My Story

I first remember thinking about social change at scale when I was 15. I was walking through my neighborhood and noted that if I wanted to help humans change in positive ways, being connected to schools was a place to start since, in theory, every neighborhood had a school and people cared about children. Then came a degree in Sociology, years teaching at schools, a Masters of Education in Play Therapy, and a side hustle as a large group facilitator. For 25 years I’ve worked as a teacher, school counselor, facilitator, trainer, consultant, organizer, and coach. I’ve walked alongside students of all ages, leaders, educators, justice practitioners, and organizational and grassroots communities. My work lives at the intersections of collective care, embodied learning, collaborative action, and healing. I help create spaces where people feel a little more ease, a little more possibility, and enough dignity and creative spark to move forward together.

WWC Professor Ashley Cooper sits outside posed for a photo.

Education

  • B.A. in Sociology, University of Georgia
  • M.Ed. in School Counseling and Child-Centered Play Therapy, University of North Texas

Research Interests

  • Facilitation
  • Community-Guided Strategy and Evaluation
  • Self and Collective Regulation

Courses Taught

  • MCS 5010 Residency #1 Introduction to Applied Climate Studies (Facilitation)
  • MCS 5610 Professional Skills Module
  • MCS 5020 Residency #2 Advanced Practice and Inquiry in Applied Climate Studies (Advanced Facilitation)