Ashley Lessard, of the Klahoose First Nation, is the Assistant Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI) Specialist with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). Prior to pursuing a career in public health, Ashley worked as a Dental Hygiene Practitioner (DHP) in a private dental office for six years. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Science (BDSc.) and a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH), both from UBC.

Ashley grew up in the Tla’amin Nation (formerly known as the Sliammon First Nation), located along the Sunshine Coast. Her background and childhood experiences have made her a passionate advocate for Indigenous oral health. This is reflected in her areas of research: reducing oral health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, methods of improving oral health in Indigenous communities in British Columbia, and community water fluoridation.

Outside of work and academics, Ashley enjoys hiking, writing, escape rooms, and searching for four-leaf clovers. As a lifelong learner, Ashley loves pursuing new knowledge and activities. Recent undertakings include running, cooking, and listening to history podcasts.