M.S.W. Grad to Speak at Cal U

Ashley Potts is a senior project manager for strategic initiatives at Highmark Health.

Ashley Potts, an expert in the care of individuals with substance use disorders, will speak at 11 a.m. March 30 as part of Cal U’s Graduate School Speaker Series. 

Sponsored by the School of Graduate Studies and Research at Cal U, the series invites engagement with “great minds and important ideas” in a virtual environment. 

Visit https://calu.zoom.us/j/98734609714 to join the webinar. 

Potts, a licensed social worker, is a senior project manager for strategic initiatives at Highmark Health. 

She graduated from Cal U in 2017 with her master’s degree in social work. She has more than 10 years of experience as a forensic case manager on a restrictive treatment program, supervisor of a 24-hour residential crisis stabilization unit and crisis intervention service; and clinical manager of social work for Allegheny Health Network’s addiction medicine service. 

“It’s been such a delight watching Ashley grow into the leader that she is today,” said Dr. Sheri Boyle, a professor of social work at Cal U. “She always had drive and purpose, which have helped her become a respected social worker and leader in healthcare. The Cal U M.S.W. program is extremely proud of Ashley and grateful for the ways she gives back to the University.” 

“We welcome Ashley’s ongoing involvement with the Cal U community,” added Dr. Thao Pham, associate professor of social work. 

Potts helped to create RAD (Recovery Advocacy Day), a statewide event to help those in recovery share their stories with local legislators. She also is a member of the FBI’s Heroin, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) working group. 

She was featured in “Hope for Heroin,” a documentary produced by WQED.