The Prevention Platform is a Valley Youth House podcast exploring issues affecting young people and families. Hosted by Ashley Dallas, Director of Prevention Services, each episode features experts like therapists and educators discussing topics such as substance use, mental health, and family communication. With over 50 years of experience supporting youth, Valley Youth House uses this platform to share practical strategies that help families recognize risks and build resilience. Tune in for expert insights and real conversations that make prevention accessible.
The Youth Education Program (YEP) is funded in part by Lehigh & Northampton Counties’ Departments of Drug and Alcohol. Their commitment to prevention efforts across Lehigh County allows us to produce this podcast.
Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This October, and in honor of Red Ribbon Week, which promotes a drug free lifestyle in young people, we are highlighting the CDC's Free Mind Campaign which was launched on August 5th of 2025. Click here to learn more about the campaign, and discover ways you can support the…
Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! This October, and in honor of Red Ribbon Week, which promotes a drug free lifestyle in young people, we are highlighting the CDC's Free Mind Campaign which was launched on August 5th of 2025. Click here to learn more about the campaign, and discover ways you can support the…
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Welcome back to The Prevention Platform! As the school year kicks off, September is the perfect time to talk about the importance of attendance. In today's episode, we are helping parents and caregivers spot early signs of truancy to build strong habits that will keep kids in school and on track from day one. In…
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We're only a few days away from the official start of summer, so in this month's episode, we are sitting down with Mike Brady, Director of Valley Youth House's Camp Fowler, to talk about how to make the most of this time of year with your students, and prevent what is known as "The Summer…
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According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, in 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years had a current diagnosed mental or behavioral condition, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Young people with a current diagnosis were found to be 3 times more likely to be disengaged from school, and 5…
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In this episode of The Prevention Platform, host Ashley Dallas sits down with Vanessa Rivera, Business Development Vice President at Univest Bank, to discuss the power of financial literacy and why it’s essential for young people and their families. With over 20 years of banking experience and leadership roles in the East Penn Chamber and…
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Director of Prevention Services
Ashley Dallas is the Director of Prevention Services at Valley Youth House and oversees the Attendance Support Program, School-Based Counseling Program, including the trauma-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and Bounce Back programs, , Silk Lehigh Valley, Wellness Education at the Achieving Independence Center (AIC), and the Youth Education Program. Ashley has worked for Valley Youth House since 2011- starting as an intern and then moving into a mobile therapist and school-based counseling role before becoming a supervisor in 2020. She was recognized by Lehigh Valley Business with a “40 Under 40” award in 2022 and as a “Woman of Influence” in 2024. She is currently a part of the 2025 Women2Women Leadership Development cohort and loves connecting with other women leaders in the Lehigh Valley.
Ashley has a masters degree in counseling and human services from Lehigh University and has completed a number of post-graduate courses. She is a graduate of Moravian University and spent the first 5 years of her professional career as an elementary school teacher.
Ashley loves spending time with her two sons, Tanner and Evan, husband Christopher, and their mini labradoodle, Callie. Ashley can often be found on the sidelines of the baseball field cheering on Tanner and Evan’s teams. She is an avid reader (mysteries/ thrillers) and enjoys watching TV and mind-numbing scrolling on social media. She also loves to bake cupcakes, cook new recipes, walk outdoors, and camp.
Communications Specialist
Sarah Pammer is the Communications Specialist at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she manages storytelling, media relations, and volunteer engagement to amplify the organization’s mission. Sarah also works closely with staff and clients to craft compelling success stories and produces social media content that highlights the agency’s impact, helping Valley Youth House reach and support more than 187,000 young people annually.
Sarah earned her Master’s degree in Communication Studies from East Stroudsburg University in 2023 and her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Public Relations from Kutztown University in 2017.
In her spare time, Sarah enjoys creating paper collages, crocheting, watching movies, playing music, and spending time with her two cats, Mina and Lily.
