Meet Ashley – Family Therapist
Support, Connection and Growth: A Parent’s Journey with the Momentum Program
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, surprises, and moments of doubt. For many, the pressure to get it right can feel overwhelming. But there is a place where parents can breathe, connect and find reassurance: The Link’s 9-week Parent Group program called Momentum.
Led by Ashley Olynick, a passionate Family Therapist, this unique program has been running since January 2023. It offers parents a space to share their experiences, learn new strategies and find support in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
Ashley’s path to becoming a family therapist was not a traditional one. She spent 14 years working in banking before she realized that her true calling lay in psychology. As a mother of two boys, she understood firsthand the challenges of balancing work, family and self-care. With this perspective, Ashley felt compelled to further her education in counseling psychology. After completing her graduate studies in 2022, she landed her practicum at The Link, where her involvement with the Parent Group program began.
“I didn’t necessarily think that I would fall into the niche of parenting support, but I’ve found that I really love it,” Ashley shares. “Parenting can be really hard, and our society isn’t always set up to support parents. I wanted to be able to give parents the tools and the validation they need to feel that they’re not alone.”
One of the main goals of the Parent Group is to foster connection. The program is designed to help parents find a community, realize they’re not the only ones facing struggles, and provide them with practical tools to navigate the often-turbulent waters of parenting. “A lot of parents struggle with feeling isolated, like they’re the only ones who have challenges,” Ashley explains. “I want to show them that they are not failing, and that it’s okay to need support.”
The Momentum Parent Group is a space where open discussions are encouraged. Parents can come together to share their stories, ask questions and gain insights into various aspects of parenting. Whether it’s managing conflict, navigating the stages of child development or learning about attachment theory, Ashley ensures each session is informative and engaging. And while each group is different, the underlying theme remains the same: parents should feel seen and heard.
For many, the group is a lifeline. “I’ve had parents come back each week because they feel supported and they’ve learned something that really works,” says Ashley. “One of the greatest successes is when parents come in and say that something they tried from the previous week made a difference at home.”
In response to growing demand, Ashley is expanding this spring’s program to 9 weeks, adding more in-depth topics such as parenting LGBTQ+ children, handling social media use and addressing mental health challenges like ADHD and anxiety.
When asked about the future of the program, Ashley’s excitement is clear. “There’s so much to talk about,” she laughs. “I could go on forever. The new additions to the program reflect the changing needs of families today.”
For parents considering the program, Ashley’s advice is clear: “If you’re struggling or hesitant, just come. There’s no pressure to participate. You can listen, learn and take away one small piece of advice that might make a world of difference.”
The group isn’t just for parents—it’s open to all caregivers, including foster parents, grandparents and anyone who plays a supportive role in a child’s life. And with the program being free of charge, it’s an accessible opportunity for those seeking help and guidance.
“We’re creating a village, one connection at a time,” Ashley says.
The Momentum program is a reminder that while parenting may never be easy, it is not something parents have to do alone. With Ashley’s guidance, parents can feel more confident, less isolated and more connected to the community around them. Whether you’re looking for support, advice or simply a safe space to be yourself, this program is a powerful tool for any parent on their journey.
The Momentum Program is FREE and accepting participants now!
Spring 2025
- Week 1: Cognitive Development, Typical vs. Atypical Behaviour, Temperament, What is a Mental Health Crisis? How to Respond, Safety Planning.
- Week 2: Empathetic Support, Modelling Behaviours, Communication Styles, Effective Communication
- Week 3: Attachment Injury, Attachment Theory, Creating Secure Attachment, Circle of Security, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma & Emotions, Risk & Protective Factors
- Week 4: Depression, Anxiety, & ADHD, ASD
- Week 5: Parenting, Parenting Styles, Parenting Tips, Parenting with Mental Illness,
- Week 6: Parenting LGBTQ+ Youth, Gender Identity & Pronouns, Social Media Usage, Self-Harm & Suicidality (teen centered), Bullying and Cyberbullying
- Week 7: Parenting in Single Parent Families, Parenting in Blended Families, How to be a Supportive Partner, How Attachment Style Affects Partnership
- Week 8: Boundaries, Power Balance and Fairness, Resolving Conflict
- Week 9: Systems Navigation & Community Care, Self-Care & Family Mindfulness, Checking Goals & Feedback
The next session begins:
- April 22, 2025
- Tuesdays for 9 Weeks
- 5:30 p.m.
- 175 Mayfair Avenue, Winnipeg
For more info and to register:
Please call 204-949-4766 or email Ashley Olynick at ashley.olynick@thelinkmb.ca.