ABOUT ASHLEY
Inspiring Change & Igniting Passion
After teaching for over a decade Ashley decided it was time to spread her message to larger audiences. Moving forward, she started the company Navigating Through Quicksand, LLC. Navigating Through Quicksand is what life is about, often times we feel stuck whether in a relationship, friendship, in our own mind, spot in time, career, etc. One thing to always remember is we can get ourselves both into and out of situations. In fact, sometimes the only thing we need is our internal compass and remembering that having both ourselves and others consistently polish the diamond we have inside it will in turn shine on the world and make a positive difference.
motivating, engaging & creative
Expert Speaking & Coaching Services
Workshops &
Presentations
Geared towards students and athletes across New England
Fitness
Sessions
To help student-athletes improve their emotional, mental and physical fitness
Professional
Development
For corporations & non-profits needing an expert speaker
One on One
Coaching
Life coaching and mentoring to improve your wellbeing
Upcoming Events
Shine Initiative
Mindmatters Youth Mental Health Summit 2026
Resilience: YOU’VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Shine Initiative
Mindmatters Youth Mental Health Summit 2026
Resilience: YOU’VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Throughout this interactive workshop Ashley will be focusing on: understanding resilience and its importance, self-talk, turning challenges into opportunities to learn/grow/conquer, perspective, building a strong support network, reflecting on experiences to gain knowle...
Nichols College
REFRESHER: EMPOWERED
Women’s Volleyball Team
Nichols College
REFRESHER: EMPOWERED
Women's Volleyball Team
This REFRESHER will focus on: the power of one, the little things that make a big difference, building upon deliberate decisions, compounding leadership skills, body language, developing habits for peak performance, pushing beyond emotional/mental/physical constraints, ...
Plymouth South High School
RESILIENCE: YOU’VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Girls Lacrosse Program
Plymouth South High School
RESILIENCE: YOU'VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Girls Lacrosse Program
Throughout this interactive workshop Ashley will focus on: understanding resilience and its importance, self-talk, turning challenges into opportunities to learn/grow/conquer, perspective, building a strong support network, reflecting on experiences to gain knowledge/im...
Ashley’s Story
A Powerful & Motivating Journey Through Adversity
Ashley Gustafson, a beacon of determination and resilience, embarked on a remarkable journey brimming with life’s trials and tribulations. She found herself caught in the quicksand of life’s challenges, grappling with self-doubt and hardships. However, Ashley stood undeterred. She fought her way through, learning to move deliberately and purposefully, much like navigating through actual quicksand. Her journey was not about evading obstacles but transforming them into stepping stones towards success. Today, as a motivational speaker, workshop leader, and fitness coach, she empowers others to navigate through their own quicksand, inspiring them to turn their adversities into strengths.
Bring Ashley to your school or company to tell her motivational story
Book Now ›
Stay Up To Date With Recent Blog Posts
7 Good Goals to Set for Yourself as a Student-Athlete
Discover 7 good goals to set for yourself as a student-athlete. Learn simple, practical ways to boost resilience and performance for personal growth.
Master Mental Strength Training for Lasting Resilience
Learn mental strength training step by step to build lasting resilience for personal or professional growth. Discover practical actions to achieve mental toughness.
Why Build Self-Confidence – Impact on Growth and Success
Why build self-confidence? Learn its meanings, types, proven benefits, growth barriers, and strategies for students, athletes, and professionals.








