As the COO, Ashley turns ideas into action—leading operations, shaping strategy, and making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly, so the mission takes center stage. 

Impacting the Mission 

She keeps the engine running at NDGTS by building efficient systems and aligning efforts toward big-picture goals. Ashley has a knack for finding the right levers to pull, ensuring important objectives don’t get lost in the daily grind. 

From guiding new initiatives and securing funding to nurturing team culture and managing budgets, Ashley brings focus, dedication, and outsized impact to the mission. 

🧩 Systems & Strategy | 📊 Donor & Partner Development | 🌱 Cross-Functional Growth 

Experience and Expertise  

Ashley’s career spans operations leadership across multiple industries, including wellness, legal tech, and nonprofit sectors. Her academic foundation in sociology—where she served as an Assistant Professor—provides her with a unique perspective on organizational culture, human behavior, and education. She uses this insight to drive sustainable growth, advance program development, and deepen community relations. Since 2020, she has served on the board of DakotaOutright, extending her commitment to inclusive, community-centered support. Her work centers on building resilient systems and teams that create lasting impact. 

Outside of NDGTS  

Ashley’s a nonfiction devotee—why read fiction when there’s still a memoir you haven’t met? She’s always thinking about the next yoga class, hike, paddle, camping trip, national park visit, or plane-required destination—and shares all of life’s big and little adventures with her kind and wonderfully witty daughter. 

Favorite Exhibit, Event, or Experiment 

Ashley’s favorite event is any time she gets to help with Preschool Discovery Hour. She loves the excitement, energy, and delight our littlest learners have when they see, discover, and do something new.