Staff Spotlight: Ashley Prestipino

Family Support Worker

Ashley Prestipino, Family Support Worker at Head Start and Early Head Start of Bennington County, lives each workday with the goal of helping others, whether through supporting clients in achieving their personal goals, boosting their self-expression through haircuts and styles, and supporting clients in the ways they need most. She combines her skills and education in the mental health and cosmetology fields to provide tailored support to the individuals she works with each day.

Dignity, accessibility and inclusive spaces
“Throughout my career, I have worked with a variety of populations, including individuals experiencing substance use disorders, HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and developmental disabilities,” says Ashley. “These experiences reinforced my belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect, regardless of where they are on their journey.”

While interning at a rehabilitation center 12 years ago, Ashley met a client who said she wished that her hair could be like Ashley’s. This stuck with her for many years. Ashley recently graduated from Stafford Technical Center in Rutland, VT, and decided to use her cosmetology skills to support clients she worked with at the UCS group homes. She now offers complimentary haircuts to clients who are not able to leave the group homes and assists with other needed services, such as washing, cutting, and de-matting their hair, which can sometimes take up to a few hours.

“I bring in tools and creams to help de-mat their hair,” says Ashley. “It can take a long time. I feel really honored to be able to do something like that.”

Ashley is currently enrolled in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program at Bennington College, which builds on her Associate Degreen in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Hudson Valley Community College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Cazenovia College. Her master’s degree will specialize in Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation in Applied Psychology, which reflects her belief in the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for all individuals. Once again pairing her experience in mental health and cosmetology, Ashley also offers gender-affirming haircuts in a judgment-free setting to her local community.
“For me, providing hair services is about much more than appearance,” says Ashley. “I believe these services can help restore a sense of identity, dignity, and autonomy. Many individuals in inpatient, residential, or recovery settings have limited control over aspects of their daily lives. Having the opportunity to choose a hairstyle or haircut can provide a meaningful sense of ownership over one’s identity and self-expression. I believe autonomy is an essential part of healing and wellness, and that even what may seem like the smallest of choices can empower people during difficult times.”

Connection, community, and collaboration
Whether at work or in her personal life, Ashley feels most fulfilled through opportunities to connect with others. In her previous administrative role at Head Start, Ashley enjoyed providing moral support to coworkers and ensuring their day-to-day functions hummed along smoothly. She recently became a family support worker, which involves checking in with Head Start families, connecting them with appropriate resources, and helping them access all that Head Start and the local community has to offer.

“I’m very excited to work with people one on one and help them reach their goals,” says Ashley. “That’s probably the most rewarding feeling—to be able to help someone accomplish something and be that support for them.”

Ashley also looks forward to starting her master’s program practicum in UCS’ Emergency Services division, which provides integrated crisis support services and 24/7/365 mobile crisis support for individuals in Bennington County experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.

Each role has given Ashley opportunities for genuine connection, learning and growth. As she moves forward in her career, her goals and values remain at the top of her mind. “My personal goals are to continue to learn from others and be open to new learning experiences. As I get older, my values are humility, always being open to listening to others, and empathy. I want to continue to thrive and grow and learn new things.”