Ariel Ward attended Clemson University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biology. Following she attended the Medical University of South Carolina and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  For the first 5 years of her career, she worked predominately with cardiovascular patients.  After two years as a travel nurse, she started working for the Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT).  She has held various roles in the department as Nurse Educator, Manager, and now Director.  She has worked closely with patients who have experienced domestic and sexual abuse, testified in court as an expert witness, educated team members and community partners, and worked closely with partner agencies participating in multidisciplinary team and sexual assault response team meetings across Northern Virginia.  Recently Ariel was appointed to the Governor’s task force for survivors of sexual abuse. She has a passion for treating both patients and team members with dignity, respect, and kindness.