Ash Lowenthal

Ash Lowenthal (she/her) is a Research Coordinator with the Canadian Consortium on Child and Youth Trauma, where she helps lead national training and knowledge mobilization initiatives, develops trauma-informed educational resources, and collaborates with partner organizations to strengthen trauma- and violence-informed practices. Involved with the Consortium since its inception, Ash spearheaded the creation of the Child and Youth Trauma Journal Watch, a monthly forum that curates and critically discusses new research in the field. She has also supported the Child and Youth Trauma Symposium since 2018, contributing to volunteer coordination, moderation, and presenting her work.

A former clinical social worker with over fifteen years of experience across social service, health, and community sectors—including addictions, housing, mental health, disability, and outdoor education—Ash has extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families, as well as mentoring and training practitioners. She holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Gender Studies from the University of Guelph.

Close to completing her PhD in Social Work at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Delphine Collin-Vézina, Ash’s doctoral research explores how power dynamics shape practice in youth residential care and what makes the shift toward trauma-informed approaches both promising and complex in institutional settings.

As an educator, Ash is passionate about teaching as a relational and transformative practice—creating learning spaces where curiosity, reflection, and courage take root. She has taught courses on social work practice, trauma-informed care, child and youth mental health, and field education.