Before joining the Town of Ashland's Department of Prevention and Human Services, Julie Tokarowski built her career on a passion for helping others navigate life's most difficult challenges. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Julie brings extensive experience in domestic violence prevention, advocacy, and social justice work, which is expertise that continues to shape her approach to supporting Ashland residents every day.

Growing up outside of Worcester, Massachusetts, Julie knew early on that she wanted a career focused on helping people. Her passion for domestic violence prevention led her to social work, and that is where she found meaningful opportunities to advocate for survivors and connect individuals with critical resources. Before starting in Ashland, she served as a Domestic Violence Prevention Specialist with the Brookline Police Department, assisting survivors with restraining order paperwork, navigating police involvement, and accessing mental health support.

When it came time for her next chapter, Ashland felt like the perfect fit. "I really enjoyed working within a municipality and appreciated the diversity of clients and community members I was able to serve," Julie said. "Ashland offers a diverse population while still maintaining that small-town charm."

Today, Julie's role focuses on case management and connecting residents with resources such as housing assistance, mental health services, and other community supports. No two days are exactly the same. She may spend part of her day meeting with residents in their homes, collaborating with community partners, attending meetings, or building relationships with regional service providers. Through it all, her work centers on prevention, advocacy, and ensuring residents know they are not alone when facing challenges.

However, the most rewarding part of the job for Julie is connecting with people.

One of her favorite experiences since joining the Ashland has been helping facilitate the monthly Caregiver Support Group, which meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The group provides a supportive clinical space for residents caring for aging relatives. "It's been a special opportunity to connect residents caring for aging relatives," Julie shared.

Her professional background reflects a strong commitment to community service, but there is another side to Julie that might surprise people. She spent two years living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she earned a certificate in Ayurvedic Hatha Yoga!

Julie recognizes that Prevention and Human Services typically operates at the intersection of crisis response and community building. The department serves individuals from all walks of life, offering support during some of the most stressful and uncertain moments people may encounter.

According to Araya Landry, Director of Prevention and Human Services, Julie has quickly become an invaluable member of the team.

"We are incredibly grateful to have someone like Julie on our team," Landry said. "Her experience in social work, domestic violence prevention, advocacy, and social justice brings a unique and valuable skill set to her role. Julie is adept at navigating the wide range of needs our residents face and consistently approaches her work with patience, kindness, and compassion. She is an excellent listener and has been instrumental in strengthening and completing our department's ability to provide comprehensive support to the community. We are fortunate to have her serving the residents of Ashland."

Julie Tokarowski goes out of her way to practice a mission of compassion with the people she works with day in and day out. From connecting residents with resources to facilitating support groups to just being a support system, Julie embodies the strong character it takes to help people feel supported and safe as they navigate challenging times.