Ashley McLachlan

Ashley holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Boston College and a Certificate in Ignatian Spiritual Direction from Dovehouse Ministries. Prior to her work with Dovehouse, she spent 30 years in counseling and ministry settings, primarily journeying with adolescents and young adults who had experienced complex trauma and other life-controlling struggles.

Always drawn to the transformational process of healing, Ashley began to sense a desire in 2005 to move beyond exclusively clinical work and apply her training in a faith-based setting. Through a connection only Jesus could make, she soon found herself serving in a Christ-centered residential counseling ministry for young women. There, she witnessed Jesus meet women in their pain and bring healing and freedom as they opened their hearts and trusted Him to walk alongside them. In the process, Ashley also encountered the fullness of God in a much deeper way.

In 2013, Ashley was introduced to spiritual direction, where Jesus began to meet a longing that had remained unfulfilled through small groups and Bible studies. Through the deepening intimacy she discovered in spiritual direction, Ashley experienced greater healing, freedom, and awareness of the vast love of Jesus.

Over her many years with Dovehouse, Ashley has experienced spiritual direction both as a directee and as a spiritual director. Her journey has included individual and group spiritual direction, retreats, Quiet Days, the Spiritual Exercises, and completion of the Dovehouse Spiritual Direction Training Program.

Ashley believes Jesus meets us right where we are and knows us better than we know ourselves. He is always present, drawing us near and patiently waiting for us. No matter where you are in your walk with Him, what questions you carry, or what your background may be, you are always welcome.

Ashley lives in the Hillsboro Village area of Nashville and has raised and launched three beautifully unique daughters. She has a penchant for both silence and stillness and wild adventures outdoors. She deeply believes that God created each of us uniquely and knows exactly how to call, guide, and show up for us in ways we may not even realize we need.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.”
—Jeremiah 33:3