Biography
Academic and Professional Qualifications
Dr. Ashley Austin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Full Professor at Barry University’s School of Mental Health Counseling and Social Work. She is internationally recognized as a leader in trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirmative care, with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, higher education, and research. Dr. Austin has decades of service in roles such as Distinguished Professor in the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice and consultant for national organizations advancing LGBTQ+ mental health equity. Her teaching, research, and service spans national and international contexts, where she is a frequent keynote speaker, trainer, and consultant on trauma-responsive and affirming interventions.
Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice
Dr. Ashley Austin is a nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed clinical practice with over two decades of experience supporting individuals impacted by complex trauma, identity-based harm, and systemic oppression. A certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist, Dr. Austin integrates EMDR with mindfulness, somatic therapy, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support holistic trauma recovery. Her clinical work is grounded in affirming the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized populations, emphasizing attunement, safety, and empowerment in the healing process. As both a scholar and clinician, she advances trauma-informed models of care that foster resilience, relational repair, and post-traumatic growth across clinical, research, and educational settings.
Commitment to Trauma-Informed Education
Dr. Ashley Austin is a leader in advancing trauma-responsive pedagogy in higher education. At Barry University, she teaches doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s level social work courses grounded in trauma-informed principles, integrating neurobiology, mindfulness, and culturally responsive frameworks to foster inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environments. Her teaching centers on the application of trauma theory to classroom practice, with an emphasis on student empowerment and success. A lifelong learner, Dr. Austin is deeply committed to continually expanding her trauma knowledge through advanced training and scholarship, ensuring that the latest evidence and best practices are thoughtfully integrated into both social work curricula and classroom experiences. She also co-led the university’s Trauma Responsive Webinar Series and provides faculty development trainings focused on affirming, trauma-informed instruction across disciplines.
Community Engagement
Throughout her career, Dr. Austin has worked to increase access to affirming, trauma-responsive care in community and health systems. She serves as a consultant and trainer for the SOGIE Center and has partnered with organizations such as HopeLab, Our Fund, Equality Florida, and the Alliance for GLBTQ+ Youth. Her community-based work has included initiatives such as the Colors of Trans Expression and the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience.
Publications, Presentations, Research, Awards
Dr. Austin has authored over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple book chapters on trauma, LGBTQ+ health, and clinical interventions. Her scholarship has been recognized by the APA and featured in top journals including Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. She frequently presents at national and international conferences, including the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. Dr. Austin has received multiple grants and awards, including the Ally Award from the TransLatin@ Coalition and Barry University’s Outstanding Faculty Award.