By Jo Valenti, BSN, RN, Cumberland County Mental Health Advocate
Meet Ashley Campbell, new member of the Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board and founder of the One Step Forward Initiative. Ashley’s journey started as a 17-year-old who wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She began to participate in local pageants while in high school. She has held these titles: Miss Cumberland County 2022, Miss Gloucester County 2023 and Miss Coastal Shore 2024. Her chosen platform was mental health.
As founder of the One Step Forward Initiative—whose mission is to create mental health safe spaces for marginalized identities through conversation, art and service—Ashley has spoken publicly about her own mental health struggles as she promotes well-being in many ways. She encourages young and old to attend her workshops, featuring activities such as dance, crafts, conversations and art where everyone benefits from positive reaffirmations.
Having already achieved her bachelor’s degree, she recently graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rowan University. She will be a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and will begin working soon in Cumberland County.
Ashley’s passion for her chosen career makes her a valued member of the Board. Her contributions reflect her personal experiences and her desire to use them in service to others. Serving on the board is a volunteer activity that involves working behind the scenes to promote mental health in our communities. The rewards are having the satisfaction of being of service to others and encouraging wellness.
Ashley says, “One Step Forward is a motto I use in my personal life to signify the importance of perseverance and to highlight how important it is to put one foot in front of the other. I use this as a reminder to give myself grace and implement self-compassion when it comes to my mental health, and through my initiative I’ve been able to help others do the same.
“I am grateful for opportunities to share my story and as a member of the Board, I have the opportunity to serve my home county and help combat the stigma that’s so prevalent. Change happens in numbers, so I would encourage others who have a passion for mental health to take action and support causes like the Mental Health and Addictions Board alongside community members who use their voice for a better tomorrow. It’s because of the support I received that I am able to confidently share my experiences and keep taking one step forward.”
The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates.
The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or melissani@cumberlandcountynj.gov
