Ariel Reynolds

Finding her way into the helping field in Austin, TX, Ariel Reynolds worked as a case manager for 7 years, supporting the unsheltered population and those experiencing domestic violence. The University of North Carolina captured Ariel’s attention, so she ventured East and pursued her master’s in social work. She landed in community mental health, supporting people in their housing, employment, and overall recovery goals. Ariel served as an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist and, later, a Team Lead. Eventually, Ariel transitioned into the role of trainer and consultant with the UNC Institute for Best Practices, of which she has been a part for the past 9 years. Ariel comes from a family of teachers and learners – it is her deepest value to continue in this tradition in the hopes of helping open hearts and minds to build stronger, inclusive, compassionate communities.