Events & Media Resources

Introductions and Bios

Short Bio

Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, author, and co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. She is passionate about using psychology and applied neuroscience to help people live bold, happy lives.

For General Audiences

Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist, co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, speaker, author, and a self-proclaimed happiness quester. Since earning her PhD in 2007, she has become a sought-after specialist in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition to direct patient care, Dr. Ashley has published a book, articles, and a weekly blog. She regularly provides keynotes, workshops, and trainings for a variety of audiences and is involved in public outreach through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Dr. Ashley is also open about living - and learning to thrive - with a rare visual impairment. The combination of her professional expertise and personal experiences put her in a unique position to educate and inspire. She is passionate about using psychology and applied neuroscience to help others become courageously confident so they can live bold, happy lives.

For Corporate or Business Leader Audiences

Dr. Ashley Smith is a licensed clinical psychologist, co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Since earning her PhD in 2007, she has become a sought-after specialist in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition to direct patient care, Dr. Ashley has published a book and numerous other writings. She regularly creates workshops and trainings for a variety of audiences and organizations ranging in size from small start-ups to Fortune 5. Dr. Ashley is also open about living - and learning to thrive - with a rare visual impairment. The combination of her professional expertise and personal experiences put her in a unique position to educate and inspire. She is passionate about using psychology and applied neuroscience to help others live bold, happy lives while performing at their peak, and her ultimate goal is to change the way people think.

For Professional Development/Continuing Education Audiences

Dr. Ashley Smith earned her PhD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in children and families in 2007. She completed a predoctoral internship at Children’s Mercy Hospital before joining the staff at Omaha Children’s Hospital to help develop their dedicated anxiety services. In 2009, She relocated to Kansas City to serve as a senior staff psychologist at a nationally recognized anxiety specialty center. She ventured out on her own in 2017 and continues her private practice where she is a sought-after anxiety specialist. In addition to direct clinical work, she is actively involved in a number of other scholarly activities. She has been an adjunct assistant professor and has provided supervision and consultation for students and other professionals. She has several publications including peer-reviewed articles, chapters in edited volumes, blog posts and online articles, and a book, Childhood Anxiety Disorders. She is a long-time member of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and recently received their Special Recognition Award for her public outreach efforts. Dr. Ashley regularly presents workshops and trainings on local and national levels. She is passionate about sharing cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology practices, and applied neuroscience to help people struggling with anxiety live better lives; this passion has driven efforts to help more people and in novel ways, ultimately leading to the creation of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength, which she co-founded in 2019.