Written by Adell Neal
When greeted by Ashiya Swan, her peaceful presence and soothing voice relax and calm you. Ashiya facilitates The Healing Trust’s Staff Circles and our Healing for the Healer Retreats.
Following her time at Spelman College as an undergraduate studying psychology, Ashiya moved to Nashville to major in biology at Tennessee State University. That combined coursework put her on the path to a career in science and she became a clinical research associate. However, the stress of that work led her to begin practicing yoga. She combined her love for stress management, self-care, and mindfulness and, in response to research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), she centered her work around social and emotional learning to support children, families, and school leaders.
Ashiya is delighted to serve as the Executive Director of Nashville Freedom Schools, enthusiastically stating, “I love what I do!” Working with this six-week summer program that bridges the literacy divide has allowed her to use skills, talents, and gifts she hadn’t used before. Deeply committed to Freedom Schools’ history, mission, and legacy, she began her journey as a guest reader. Over time, her dedication led her to become a project director, then board president, and ultimately, Director.
Ashiya serves as the facilitator of our Healing for the Healer retreats for Black staff as well as for the retreats for people of color. In February 2020, an equity assessment revealed that nonprofit staff of color face unique challenges. In response, The Trust began offering retreats specifically designed for them, recognizing the critical need for a healing and restful space focused on their well-being. As a trained circle facilitator, Ashiya is distinctly qualified to serve as the facilitator, and the team at The Trust loves working with her. When asked about working with The Healing Trust, Ashiya said, “It is truly a joy to create space for people where they feel safe enough to rest. We do so much and move so fast that resting feels counterproductive to us. That’s the society we live in. I love helping people feel safe enough to rest.”