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 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

Spirit Central Cheer Parental Empowerment Workshop: Connection-The POWER of YOU
Spirit Central Cheer Parents/Guardians

Spirit Central Cheer Parental Empowerment Workshop: Connection-The POWER of YOU
Spirit Central Cheer Parents/Guardians

January 30, 20257:00 pm - 8:00 pmSpirit Central

Throughout the interactive session Ashley will be focusing on: communication, focus/energy, noticing “wins,” clarity of ultimate goals, attaching “meaning,” confidence, the little things, pressure as a privilege, standards, routines, mindset, turning perceived ...

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Shine Initiative
Mindmatters Youth Mental Health Summit 2025
I’m WORTH IT!: Creating Confidence Workshop

Shine Initiative
Mindmatters Youth Mental Health Summit 2025
I'm WORTH IT!: Creating Confidence Workshop

March 13, 20258:00 am - 1:00 pmDCU Center

Ashley will be conducting three interactive sessions focusing on: self-awareness, intentional mindset shifts, perspective, focus/clarity of energy, time spent vs. time invested, breaking/rebuilding patterns, the art of transformation, building momentum, the little thing...

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Nipmuc Regional High School
LET’S DO THIS: Embracing the Process of Progress
Wellness Assembly: 9th and 10th Grade

Nipmuc Regional High School
LET'S DO THIS: Embracing the Process of Progress
Wellness Assembly: 9th and 10th Grade

March 14, 20257:40 am - 8:40 amNipmuc Regional High School

Throughout this interactive Wellness Assembly Ashley will be focusing on: how the little things make a big difference, where you were/are/want to go, mindset, creating/building confidence, making choices/decisions with intention, overcoming doubts/fears, noticing "wins,...

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Nipmuc Regional High School
LET’S DO THIS: Embracing the Process of Progress
Wellness Assembly: 11th and 12th Grade

Nipmuc Regional High School
LET'S DO THIS: Embracing the Process of Progress
Wellness Assembly: 11th and 12th Grade

March 14, 20259:00 am - 10:00 amNipmuc Regional High School

Throughout this interactive Wellness Assembly Ashley will be focusing on: how the little things make a big difference, where you were/are/want to go, mindset, creating/building confidence, making choices/decisions with intention, overcoming doubts/fears, noticing "wins,...

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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Motivational Speaker New England
New England Motivational Speech
What People Say
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Tyler Cyr
Baseball Coach
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Jamie Millett Schaefer
Softball Coach
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Andrea O' Brien
Softball Coach
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Derek Leal
Assistant Coach
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"All in all this was a meaningful experience for the team and with reminders throughout the season, you can see that Ashley’s hard work and caring attitude made an impact on the boys.”
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"I would encourage any coach looking to give athletes an opportunity to improve their team culture and student-athete’s mental and emotional resiliency to sign up for a workshop with NTQ!”
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"Navigating Through Quicksand with Ashley is an exceptional experience that leaves you feeling inspired, empowered, and more connected as a team.”
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"Some challenging team building exercises proved to bring the players closer together in achieving our ultimate goal of competing together as one.”

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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