Why I Coach: “I’m a former at-risk teen myself. I struggled with anxiety, depression, dating violence, bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem issues, and then some! I felt so alone, turned to every unhealthy coping mechanism, and my life only got worse from there; I became homeless and dropped out of college. I never knew what I was capable of. Today, I’m thriving and know I simply lacked guidance and skills. It’s why I speak and coach teens for a living. I see the impact of having a positive mentor through my work every day.”

Fun Fast Facts: National Speaker for Teens, Former Miss Rhode Island, Award-Winning Activist, Published Author, Editor of Two Local Magazines, Avid Cyclist, Travel Enthusiast, Musically Talented, Virgo, Foodie!

Bio: Ashley Bendiksen is a nationally acclaimed prevention educator and Top Youth Speaker® with more than 15 years of leadership in the fields of primary prevention, health and wellness, and success planning for youth. She is also a subject matter expert in dating violence prevention and abuse recovery. Ashley graduated as Class Valedictorian from Salve Regina University with a B.A. in Administration of Justice. Her advocacy and prevention work spans school campuses, the juvenile justice system, courtroom and community settings. Today, Ashley works with youth year-round as a speaker, certified life empowerment coach, and cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner. She is also the founder of a global storytelling platform for survivors, is the editor of Newport Neighbors and Aquidneck Island Living magazine, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center.

Teen dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, healthy relationships, peer issues, social emotional learning (SEL), self-esteem, confidence, mindset, resilience, personal development, communication skills, lifestyle/career design.

Why I Coach: “From a young age, I knew working with youth was my calling, and I have dedicated the entirety of my adult life in pursuit of that calling. Many times after navigating through trials and periods of growth in my own life, I reflected on things I wish I had learned, the skills I wish I had internalized at an earlier age. I lacked a mentor, someone to help me identify and understand what, exactly, I could benefit from working on. I didn’t know there was a healthier, happier way to be. My mission is to use the expertise I have acquired, both personally and professionally, to support, guide, and empower teens and young adults. To be of service to others, to my community, is the greatest gift.“

Fun Fast Facts: Ardent Reader, Animal Lover and Devoted Kitty Mom to Toby, Passionate Traveler and Adventure Seeker, Hiker, Skier, Runner, Baker, In A Perpetual State of Gratitude for Her Life by the Sea.

Heather Jensen, M.Ed., holds a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Cambridge College and brings 20 years of diverse experience to her work with youth and families. From working with high-risk and truant youth at a teenage runaway crisis center, to providing direct care and counseling roles within a family institute, to overseeing and developing student affairs at the college level, Heather’s passion for student wellness and advocacy is unmatched. Today, Heather works as the Director of Transition Services at an independent boarding school in Narragansett, RI, specializing in identifying post-secondary goals and developing individualized plans for students and families. Outside of her work, Heather is also passionate about her community and serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center in Newport, RI.

College and career readiness, academic and executive function support, support and services for students with learning differences, personal empowerment, social-emotional intelligence and metacognition, growth mindset practices, mental health and behavioral support related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, and peer issues.