Ashley Bendiksen
@ashleybendiksen.bsky.social
Former At-Risk Youth + DV/SA Survivor on a Mission 🎙️Speaking and training nationally on prevention, response, and resilience | Award-winning activist | Writer and author ✨
www.topyouthspeakers.com/ashley
www.topyouthspeakers.com/ashley
Pinned
Hi all! 👋🏼 Continuing to introduce myself here.
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
Reposted by Ashley Bendiksen
Great research-backed ideas for motivating teens to do hard things in school in this interview with author/psychologist David Yeager:
The Science of Student Motivation www.edutopia.org/article/the-...
@youkiterada.bsky.social @edutopia.org #EduSky
The Science of Student Motivation www.edutopia.org/article/the-...
@youkiterada.bsky.social @edutopia.org #EduSky
The Science of Student Motivation
Noted author and psychologist David Yeager on the common mistakes we make when giving feedback to students, and how to tap into purpose and belonging to make classroom work more meaningful.
www.edutopia.org
March 23, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Great research-backed ideas for motivating teens to do hard things in school in this interview with author/psychologist David Yeager:
The Science of Student Motivation www.edutopia.org/article/the-...
@youkiterada.bsky.social @edutopia.org #EduSky
The Science of Student Motivation www.edutopia.org/article/the-...
@youkiterada.bsky.social @edutopia.org #EduSky
How we wrapped up in Wisconsin!
Morning training for professionals who work with youth! This was in-person plus live streamed, and was a powerful way to wrap up the trip: student talk, parent talk, staff/community PD.
Thank you @thewomenscommunityinc for all you do! Honored to contribute.
Morning training for professionals who work with youth! This was in-person plus live streamed, and was a powerful way to wrap up the trip: student talk, parent talk, staff/community PD.
Thank you @thewomenscommunityinc for all you do! Honored to contribute.
March 24, 2025 at 2:47 PM
How we wrapped up in Wisconsin!
Morning training for professionals who work with youth! This was in-person plus live streamed, and was a powerful way to wrap up the trip: student talk, parent talk, staff/community PD.
Thank you @thewomenscommunityinc for all you do! Honored to contribute.
Morning training for professionals who work with youth! This was in-person plus live streamed, and was a powerful way to wrap up the trip: student talk, parent talk, staff/community PD.
Thank you @thewomenscommunityinc for all you do! Honored to contribute.
I’m thrilled to speak at this year’s Western Regional Joint Threat Assessment Training in Bozeman, MT!
My focus — domestic violence, how it impacts the workplace, and best practices to ensure safety and employee wellbeing.
My focus — domestic violence, how it impacts the workplace, and best practices to ensure safety and employee wellbeing.
March 20, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I’m thrilled to speak at this year’s Western Regional Joint Threat Assessment Training in Bozeman, MT!
My focus — domestic violence, how it impacts the workplace, and best practices to ensure safety and employee wellbeing.
My focus — domestic violence, how it impacts the workplace, and best practices to ensure safety and employee wellbeing.
Speaking at APCA! 🎙️✨ In college, I was forced to drop out due to an abusive relationship. Years later, I’d return and graduate as Valedictorian.
Relational health = mental health and academic success. Grateful to share this message. 🙏🏼
Relational health = mental health and academic success. Grateful to share this message. 🙏🏼
March 19, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Speaking at APCA! 🎙️✨ In college, I was forced to drop out due to an abusive relationship. Years later, I’d return and graduate as Valedictorian.
Relational health = mental health and academic success. Grateful to share this message. 🙏🏼
Relational health = mental health and academic success. Grateful to share this message. 🙏🏼
I had such an amazing time in Wausau, WI recently.
A huge student talk, followed by a parent talk, and a training for youth service providers the next day!
These are trips I always value deeply - ones where I can deliver comprehensive community impact.
Talk to me for more info! #edusky
A huge student talk, followed by a parent talk, and a training for youth service providers the next day!
These are trips I always value deeply - ones where I can deliver comprehensive community impact.
Talk to me for more info! #edusky
March 18, 2025 at 10:11 PM
I had such an amazing time in Wausau, WI recently.
A huge student talk, followed by a parent talk, and a training for youth service providers the next day!
These are trips I always value deeply - ones where I can deliver comprehensive community impact.
Talk to me for more info! #edusky
A huge student talk, followed by a parent talk, and a training for youth service providers the next day!
These are trips I always value deeply - ones where I can deliver comprehensive community impact.
Talk to me for more info! #edusky
Back at the airport! Up next GA and WI….
Georgia — Speaking to 1,500+ students at two schools!
Wisconsin — Reaching 1,000+ youth and adults: a student assembly, a parent talk, and a community training for direct service providers.
So grateful! 🙏🏼 #edusky
Georgia — Speaking to 1,500+ students at two schools!
Wisconsin — Reaching 1,000+ youth and adults: a student assembly, a parent talk, and a community training for direct service providers.
So grateful! 🙏🏼 #edusky
February 25, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Back at the airport! Up next GA and WI….
Georgia — Speaking to 1,500+ students at two schools!
Wisconsin — Reaching 1,000+ youth and adults: a student assembly, a parent talk, and a community training for direct service providers.
So grateful! 🙏🏼 #edusky
Georgia — Speaking to 1,500+ students at two schools!
Wisconsin — Reaching 1,000+ youth and adults: a student assembly, a parent talk, and a community training for direct service providers.
So grateful! 🙏🏼 #edusky
Educator friends - FREE morning announcement!
Valentine’s Day is more than just flowers, candy, and social media brags - it’s a great day to remind students what HEALTHY love looks like.
📥 READY-TO-USE:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
(General Dating Violence Awareness Month script in comments)
Valentine’s Day is more than just flowers, candy, and social media brags - it’s a great day to remind students what HEALTHY love looks like.
📥 READY-TO-USE:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
(General Dating Violence Awareness Month script in comments)
February 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Educator friends - FREE morning announcement!
Valentine’s Day is more than just flowers, candy, and social media brags - it’s a great day to remind students what HEALTHY love looks like.
📥 READY-TO-USE:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
(General Dating Violence Awareness Month script in comments)
Valentine’s Day is more than just flowers, candy, and social media brags - it’s a great day to remind students what HEALTHY love looks like.
📥 READY-TO-USE:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
(General Dating Violence Awareness Month script in comments)
And a new year begins! Thrilled to kick it off as a speaker for the Empowered Parents Summit - over 70,000 parents attending! This is an awesome and free online conference that I highly recommend.
Link for more info: summit.strategicparenting.com
#Parenting #EduSky #Education
Link for more info: summit.strategicparenting.com
#Parenting #EduSky #Education
January 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
And a new year begins! Thrilled to kick it off as a speaker for the Empowered Parents Summit - over 70,000 parents attending! This is an awesome and free online conference that I highly recommend.
Link for more info: summit.strategicparenting.com
#Parenting #EduSky #Education
Link for more info: summit.strategicparenting.com
#Parenting #EduSky #Education
I draw one of these at the end of every year. ✍🏻 Year in the middle + a blurb for each month.
It definitely helps me reflect and celebrate vs feeling like “nothing happened.”
Lots to be thankful for: Memorable speaking trips. Publishing my journalism. Appearing on PBS, NPR.
Overall, a great year!
It definitely helps me reflect and celebrate vs feeling like “nothing happened.”
Lots to be thankful for: Memorable speaking trips. Publishing my journalism. Appearing on PBS, NPR.
Overall, a great year!
January 1, 2025 at 10:12 PM
I draw one of these at the end of every year. ✍🏻 Year in the middle + a blurb for each month.
It definitely helps me reflect and celebrate vs feeling like “nothing happened.”
Lots to be thankful for: Memorable speaking trips. Publishing my journalism. Appearing on PBS, NPR.
Overall, a great year!
It definitely helps me reflect and celebrate vs feeling like “nothing happened.”
Lots to be thankful for: Memorable speaking trips. Publishing my journalism. Appearing on PBS, NPR.
Overall, a great year!
Every year, I write my future self a letter to open on #NYE. ✍🏻 This is one of my absolute favorite traditions and I can’t wait to read this today!
Highly recommend you try this for next year, and let me know if you do!
Also, what are some of YOUR end-of-year traditions? (I love this kind of stuff)
Highly recommend you try this for next year, and let me know if you do!
Also, what are some of YOUR end-of-year traditions? (I love this kind of stuff)
December 31, 2024 at 6:23 PM
Every year, I write my future self a letter to open on #NYE. ✍🏻 This is one of my absolute favorite traditions and I can’t wait to read this today!
Highly recommend you try this for next year, and let me know if you do!
Also, what are some of YOUR end-of-year traditions? (I love this kind of stuff)
Highly recommend you try this for next year, and let me know if you do!
Also, what are some of YOUR end-of-year traditions? (I love this kind of stuff)
Gisèle Pelicot's final words in court on keeping her husband’s surname:
"When the trial began, my children were 'ashamed' of the name Pelicot. I have grandchildren called that. I want them proud. My name is known worldwide now. They shouldn't be ashamed. Today, we will remember Gisèle Pelicot."
"When the trial began, my children were 'ashamed' of the name Pelicot. I have grandchildren called that. I want them proud. My name is known worldwide now. They shouldn't be ashamed. Today, we will remember Gisèle Pelicot."
December 20, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Gisèle Pelicot's final words in court on keeping her husband’s surname:
"When the trial began, my children were 'ashamed' of the name Pelicot. I have grandchildren called that. I want them proud. My name is known worldwide now. They shouldn't be ashamed. Today, we will remember Gisèle Pelicot."
"When the trial began, my children were 'ashamed' of the name Pelicot. I have grandchildren called that. I want them proud. My name is known worldwide now. They shouldn't be ashamed. Today, we will remember Gisèle Pelicot."
Great #classroom resource!
“What’s essential for some, can be useful for all.”
I’ve created a resource: ‘Accessibility and Inclusion in Action’ - 10 scenarios to help embed UDL in 1:1 iPad classrooms with practical, evidence-informed solutions.
How do you make learning inclusive?
#UDL #InclusiveEducation #EdTech #EduSky
I’ve created a resource: ‘Accessibility and Inclusion in Action’ - 10 scenarios to help embed UDL in 1:1 iPad classrooms with practical, evidence-informed solutions.
How do you make learning inclusive?
#UDL #InclusiveEducation #EdTech #EduSky
December 17, 2024 at 9:44 PM
Great #classroom resource!
Absolutely thrilled - recorded a virtual presentation this week for a conference of 70,000+ parents!
🎙️// Empowered Parenting Summit 2025 #edusky
🎙️// Empowered Parenting Summit 2025 #edusky
December 17, 2024 at 9:42 PM
Absolutely thrilled - recorded a virtual presentation this week for a conference of 70,000+ parents!
🎙️// Empowered Parenting Summit 2025 #edusky
🎙️// Empowered Parenting Summit 2025 #edusky
On PBS 🎥✨📺 No one is abusive in the beginning. This is why teaching red flags is critical - to empower youth to spot them once they do show up.
Learn more about how I weave this into my personal/powerful story of overcoming abuse and trauma as a teen.
topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-top...
Learn more about how I weave this into my personal/powerful story of overcoming abuse and trauma as a teen.
topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-top...
December 10, 2024 at 4:20 PM
On PBS 🎥✨📺 No one is abusive in the beginning. This is why teaching red flags is critical - to empower youth to spot them once they do show up.
Learn more about how I weave this into my personal/powerful story of overcoming abuse and trauma as a teen.
topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-top...
Learn more about how I weave this into my personal/powerful story of overcoming abuse and trauma as a teen.
topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-top...
Reposted by Ashley Bendiksen
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do;
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too.
Imagine all the people
Livin' life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one.
John Lennon, 10/9/40-12/8/80
It isn't hard to do;
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too.
Imagine all the people
Livin' life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one.
John Lennon, 10/9/40-12/8/80
December 8, 2024 at 1:08 PM
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do;
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too.
Imagine all the people
Livin' life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one.
John Lennon, 10/9/40-12/8/80
It isn't hard to do;
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too.
Imagine all the people
Livin' life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one.
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one.
John Lennon, 10/9/40-12/8/80
Just recorded a video for an online summit that will reach 70,000 parents!!!
I know that this is life-changing information and skills for parents to learn.
All the “what ifs” from my trauma as a teen feel very balanced by the work I do now. 🎙️💜
#edusky
I know that this is life-changing information and skills for parents to learn.
All the “what ifs” from my trauma as a teen feel very balanced by the work I do now. 🎙️💜
#edusky
December 6, 2024 at 11:07 PM
Just recorded a video for an online summit that will reach 70,000 parents!!!
I know that this is life-changing information and skills for parents to learn.
All the “what ifs” from my trauma as a teen feel very balanced by the work I do now. 🎙️💜
#edusky
I know that this is life-changing information and skills for parents to learn.
All the “what ifs” from my trauma as a teen feel very balanced by the work I do now. 🎙️💜
#edusky
Spending today putting the final touches on a presentation that will reach 22,000+ students in Canada across 157 schools! The potential impact is immeasurable. I am so so grateful. 👩🏼🏫
#EduSky // #PublicSpeaking // Top Youth Speaker® // @edusky.bsky.social
#EduSky // #PublicSpeaking // Top Youth Speaker® // @edusky.bsky.social
December 3, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Spending today putting the final touches on a presentation that will reach 22,000+ students in Canada across 157 schools! The potential impact is immeasurable. I am so so grateful. 👩🏼🏫
#EduSky // #PublicSpeaking // Top Youth Speaker® // @edusky.bsky.social
#EduSky // #PublicSpeaking // Top Youth Speaker® // @edusky.bsky.social
Being a child with my mom in the backyard on a sunny day. ☀️ Her holding buttercups under my chin to “see if I like butter!”
It’s a time when the world felt right and safe, when I was able to just be a kid and be my age. Before I was ever hurt. She also passed away when I was 27. I miss her daily.
It’s a time when the world felt right and safe, when I was able to just be a kid and be my age. Before I was ever hurt. She also passed away when I was 27. I miss her daily.
2. If your life were a movie, what scene would you watch over and over again?
November 29, 2024 at 8:35 PM
Being a child with my mom in the backyard on a sunny day. ☀️ Her holding buttercups under my chin to “see if I like butter!”
It’s a time when the world felt right and safe, when I was able to just be a kid and be my age. Before I was ever hurt. She also passed away when I was 27. I miss her daily.
It’s a time when the world felt right and safe, when I was able to just be a kid and be my age. Before I was ever hurt. She also passed away when I was 27. I miss her daily.
The visual of this scene from #Wicked has been on loop in my head. Chilling. It reminds me of that insane shot of Daenerys with dragon wings in the finale of GOT. And gosh, the way I feel both.
a silhouette of a woman in a witch hat looking out a window
ALT: a silhouette of a woman in a witch hat looking out a window
media.tenor.com
November 29, 2024 at 5:34 PM
The visual of this scene from #Wicked has been on loop in my head. Chilling. It reminds me of that insane shot of Daenerys with dragon wings in the finale of GOT. And gosh, the way I feel both.
Things you might grieve when healing:
• Lost time (sometimes a huge chapter of your life)
• Lost innocence, growing up too fast
• The early safety and stability you deserved
• Family relationships you wish you had
• Not taking better care of yourself
• Recognizing survival mode as your default
• Lost time (sometimes a huge chapter of your life)
• Lost innocence, growing up too fast
• The early safety and stability you deserved
• Family relationships you wish you had
• Not taking better care of yourself
• Recognizing survival mode as your default
November 26, 2024 at 3:17 PM
Things you might grieve when healing:
• Lost time (sometimes a huge chapter of your life)
• Lost innocence, growing up too fast
• The early safety and stability you deserved
• Family relationships you wish you had
• Not taking better care of yourself
• Recognizing survival mode as your default
• Lost time (sometimes a huge chapter of your life)
• Lost innocence, growing up too fast
• The early safety and stability you deserved
• Family relationships you wish you had
• Not taking better care of yourself
• Recognizing survival mode as your default
Things I’m looking forward to this week:
Seeing #Wicked and preparing to cry
Finalizing edits on a virtual speech
A lull in emails
Long hot showers
My vegan pumpkin pie
RPDR during workouts
Cleaning, organizing
What’s everyone else doing this week? Simple pleasures? Holiday plans?
Seeing #Wicked and preparing to cry
Finalizing edits on a virtual speech
A lull in emails
Long hot showers
My vegan pumpkin pie
RPDR during workouts
Cleaning, organizing
What’s everyone else doing this week? Simple pleasures? Holiday plans?
November 24, 2024 at 7:59 PM
Things I’m looking forward to this week:
Seeing #Wicked and preparing to cry
Finalizing edits on a virtual speech
A lull in emails
Long hot showers
My vegan pumpkin pie
RPDR during workouts
Cleaning, organizing
What’s everyone else doing this week? Simple pleasures? Holiday plans?
Seeing #Wicked and preparing to cry
Finalizing edits on a virtual speech
A lull in emails
Long hot showers
My vegan pumpkin pie
RPDR during workouts
Cleaning, organizing
What’s everyone else doing this week? Simple pleasures? Holiday plans?
Hi all! 👋🏼 Continuing to introduce myself here.
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
November 24, 2024 at 7:45 PM
Hi all! 👋🏼 Continuing to introduce myself here.
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
I’m Ashley, a former at-risk youth. I experienced abuse, assault, college dropout, and homelessness.
Despite it all, I rebuilt my life, found my purpose, and now speak/train on these issues as my full time work. (A true gift).
Tell me about you!
Hi everyone! I just learned about Bluesky from a ton of people deleting X!
Really hoping to love it + find my community here!
I’m Ashley, a #survivor turned full time speaker and activist on abuse prevention, gender and social justice issues.
👋🏼 Looking to follow other survivors and allies.
Really hoping to love it + find my community here!
I’m Ashley, a #survivor turned full time speaker and activist on abuse prevention, gender and social justice issues.
👋🏼 Looking to follow other survivors and allies.
November 14, 2024 at 11:45 PM
Hi everyone! I just learned about Bluesky from a ton of people deleting X!
Really hoping to love it + find my community here!
I’m Ashley, a #survivor turned full time speaker and activist on abuse prevention, gender and social justice issues.
👋🏼 Looking to follow other survivors and allies.
Really hoping to love it + find my community here!
I’m Ashley, a #survivor turned full time speaker and activist on abuse prevention, gender and social justice issues.
👋🏼 Looking to follow other survivors and allies.