I am honored to nominate Ashlie Girty for the 2026 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award. Over the past year, Ashlie has truly blossomed—demonstrating meaningful growth in her leadership, clinical confidence, and systemic thinking. Her development reflects not only a deep respect for the ESFT model, but also a courageous commitment to engaging her growth edges in service of families and systems.
Maintains a systemic perspective
Ashlie consistently demonstrates an appreciation for the isomorphic process across training, treatment, and supervision. Her presence in the training room reflects an ability to hold awareness of the whole while thoughtfully attending to the parts. Through her observations and reflections, Ashlie brings clarity and calm to complex discussions, helping others slow down and see patterns within systems rather than focusing solely on individual behavior.
Balances professional boundaries with collaborative relationships
Ashlie leads with a gentle, supportive presence that fosters trust and psychological safety. At the same time, she has intentionally worked to strengthen her ability to challenge within relationships—using family assessment tools as a guide rather than relying solely on support or reassurance. This balance allows her to collaborate authentically while maintaining professional clarity, sending a powerful message to families and colleagues alike: growth happens within connection, not at the expense of it.
Engages deeply in social ecology
Ashlie demonstrates a strong commitment to understanding how her own social ecology. She actively seeks collaboration with her supervisor and peers, using these relationships as spaces for deliberate practice and reflection. Her willingness to engage honestly in learning—particularly around discomfort and uncertainty.
Makes the most of intensity and challenge
Ashlie has shown remarkable courage in leaning into intensity rather than avoiding it. Her unwavering commitment to videotaping sessions and using feedback as a tool for growth exemplifies her ability to view struggle as an opportunity for development. Through this process, she has taken positive, thoughtful risks that empower clients and reinforce their capacity for change. Her approach reflects facilitative leadership that keeps second-order change at the forefront.
Assesses with complexity while acting with simplicity
Ashlie’s use of the ESFT model and family assessment tools reflects a growing ability to conceptualize cases with depth while responding in ways that feel accessible, calm, and validating. Though her understanding of relational dynamics is increasingly complex, her actions remain grounded and clear. Families and colleagues experience her as warm, steady, and respectful—someone who makes challenging work feel possible.
Ashlie Girty’s presence in training has brought peace, warmth, and steadiness to the learning environment. Her growth over the past year has been both intentional and impactful, marked by humility, courage, and a deep commitment to systemic practice. She embodies the relational heart of ESFT and the developmental spirit of the Marion Lindblad-Goldberg Award.