Ashley Ricker of Falmouth recently joined the American Heart Association staff as Maine’s school engagement director. In her role, she will assist schools throughout the state with implementing the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge teaches students and their families to learn the warning signs of heart attack and stroke, and how to perform Hands-Only CPR. The program provides schools with resources and curriculum aimed to develop happy and healthy children prepared to physically and emotionally achieve in the world. In addition to getting moving with fun activities such as jumping rope, students learn about keeping their hearts and brains healthy and raise funds for lifesaving research and education.
“I’ve wanted to work for the American Heart Association since I was about 16 years old,” said Ricker, “because I am a heart disease survivor myself, so I am very passionate about the work we do and the organization’s mission.”
While attending art school, Ricker completed her capstone series titled The Zipper Club, featuring volunteers who had undergone open-heart surgery and modeled their scars as a powerful statement of resilience. She began her career in the health & wellness industry by managing a gym franchise for several years. Alongside her professional work, she also taught art part-time to students ranging from pre-K through college.
To learn more about the Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, visit Heart.org/schools. For more information on the American Heart Association’s local events and initiatives in New Hampshire, visit: Heart.org/Maine and follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram (@AHAMaine).