Family Action Network Spotlight: Ashley Flinn

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your family. Where are you from, and what does family life look like for you?

A. My family includes me, my husband Mason, and our four-year-old daughter, Kayla. We also share our home with two silly orange kitties and are looking forward to welcoming a sweet dachshund named Stella soon. We live in Marietta, Ohio, in Washington County. 

Q. What inspired you to get involved in advocacy for young children and families? What’s your “why”? 

A. My “why” is Kayla. She officially became ours in September 2025, after moving in with us in January 2025 at just two years old. We are her biggest fans—but even more importantly, her strongest advocates. Due to her time in foster care, she carries trauma she isn’t yet able to fully express, and we are committed to surrounding her with the support and care she deserves. Kayla also has significant medical needs, and many of her appointments are a two-hour drive each way to Columbus. Those are long days, but making sure she receives the best care is always worth it.

Q. What are some of the biggest issues you care about as a parent or caregiver? 

A. Some of the biggest issues I care about as a parent center around making sure Kayla is truly understood, supported, and set up to succeed in every way. It’s incredibly important to me that the individuals who work with her—whether in health care, education, or daily care—have a strong understanding of trauma-informed care. Because of her experience in foster care, Kayla’s journey is unique. While she may be advanced academically and eager to learn, her emotional development has been impacted by the inconsistency she experienced early on. 

I care deeply about ensuring that those supporting her recognize this difference and meet her where she is, with patience, compassion, and the right tools. Advocacy, communication, and consistency are everything. I want to make sure she has a team around her that not only helps her grow intellectually, but also supports her emotional well-being so she can build confidence, feel secure, and truly thrive. 

Q. What was your first experience with advocacy like? 

A. My first experience with advocacy began through my work in Child Protective Services, where I spent 10 years in prevention and direct intervention. I was often the person families met during some of their most difficult moments, including when I had to make the decision to remove children from their homes. I also conducted sexual abuse and severe abuse interviews alongside law enforcement, advocating for children whose voices needed to be heard in incredibly complex and sensitive situations. 

That experience shaped my understanding of what it truly means to advocate—not just speaking up, but listening, protecting, and ensuring children receive the care and support they need, even in the hardest circumstances. It taught me the importance of approaching every situation with compassion, awareness, and a trauma-informed perspective. 

Those years continue to influence how I show up today, especially as a parent. They instilled in me a deep commitment to ensuring children are not only safe, but also supported in ways that help them heal, grow, and thrive. 

Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned about advocacy since you started? 

A. One thing I’ve learned about advocacy since I started is that it isn’t always loud or visible—it often shows up in the quiet, consistent moments of showing up, speaking up, and not giving up. Advocacy is about building relationships, helping others understand a child’s unique needs, and continuing to push for what’s right, even when it feels challenging or slow. 

I’ve also learned that true advocacy requires both compassion and persistence. It means meeting people where they are, while still holding firm to what a child needs to feel safe, supported, and successful. Over time, I’ve come to understand that even small conversations and daily efforts can create meaningful change. 

Most importantly, advocacy is not a one-time action—it’s an ongoing commitment. It’s choosing, every day, to ensure that a child’s voice is heard and their needs are met, no matter how long the process takes. 

Q. What are your hopes for the future of Ohio’s children and families? 

A. My hope for the future of Ohio’s children and families is that every child is given the support, stability, and understanding they need to truly thrive. I hope we continue to grow in recognizing that every child’s story is different, and that systems—whether in health care, education, or community services—are equipped to meet those differences with compassion and care. 

I want to see a stronger emphasis on trauma-informed approaches, so children who have experienced hardship are not misunderstood, but instead supported in ways that help them heal and grow. I also hope families feel empowered and supported, with access to the resources they need to advocate for their children and navigate challenges with confidence. 

Ultimately, my hope is for a future where every child feels safe, valued, and seen—and where families are surrounded by communities and systems that work together to help them reach their fullest potential. 

Q. What message would you share with other families who feel like they’re alone in this work? 

A. My message to other families who feel like they’re alone in this work is simple: you are not alone, even when it feels that way. This journey can be overwhelming, especially when you’re advocating for a child with unique needs, but there are others walking similar paths who understand both the challenges and the victories. 

It’s okay to ask for help, to speak up, and to keep pushing for what your child needs—you know them best. There will be hard days, and moments where progress feels slow, but every bit of effort you put in matters more than you realize. Surround yourself with people who are willing to listen, learn, and support you, and don’t be afraid to educate others along the way. 

Just as important, remember to take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and making space for rest, support, and even small moments of peace is essential. Giving yourself grace isn’t just important—it’s necessary. 

The work you’re doing is meaningful and important, and your love and advocacy are making a difference every single day, even when it’s hard to see. 

Q. What does it mean to you for every young child to reach their full potential? 

A. To me, every young child reaching their full potential means ensuring they are seen, supported, and given every opportunity to grow into who they are meant to be. It means recognizing that each child’s journey is unique and that some may need additional care, patience, and resources along the way. I believe it’s about creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, and understood—while also advocating for the tools and support systems that help them thrive. When we commit to meeting children where they are and investing in their well-being, we give them the foundation they need to succeed and truly reach their fullest potential.