-Williams has also made presentations at both regional and national conferences on issues related to ethics, engaging with high-risk youth, and models of treatment for substance use disorders.
Dr. Ashton-Williams’ doctoral research has focused on reconciling the philosophical underpinnings of harm reduction, with the philosophies underlying abstinence-oriented substance use treatment approaches. Dr. Ashton-Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II); and continues to maintain a clinical focus that incorporates trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices.