About Apple Tree:
A seed that became a blossom.
Ashley had an interest in building and serving her community from a young age. It was during her intern years in Baltimore City, that grew her interest in food insecurity in inner cities. That is were a seed began to blossom. Why not be a resource that links farmers with the community, and serve as a bridge between farmers and food insecure families. As she grew in her career, she realized that there was a connection between nutrition and its impact on mental health. While maintianing her interest in nutrition, Ashley grew in her mental health career, practicing at various clinics in the DC Metro area. When the pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Ashley saw an opportunity to start a practice by using her previous business plan with some adjustments. Which produced Apple Tree Wellness, a resource within the community for mental health, parenting, and nutrition. While building the mental health side of Apple Tree, Ashley continues to work on future plans on connecting and supporting food insecure communities.
The Clinician
Ashley McClain gained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Morgan State University. She later went on to obtain her Masters of Social Work from Morgan State University with a focus in Child and Family Welfare. She started her career as a social worker in child welfare for the state of Maryland, along with working with homeless women in Montgomery Co, MD.
While Ashley enjoyed direct case management services, she felt called to do more with her talents. This led to 7 years in individual and family therapy. Working in various clinics throughout the D.C. metro area, this provided Ashley with trainings in trauma, early childhood mental health, early childhood trauma, and play therapy. Whilst she enjoys working with children, Ashley also enjoys treating adolescents through elderly with difficulties with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma. She is currently certified in Level 1 and Level 2 Advanced Trauma Treatment from The Ferentz Institute.
