About me
Ashley Bautista is a bilingual School-Based Mental Health Therapist Associate at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, currently working under the supervision of Elena Labastida, LMFT. She holds a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling, and brings a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to her role.
Ashley has been a valuable member of the Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) for the past year and a half, where she has received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Schools and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These evidence-based therapies have strengthened her ability to support students' mental health and emotional well-being.
Prior to joining DSUSD, Ashley served at Partners Against Violence, Coachella Valley’s local rape crisis center, where she provided essential advocacy and prevention education. Her work focused on supporting underserved populations, ensuring access to crisis intervention services, and offering counseling. Through collaborations with various schools in the Coachella Valley, Ashley focused on educating youth about healthy relationships and working to break the cycle of abuse, with the goal of preventing its continuation in vulnerable communities.
Ashley has a deep commitment to supporting migrant families, recognizing the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured her own educational journey. Her professional experience and training allow her to use trauma-informed and empathetic approaches to help students navigate life’s challenges. By utilizing evidence-based practices, she ensures that all students receive the care and support they need to thrive.
Outside of her professional work, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her fur baby, Bruno. She also finds joy and relaxation in baking, which serves as a therapeutic hobby.
