Born in North Texas and raised in North Eastern Pennsylvania, Robert Ashford devotes his time behavioral health recovery and social justice advocacy, and exploring the impact of substance use disorders and mental health concerns on young adult populations. Robert most recently served as the National Program Director for Young People in Recovery, and as the Founding Program Director of the University of North Texas Collegiate Recovery Program. Robert holds a Bachelor of Social Work with minors in Addiction Studies and Psychology from the University of North Texas, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice (SP2). Robert is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and Renew Magazine, as well as the Hazelden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy. Robert has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, most notably NADAAC’s Young Emerging Leader Award (2014), Young People in Recovery’s Advocate of the Year (2014), and the University of North Founders’ Award (2015). Robert also serves on multiple non-profit organizations’ board of directors, and is a current national planning partner for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).