Ali VanHorn

Ali earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and her Master of Arts degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Following her first master’s degree, she earned her Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) credential and later completed a second Master of Arts degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Ali is currently a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida and is working toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Ali brings more than 10 years of experience working alongside individuals and families navigating substance use, mental health, behavioral health, trauma, and recovery. Her clinical career has included roles as a Primary and Family Therapist, Supervisor of Family Services, and most recently served as a Clinical Supervisor within an internationally recognized dual-diagnosis treatment setting. She has also worked with adolescents experiencing substance use, mental health, behavioral concerns, and trauma.

At the heart of Ali’s work is the belief that every person has a unique story, strengths, and capacity for change. She creates a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients and families feel heard and supported while exploring family dynamics and relational patterns. Ali is a trauma-informed clinician with Level 1 training in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), an approach that recognizes the connection between trauma, relationships, identity, and the nervous system. She is also trained in EMDR and draws from a range of clinical approaches, tailoring her work to the individual needs, goals, and experiences of each person she supports.

Beyond her clinical work, Ali has used both her professional expertise and lived recovery experience to advocate for greater awareness, connection, and access to care. She has served as a keynote speaker at Palm Beach State College, the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches, and the Bucks County Coalition Against Trafficking. Her advocacy and outreach efforts have received recognition from the Bucks County District Attorney and law enforcement for helping broaden awareness and access to services for individuals, families, and communities impacted by addiction, mental health, trauma, and human trafficking.

Ali has also contributed to a national initiative focused on the intersection of human trafficking and substance use, sponsored by the FBI, the Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Philadelphia Police Department, with the goal of increasing awareness and connecting individuals and families affected by these complex issues with appropriate care and support.

Ali approaches her work with curiosity, compassion, and respect for each person’s individual story. She believes healing is deeply personal and that meaningful change often begins with feeling genuinely seen, heard, and supported. Ali is honored to join the Heather Hayes & Associates team and is committed to walking alongside clients and families through their unique paths toward recovery, fostering greater connection, healing, and meaningful change through a collaborative and compassionate approach.