Meet Ashley Totah, LCSW

Hi, I’m Ashley, the founder of Cascade Coaching & Consulting!

I’m lucky to call the Central Coast of California home—where the ocean breeze, sunshine, and nearby mountains bring me joy and balance. You’ll usually find me outdoors: walking with my daughter and dog, hiking local trails, paddle boarding in the bay, or sipping a cup of iced coffee in the fresh air.

I’ve always believed that time in nature, a little movement, and a healthy dose of vitamin D can do wonders for the mind and body. That belief not only guides how I live my life, but also how I connect with others—creating space for clarity, calm, and growth. It’s what inspired me to dedicate myself to helping others navigate challenges and discover their own path forward.

Check out the little blurbs below to learn a bit more about me but also click on over to my first blog post for a more in depth understanding of how I became who I am, and how Cascade Coaching & Consulting was born!

Professional Experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with nearly 15 years of experience in the social work field. I also have a Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations including children, adults, older adults, incarcerated individuals, youth in foster care, children and adults with special needs, and individuals living with substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses.

Lived Experience

In addition to my professional background, I also bring lived experience. After years of facing medical issues that caused infertility, I am unable to carry my own children—a heartbreaking reality, as I had always envisioned becoming a mother. After working through this loss, I chose to pursue surrogacy as a single mom by choice (SMBC), and in May 2025, I welcomed my daughter into the world through this journey.

These personal and professional experiences led me to start Cascade Coaching & Consulting—a space focused on short-term, solution-oriented support to help people overcome life’s challenges. While I deeply value and believe in the importance of clinical therapy for addressing trauma and mental health disorders, I also recognize that not every struggle requires a diagnosis or ongoing therapy. Sometimes, we just need an unbiased perspective, a safe space to talk things through, and support in creating a path toward resolution.