Ashley Sexton, DSW Candidate, is a doctoral candidate and clinical social worker whose research focuses on the behavioral health outcomes of animal-assisted interventions for children in foster care. She obtained her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida and her master’s degree at Saint Leo University. She is currently pursuing her DSW at the University of Kentucky and works in the hospital setting as both a case manager and therapist, maintaining a clinical practice grounded in trauma-informed, relational-focused care.

Her capstone project explores the integration of animal-assisted therapy within attachment-informed clinical social work interventions for children who have experienced complex trauma. Sexton’s scholarship bridges research and practice, emphasizing evidence-based strategies to support resilience and adaptive functioning in children with high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores. She hopes to contribute to the field through future publications and professional awards recognizing her work in trauma-informed practice and child welfare.

In addition to research, Sexton engages with professional communities through presentations and workshops, sharing practical applications of relational-focused, trauma-informed interventions. Her work aims to enhance outcomes for vulnerable children by promoting safe, evidence-based, and relational therapeutic approaches.