Vice President of Nursing
Dr. Ashley Gardner leads enterprise-wide nursing operations across our inpatient and outpatient facilities. A board-certified nurse practitioner and seasoned healthcare executive, Ashley brings more than 15 years of clinical, operational, and leadership experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment. A U.S. military veteran, Ashley is known for her commitment to clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care. She has led major quality-improvement initiatives, strengthened nursing workforce development, and advanced evidence-based practices that elevate safety, engagement, and treatment outcomes across RCA’s nationwide network. Ashley holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Executive Leadership from Augusta University, a Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) from Georgetown University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion for learning, Ashley is currently earning her Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia. In addition to her role at RCA, Dr. Gardner is an Assistant Professor at Augusta University, teaching at the doctoral level, supporting the next generation of nurse leaders. Driven by a passion for recovery, professional development, and operational excellence, Ashley remains dedicated to empowering nursing teams and improving the lives of individuals and families affected by substance use disorder
