Ms. Ashley Smith is a counselor educator, licensed professional counselor, and qualitative researcher. She earned a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Walden University, a Master of Arts in community counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Dr. Smith has experience providing behavioral health services in community and correctional settings, including mental health assessment, crisis intervention, clinical supervision, trauma-informed care, and behavioral health education. She also maintains a private counseling practice and provides clinical supervision, behavioral health consultation, and professional training. Dr. Smith's research examines the mental health and community reintegration experiences of formerly incarcerated people, particularly Black men, using hermeneutic phenomenology and Critical Race Theory. Her work as an educator, clinician, supervisor, and researcher focuses on advancing equitable behavioral health services and supporting successful community reintegration for justice-involved populations.