Ashley Widing, Class of 2001
Ashley Widing earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Dickinson College in 2005 and completed her M.S. in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University in 2010. Ashley is currently a pediatric occupational therapist at Miller Children's and Women's Hospital Long Beach, Pediatric Rehab in Long Beach, California. She primarily covers acute care working with children 0-21 years who have acquired an injury and/or have a disease process that impacts their ability to engage in age-appropriate occupations (dressing, feeding, etc.).
Did your DVFriends education have any impact on your choice of career or current success?
DVFriends gave me the understanding that a "learning disability" is more of a "learning difference". DVFriends provided me the tools (and encouragement and confidence for self-advocacy) to find a way to learn differently. This is what I do for others on a daily basis... I teach my patients how to accommodate for their differences and achieve important milestones.
"In what grade did you enter DVFriends and from what type of school?
I entered DVFriends in 10th Grade from an all-girls private, college prep school.
Can you tell us a little bit about your learning difference?
I have dyslexia and ADD.
What changed for you at DVFriends?
At DVFriends, I gained confidence and the tools to advocate for myself.
Do you have any special memories from your time at DVFriends?
David Calamaro. What an inspiring mentor. Dave was always dedicated to my success. He was always a cheerleader, not just for me, but for every individual student.
What do you think the long-term value of DVFriends' education has been for you?
DVFriends gave me the skills to lay the foundation to build my successful future.