We are thrilled to introduce our new School-Based Prevention Education Coordinator, Ashley Duke to our team! In this role, Ashley will work closely with students, teachers, and the community to implement evidence-based prevention programs that promote healthy behaviors and prevent substance abuse. We had a conversation to delve deeper into her background. Here’s what Ashley shared:
What is your position at Sierra Community House and can you describe what you do in your role?
I am the School-Based Prevention Education Coordinator for Sierra Community House. In this role, I will work closely with school administration, counselors, and staff to coordinate and teach violence prevention education and youth empowerment groups to K-12th grade students in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. Topics include child abuse prevention, bullying, anger management, sexual harassment/assault, intimate partner violence, and healthy relationships. The goal is to reach every student in every grade at every school in our area!
What drew you to work at Sierra Community House?
I was drawn to Sierra Community House because of the sense of community, not just within the Truckee/Tahoe area, but within the organization itself. I’ve worked for several non-profits in the past that all had their unique missions and goals aimed at helping the community, but none that were just as invested with the well-being of their employees. I’m so grateful to be a part of an organization that truly values their people and provides safe spaces for us to be authentic in our shared values of inclusivity, social justice, and integrity.
How long have you lived in Tahoe? What does “community” mean to you?
I have lived in the Reno area for the last 20+ years. While I wasn’t born here, I consider the Reno/Tahoe area home. To me, a community is a system that welcomes, supports, and nourishes its people, who will eventually grow to do amazing things and, in return, give back to the community. It also means having the freedom to show up as your true, authentic self and to be embraced and welcomed for it.
Tell us about what you like to do for fun! And/or: what is your favorite part about living in the mountains/near the lake?
I’m a big fan of summers in our area. I particularly enjoy swimming in the lake, hiking, and just enjoying the stunning beauty of our backyard. There is nothing quite like the big, blue Northern Nevada/California sky. I also love a good Netflix binge, exploring new places, baking, watching college basketball (in March), attempting to grow things in the desert and rejoicing when I succeed, petting other people’s dogs, and just generally laughing and enjoying the company of my favorite people.
How do you prioritize self-care?
I try to prioritize self-care by allocating a certain amount of time each week to do whatever it is I want to do without feeling regret that I’m wasting time or not completing things that need to get done. For me, self-care is less about the action of doing something (i.e., meditating, journaling, etc.) and more about breaking free from negative thoughts around simply doing nothing. It’s not always easy, but I think it’s important to occasionally slow down and not put so much pressure on myself. While I would love to pick up some good habits like breathwork or meditation, right now I’m finding it more relaxing to just shut off my mind and do whatever feels right in the moment.
What are you most hopeful about when you think about the work Sierra Community House does in the community?
I am most hopeful that SCH will be instrumental in the lives of our community’s young people. It gives me hope to see how younger generations have taken it upon themselves to improve broken systems, and if SCH can help provide support and information to our youth to inspire them to take action, then everyone wins.
With a passion for education and a dedication to creating positive change, Ashley brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Sierra Community House. We are excited to see the positive changes they will bring to our schools and community. Welcome to the team, Ashley!
