Ashley Ascherl Pechek

Dr. Ashley A. Pechek is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Chair for the Department of Counseling and Educational Leadership at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision and has been Licensed Professional Counselor (CO) since 2010. Additionally, Dr. Pechek is a National Certified Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Her research interests are suicide assessment and intervention, creative teaching strategies, and best practices in counselor education.

The Culture Collective: The Culture Collective is a supportive community of CMHC graduate students, CU constituents, and affiliated community members striving to promote cultural awareness, exercise advocacy skills, and provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for growth and conversation.​ We strive to promote cultural self-awareness and understanding among our members, and to increase the cultural humility and competence of future counselors. By creating opportunities for dialogue and education, we aim to foster an inclusive and equitable counseling profession that is responsive to the needs of all clients. ​ 

Student Mentoring Program: The Student Mentoring Program is a student lead initiative that provides an opportunity for incoming students (mentees) to be paired with another graduate student (mentors) in the program who has similar experience, background, interests, etc. Student mentors have a minimum of one year of experience in the program and offer guidance and support to their mentees. In an online program, new students may come across difficulties acclimating to the online environment. This gives new students the support that they need and an available resource to ask questions about courses, technology, internship possibilities, etc.