Harley “Ali” earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in English from Appalachian State University and is currently completing the concentration year of her Master of Social Work at the University of Denver.

Harley’s path to social work began while living in North Carolina, where she volunteered with a domestic violence agency providing office and community outreach support. She later joined the agency’s staff as an overnight shelter advocate. Working closely with individuals navigating trauma, significant life transitions, and complex circumstances ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in social work.

During her first-year graduate internship, Harley worked with children in Social Emotional Learning, supporting the development of emotional awareness, regulation, and interpersonal skills. She has a particular interest in trauma-informed care and whole-person wellness and currently serves as Program Coordinator for the University of Denver’s Institute for Healthy Aging.  

Harley challenges as complex, human experiences rather than problems to be fixed, and he believes progress is built through honest conversations, realistic goals, and small, sustainable steps forward.

Harley is drawn to Sanare’s hands-on approach to care and the opportunity to support clients in applying skills to their everyday lives. She values meeting people where they are, understanding the broader circumstances affecting their well-being, and helping clients build practical strategies that support greater stability, connection, and independence.

Before beginning graduate school, Harley spent time teaching English in northern Spain and working on the farm of a farm-to-table restaurant in the Florida Panhandle. These experiences strengthened her appreciation for community, connection, and the many different ways people create meaningful lives.

Outside of work and school, Ali enjoys singing at a cappella rehearsal, walking, running, and spending time with the people she cares about.