Ashlyn Ganske

Background

About Ashlyn Ganske

Gratefully living, working, and playing on Treaty 6 Territory. In June 2022, I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Child and Youth Care from MacEwan University and am currently a graduate student in the MSc in Child and Youth Care program at the University of Strathclyde. I am passionate about meeting children and youth where they are in their development and practicing from a strength based and trauma informed approach. I enjoy creating genuine relationships with children, youth, and families and using everyday life space moments as therapeutic opportunities. Acknowledging the variety of systemic barriers that children and their families experience, I approach my work using an intersectional and critical lens. In my current position as an Emotional Behavioural Specialist, I am led by my belief that all behaviour is communication and an expression of an unmet need. I practice from an approach that is strongly rooted in Child and Youth Care theory and values. I hope to contribute to an inclusive and neurodiversity affirming school environment where children and youth feel capable, cared for, accepted as they are, and empowered to develop new skills. As a sister to an autistic brother who has complex needs, I have a special passion and research interest in sibling issues and shining light on the experiences of children, youth, and young adult siblings of those with developmental/ behavioural disability, chronic health conditions, and mental illness. Holding a belief that when a siblings emotions and experiences are validated and their needs are met, not only does the sibling benefit individually but there are also life long benefits for the person with a disability, the family system, and greater community at large.