Staff Shares: Ashley Gedra

KED & YOU

Share your favorite moment from recent programming:

While working with a particularly at-risk population, a young lady said “Alright miss you win, you got in my head. You're the only one that's ever made me think twice about any of this.”

Why is this work especially important in our community?

There is so much misinformation and stigmatization surrounding substance use, and young people aren’t being told the whole truth. With increased accessibility to substances and products being adulterated across the board, education is our best and most effective tool.

What’s one thing you wish every parent knew about teen substance use?

No one is immune. I tell kids all the time, substance use/addiction doesn't care where a person comes from, how old they are, how much money they have or don't have, it can affect anyone at any point in their lives.

What’s one myth about substance use that you often correct?

"People who use drugs are bad people." Substance use is a mental illness, classified as such in the DSM6, we don't shame people with schizophrenia or depression, we should be treating substance use the exact same way.

How do you build trust with the youth and families you work with?

Honesty, transparency, and confidence. No one wants to feel like they’re ever being judged or patronized and the second they feel that way, there’s no moving forward.

What’s makes KED stand out?

We've been able to accomplish so much with such a small group of people. Our jobs are all so interconnected and no one leaves anyone in the dust.

What gives you hope when working with teens?

Their resilience.

In one sentence, how would you describe the importance of early intervention?

Early is the key to everything!! The earlier youth come in for an intervention, the higher chance we can prevent progression to more harmful stages of substance use.

What small change can make a big difference in a young person’s life?

Knowing their own self-worth. It’s hard but knowing what you’re worth means you don't settle for less than you deserve.

ABOUT YOU

What’s self-care habits that help you recharge?

Getting my nails done, listening to true crime podcasts, hanging out with my hubby and kids.

What helps you prepare or get ready for a presentation?

Interacting with the audience as they come in and establishing a rapport, I try to notice something to compliment about the first few people that walk in to establish a level of comfortability.

Favorite Small business: The Bookworm in East Aurora

Favorite Restaurant: It's a tie between La Divina Dos and Lime House Ramen

Favorite Coffee Shop: You can’t ever go wrong with Spot Coffee

One fun thing you might not know about me is: I hate cilantro and no matter how many exclamation marks I put after NO CILANTRO!!!!!!!! When we order lunch on Fridays, it always manages to make its way into my food.

What’s something your coworkers tease you about? My facial expressions. My mouth doesn't have to say anything, my face gives the subtitles, I’ve been told “fix your face” often.

What’s your coffee order? A latte, flavor depends on the day, size also depends on the day. Half of the amount of flavored syrup, because why does everything have to be so sweet?

What’s your go-to hype song before a presentation? My go to song for just about anything is “The Light” by Disturbed but anything from the 90’s-2000’s alternative genre will do!!