ASHLEY GREENSMYTH (she/her/hers)

What brought you to KPU and your program of study?

I wanted to attend a local college in my community where the classroom size allowed for students to have a community vibe rather than being an anonymous student in a large lecture hall. The appeal of a community college (it was Kwantlen University College at the time) resonated with my values for my post-secondary education, and the programs matched my interests. Several of my high school classmates also chose this school. It was an easy fit.

Can you briefly describe your current position and your main day to day responsibilities?

I currently run a counselling private practice as owner and Registered Clinical Counsellor, and I'm also an associate counsellor at another established clinic in the community. My daily responsibilities in my private clinic include counselling client sessions (individual & couples therapy), client bookings, consultations, marketing, content creation, website management, billing, and banking. I occasionally am required to write client progress reports or complete grant applications. In the other clinic, I am responsible for counselling clients and processing billing.

Which skills, knowledge, or experiences from KPU have been most valuable in your career so far?

I reflect back to my personal experiences frequently when I work with college/university aged students. This grounds me in recalling how I navigated the first challenges of adult life after high school such as the demands of a full course load, selecting a major, navigating social pressures, etc. I also draw from my undergrad courses when it relates to client issues, such as discussing biases (social psychology), or a personal favourite, dreams and conscious (the psychology of consciousness course.)

What advice would you give current KPU students who want to build a successful career after graduation?

Network with your peers and instructors as much as you can. Attend conferences and workshops in your field of interest, and even beyond. I took liberties with the electives I could choose from and learned about anthropology, criminology, astronomy, sculpture, and ceramics. My education felt well-rounded, and it had fun semesters, too.