Slide 1
YOUR PATH TO
PERSONAL
PROFESSIONAL
ACADEMIC
ATHLETIC
EXCELLENCE
Empowering
Growth,
Enhancing
Communication,
Exercising
Body & Mind
Motivational Speaker
Leadership Workshops

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

Interactive Workshops New England

Workshops &
Presentations

Geared towards students and athletes across New England

New England Fitness Sessions

Fitness
Sessions

To help student-athletes improve their emotional, mental and physical fitness

Interactive Workshops and Presentations in New England

Professional
Development

For corporations & non-profits needing an expert speaker

New England Confidence Coaching

One on One
Coaching

Life coaching and mentoring to improve your wellbeing

Upcoming Events

Shrewsbury High School
Resilience: YOU’VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Boys Basketball Program

Shrewsbury High School
Resilience: YOU’VE GOT THIS! Workshop
Boys Basketball Program

December 21, 20259:00 am - 10:30 amShrewsbury High School

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...

More Info

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

March 17, 20268:00 am - 1:00 pmDCU Center

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...

More Info

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

March 25, 20262:30 pm - 4:00 pmPlymouth South High School

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...

More Info

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

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public speaker in Massachusetts
motivational speaker Massachusetts
What People Say
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Amirah Cochran
Millbury High School, Volleyball / Tennis
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Owen Mongeon
Shrewsbury High School, Baseball
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Coach Matt Biggs
Nashoba Regional High School
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Tracey and Jaret Christopher
Parents
Slide 1
"Participating in the NTQ program and attending your workshops has been nothing short of life-changing. The experience didn't just teach me valuable lessons for sports and high school life; it shaped who I am as a person. You helped me become more positive, resilient, and open-minded. I've learned to pause and understand others instead of jumping to conclusions, to embrace everyone's story, and to approach life with more compassion. Your workshops reminded me that I am never alone, especially during tough times like volleyball season, when I felt disconnected but had to show up for my team, and no one ever knew that. So, overall, your workshops and you personally brought me closer to my teammates and instilled a deeper sense of connection and purpose. Because of your guidance, I laugh louder, smile brighter, and care with my whole heart. You've taught me to approach challenges with strength and to love others-and myself-unconditionally. These lessons will stay with me for a lifetime, helping me navigate future challenges with resilience and an open heart. Thank you for opening my eyes to the strength I've always had within me. You've truly helped me become a stronger, more empowered young woman."
Slide 2
"This workshop was a one of a kind experience for my teammates and I. We learned many valuable skills relating to teamwork and how to build a better culture. The environment was very energetic and the team was engaged in all of the activities. This was my third experience with Ashley and it gets better every time."
Slide 3
"NTQ worked with three of my teams during the 2023-2024 seasons and I can't say enough about Ashley's work. Our kids bought in and truly sought after the values they determined. Ashley's dedication during workshops, practices and supporting our student-athletes during games is unmatched. Cannot recommend NTQ enough!"
Slide 4
"As a parent, I can confidently say that Ashley and NTQ are truly transformational. Her unique approach to empowering student-athletes goes beyond just physical training; she integrates emotional and mental resilience into every session. Ashley has a remarkable ability to help young people recognize and break through the limits they often impose on themselves, both in sports and in life. My son, Jack, has not only improved in his athletic performance but has also developed a stronger mindset and greater self-confidence. Ashley's vision for holistic development is unparalleled, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any parent looking to support their child in reaching their full potential. Thank you, Ashley, for your dedication and passion! Jack was so lucky to learn from you over the past three years; he will take all these skills with him to college and beyond!"

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“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

—Maya Angelou