AFNA Beer Certified™️ | Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor | Certified Substance Use Prevention Professional | Certified Peer Recovery Specialist | Fitness and Nutrition Enthusiast | Non-Alcoholic Beverage Champion

Sober Curator Contributor – Minneapolis – St. Paul & Twin Cities, MN

Based in the Twin Cities area, Ashley has been working as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2019. Her career transition followed her journey to sobriety, during which she dedicated herself to providing compassionate and solution-focused counseling to individuals on their path to recovery. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to advocacy, education, and the recovery community. As a recovered individual, she understands the transformative journey of overcoming addiction and uses her experiences to support and encourage others.

Before finding a life in recovery, Ashley had a dynamic background in the restaurant, hospitality, and specialty coffee industries. She has now re-entered the beverage industry, concentrating on the non-alcoholic sector. Her mission is to champion the normalization of choosing not to drink alcohol while still fully participating in social gatherings and enjoying memorable experiences. As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and wellness-focused lifestyles, she aims to broaden the range of options for those who choose to abstain, whether for health reasons, personal choice, or simply preference. Ashley envisions a world where sophisticated, meticulously crafted non-alcoholic beverages are as commonplace and celebrated as their alcoholic equivalents.

Recently, Ashley completed the AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program and became AFNA™ Beer Certified. As the world’s first professional-level AFNA™ training and certification platform, developed with the expertise of recognized industry professionals, this certification is a mark of achievement, demonstrating her proficiency in the field. It equipped her with in-depth knowledge of AFNA™ beer, covering crucial aspects such as ingredients, sensory analysis, production processes, handling protocols, and market trends.

Ashley is a current participant in Sans Bar Academy, an immersive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to create and operate alcohol-free pop-up bars and brands. The academy, led by industry expert Chris Marshall, covers essential topics such as concept development, branding, marketing strategies, and operational best practices.

At The Sober Curator, Ashley contributes her expertise and personal insights, enriching the platform with valuable resources and stories for top-notch zero-proof lifestyle content. Her involvement with The Sober Curator is a testament to her commitment to making recovery visible, accessible, and celebrated.

Connect with Ashley to learn more about her journey, her work in promoting a sober, healthy, and fulfilling life, and her enthusiasm for the non-alcoholic beverage movement.