#United States #Trauma Care #child wellness #Chagrin, Ohio #Ashley Poklar

Dr. Ashley Poklar: A Leader in Child Wellness and Trauma Care

In a recent recognition by The Inner Circle, Dr. Ashley Poklar has been honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member of the Inner Circle of Excellence. Her groundbreaking work focuses on transforming child wellness and trauma care through a holistic and systemic approach. This accolade reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children in need.

As the clinical director of The Sentinel Foundation since 2023 and founder of A Poklar Ponders since 2022, Dr. Poklar leads initiatives that significantly impact child trauma care, providing essential support for children who have faced traumatic experiences. In her previous role as a clinical coordinator at The Behavioral Wellness Group from 2018 onwards, she dedicated herself to advancing trauma-informed care, underscoring her unique approach that combines clinical expertise with empathy and understanding.

Dr. Poklar began her professional journey in education, serving as a special education teacher in the Charleston County School District, an experience that laid a foundation for her later work as a counselor. She completed her clinical mental health internship in the Juvenile Detention Center's Mental Health Unit, which deepened her passion for advocacy amidst high-risk youth populations.

Her academic background is robust and reflects her unyielding commitment to child wellness. Dr. Poklar holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Teaching from the College of Charleston. She went on to earn a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Cleveland State University. Her research and professional focus include trauma-informed care, child exploitation prevention, and the development of sustainable mental health interventions for both youth and their caregivers.

Her contributions to the field have earned her multiple accolades, including the Graduate Student Teacher of the Year Award and an Outstanding Teaching Award from Capella University. Furthermore, she received the Pathfinder Award from Womelle, highlighting her influence and dedication as a woman leader in mental health.

Dr. Poklar is actively involved in professional organizations like the American Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association, further signifying her dedication to advancing mental health practices. As she gazes into the future, her aim is to expand awareness-building initiatives for parents, law enforcement, and educators, while continually developing holistic aftercare services to tackle issues of child exploitation and abuse on both domestic and international fronts.

At the core of Dr. Poklar’s philosophy lies a commitment to cost-effective, sustainable interventions that foster long-term systemic change, ultimately benefiting individuals and entire communities. Her work is pivotal, as it not only addresses the acute needs of affected children but also lays the groundwork for a healthier future generation.

With her unparalleled dedication and innovative vision, Dr. Ashley Poklar is indeed making a lasting impact on child wellness and trauma care, embodying the principles of excellence and compassion in her field.