Ashley brings years of experience providing informal education, training and outreach. She previously worked at Tree Trust as the outreach coordinator, recruiting youth and employer partners for employment programs. Prior to that, she was a GreenCorps member serving at Urban Roots in St. Paul, where she supervised youth on conservation projects in the community. She has also worked as an interpretive specialist at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, where she trained volunteers to educate the public on natural history and provided public education programs.

Ashley graduated from St. Catherine University with a degree in biology and a focus in environmental studies. She is currently a member of the school's Young Alumnae Council, which helps graduating students prepare for life after college.