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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

Quabbin Regional High School
REFRESHER: LET’S DO THIS!
Softball Program

April 28, 20264:30 pm - 5:00 pmQuabbin Regional High School

This REFRESHER will be focusing on: clear and impactful communication, the strength of momentum, leadership, embracing a growth mindset, deliberate choices that foster confidence and camaraderie, embracing the process of progress, and intentional energy channeling. She ...

More Info

Plymouth South High School
REFRESHER: EMPOWERED
Girls Lacrosse Program

May 1, 20262:30 pm - 3:00 pmPlymouth South High School

This REFRESHER will focus on: communication, 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/physica...

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
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"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."

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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