Cross Over Community Development (COCD) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Jessica Ashe as Program Director. With over two decades of award-winning experience in various aspects of English as a Second Language (ESL), she has designed English for Specific Purposes (ESP), English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) curriculums for the University of Cincinnati and Miami University. As a Fulbright Specialist, she implemented the municipality of Drenas, Kosovo’s Strategy of Education Development. With extensive leadership experience in China, France and around the globe, Dr. Ashe brings unmatched expertise to COCD’s growing workforce education initiatives.

In May 2025, COCD launched a specialized ESL program to improve English fluency for internationally trained healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others seeking to enter healthcare. Graduates transition into a 15-week Community Health Worker (CHW) certification delivered onsite by Ohio University, creating a clear reentry pathway into the U.S. healthcare workforce.

Dr. Ashe will fine-tune the ESP-for-CHW curriculum for both in-person and online delivery via COCD’s Learning Management System (LMS), and lead the development of Workplace ESP and Academic ESL tracks aligned to employer needs and, where possible, credit-bearing or credit-waiver pathways that help immigrants and refugees advance to further training.

“COCD is becoming a connector between newcomers and meaningful careers,” said Catherine Bitwayiki, Executive Director of Cross Over Community Development. “Dr. Ashe’s leadership will help our students find their path—from ESL classrooms to certification and employment opportunities in Dayton’s growing industries.”

COCD remains committed to empowering immigrant and refugee communities through education, workforce readiness, and community engagement that bridges cultural and economic gaps.

For more information, contact info@crossovercd.org