Ashley McDowell
West Haven, CT 06516 • (203) 623-9631 • [email protected]
www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyemcdowell
EDUCATION:
University of New Haven West Haven, CT
Doctor of Philosophy, Criminal Justice August 2023 – Present
Master of Science, Criminal Justice May 2017
Concentration, Criminal Justice Management
Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies January 2014
Concentration, Dispute Resolution, Minor: Political Science
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
§ Gun Violence, Victimization, Intimate Partner Violence, Police/Community Relations, Law
Enforcement Training, Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, Intersection of Victims and Law
Enforcement
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
University of New Haven West Haven, CT
Success Advisor December 2021 – Present
§ Provide proactive appreciative advising assistance to caseload of students in all of the University’s five
colleges
§ Assess and monitor student progress using EAB Navigate Student Success initiative
§ Intervene as needed to promote student success and provide support to students
§ Maintain accurate record of meetings and correspond with faculty in reference to student alerts received
§ Provide assistance and support for special student programming related to student retention, persistence,
and degree completion
§ Follow-up with assigned students after meetings to check-in, encourage, and offer continued support
and assistance
§ Meet with students to develop success strategies (time management, study skills, and learning and
academic strategies)
§ Keep informed of all university policies and resources; provide guidance on interpreting university
policy, the registration process, and other administrative advising functions
§ Teach in the Strategies for Success and Foundations for Success Programs
§ Guide students through assessments to assist in their overall academic success
§ Counsel students in using and understanding academic advising tools such as Degree Audit, Banner,
and academic worksheets
§ Deliver accurate information and advice to students about majors/minor and course options
§ Make appropriate referrals to academic departments and other university resources
§ Respond with appropriate interventions for those students who are experiencing academic difficulty
§ Assist with new student, registration, and orientation programs; schedules and registers new first-year
and transfer students for classes prior to their first semester on campus
§ Assist new students with adjustment and transition to the University
§ Serve as a student advocate
BHcare Ansonia, CT
Domestic Violence Advocate Counselor January 2021 – November 2021
(The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services)
§ Created an environment that supports individual safety and breaks the cycle of domestic violence by
providing services that include crisis intervention, counseling, safety planning, and domestic and family
violence education to clients’ and/or their families
§ Delivered trauma informed, emotional support to help victims understand feelings and behaviors in
response to abuse and specific ways to build self-esteem and coping strategies
§ Provided clients with advocacy for intakes, assessments, information, referrals, and resources in and
outside of the domestic violence program regarding client’s needs
§ Composed case notes describing services provided and the client’s response to the services
§ Took responsibility for covering both hotline and LAP line
§ Assisted clients with filing forms such as temporary restraining orders and victim compensation
information
Behavioral & Primary Healthcare Case Manager November 2018 – Dec. 2020
(Behavioral Health Home Specialist)
§ Provided monthly outreach, engagement, advocacy, education, and support to BHH clients through
phone or face-to-face communication in the community
§ Composed progress notes describing the therapeutic intervention provided and the client’s response to
the intervention and documented communication with clinicians, prescribers, case managers, and other
medical providers
§ Delivered specific integrated care services to client through care management, care coordination, health
promotion, patient and family support, transitional care, and community support services
§ Guided individuals in setting and meeting wellness and recovery goals, managing chronic illnesses, and
following through on wellness and health activities
§ Assisted in the scheduling and coordination of medical appointments
§ Supported clients with transportation to behavioral and physical health appointments at BHcare and in
the community as needed
Fellowship Place New Haven, CT
Employment Specialist May 2018 – November 2018
§ Provided a broad range of employment services that will promote competitive employment for adults
with mental illness, substance abuse, and criminal justice involvement
§ Received referrals from different agencies and imbedded clinical team
§ Assisted clients to complete the comprehensive intake assessment to be admitted into the program,
assess career goals, write resumes, practice interview skills, and continuing supportive services to help
clients maintain employment
§ Spent time in the community by reaching out and creating connections with potential employers to
develop and promote job placements for clients
§ Administered National Outcome Measures (NOMs) survey to clients who were invited and agreed to
participate
§ Composed progress notes in GIRP format (Goals, Intervention, Response from Client, Plan)
documenting phone and face-to-face communication with clients, clinicians, probation officers, and
employers
University of New Haven West Haven, CT
Graduate Assistant Advisor, Criminal Justice Advising Center August 2015 – May 2017
§ Assisted with advising freshmen and sophomore Criminal Justice students with schedule changes,
adding/dropping classes, and helped students select concentrations, majors, and minors
§ Supported pre-internship course by helping with mock interviews
Connecticut Judicial Branch New Haven, CT
Housing Mediation Intern September 2012 – May 2013
§ Helped mediate landlord-tenant disputes
§ Pulled parties from courtroom for mediation and introduced process and purpose
§ Mediated matters with guidance from supervisor
§ Wrote stipulations and conducted mediations with guidance from supervisor
§ Observed and participated in civil pre-trials
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Member, Board of Directors New Haven, CT
Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. June 2023 – Present
§ The mission of HHYEP is to change the lives of under-represented college-bound students to empower,
encourage, and equip them to obtain a post-secondary education
Member, Board of Directors West Hartford, CT
NAMI CT September 2020 – June 2021
§ NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Connecticut provides support, education, and advocacy for
people of Connecticut affected by mental illness
§ Supported the work of NAMI Connecticut and provided leadership, strategic governance, oversight,
and assistance in fundraising
§ Worked on the 2021-2024 strategic plan
§ Member of the public policy, executive, and walk committees
CERTIFICATIONS:
§ Connecticut Domestic Violence Certification (BHcare); Issued January 2021
§ Connecticut Domestic & Sexual Violence Certification (The Center for Family Justice); Issued June
2020
§ Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (LivingWorks); Issued December 2019
§ Paralegal Studies Certificate (University of New Haven); Issued January 2014
MEMBERSHIPS:
§ Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society – Alpha Tau Chapter
HONORS & AWARDS:
§ University of New Haven Phenomenal Women Certificate (March 2023)
