About Us

Originally from New Haven, Ashley McClain graduated from the University of New Haven with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. Following graduation, Ashley worked as a Community Resource Advocate alongside the Office of Adult Probation as well as a Social Worker with the Department of Children & Families. After becoming mom, Ashley shifted her career and began working in higher education. She continued her professional career for over 10 years working in both collegiate admissions and financial aid. 

In 2020, Ashley's journey as a parent changed when her family learned that their son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  At that time, Ashley stepped away from full time work to focused on supporting the needs of her family. 

Since then, Ashley has fully immersed herself in understanding, advocating and developing resources for the special needs community. Ashley has connected with various special needs parents/caregivers from around the country to provide support throughout their journey. Ashley has been sought out as a parent resource and advocate for educational programming, clinical providers and various non profits.

In June of 2023, Ashley created LINKED- Autism Safety Project after realizing there was a lack of knowledge and understanding of the neurodiverse community within emergency management services. Ashley has partnered with various police and fire municipalities, both within the public and private sectors, on a local, state and national level to provide resources, support, training and consultation to better assist the special needs community. 

Additionally, in September of 2023, Ashley launched Beyond the Horizon, Inc, a non profit organization that provides sensory friendly and adaptive programming throughout the state of Connecticut for families and individuals within the special needs community. 

Due to her involvement and development of programming, Ashley has been appointed as a council member CT Council for Developmental Disabilities and has been certified as a Police Officer Standards Training (POST) and Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services Instructor for first responders in the State Connecticut. 

 Ashley resides in North Branford with her husband Josh and their two children, Leigha and Colton. 

We are beyond grateful for the individual and companies that have collaborated with us. 

North Branford Police Department

Beacon Falls Police Department 

The Autism Helper- www.theautismhelper.com

A Behavioral Approach- www.abact.org

More To Say, LLC. - www.moretosayct.com

Allison Voelker

A very special group of Autism Mamas