ABOUT ASHLEY
Inspiring Change & Igniting Passion
Ashley isn’t “just a speaker.” She’s a partner in your culture.
She partners with schools, sports teams, athletic programs, corporate organizations, nonprofits, and individuals to build lasting change through actionable daily practices.
INSTANT shifts. LASTING change. Individually and TOGETHER.
The shifts happen live, in the moment, in the body, felt by everyone at once. Applied intentionally and consistently, those moments compound until they aren’t just shifts anymore, they’re identity.
That belief didn’t start on a stage. It started in a classroom. After teaching for over a decade, Ashley knew it was time to bring her message to bigger audiences. Moving forward, she started Navigating Through Quicksand, LLC.
Navigating Through Quicksand is what life is about. Often times we feel stuck, whether in a relationship, a friendship, our own mind, a spot in time, a career. One thing to always remember: we can get ourselves both into and out of situations. Sometimes the only thing we need is our internal compass, and remembering that when we consistently polish the diamond we have inside, it shines on the world and makes a difference.
18+
Years with students & audiences
25,000+
Impacted
70+
Teams & Programs Served
5
Star Google Rating
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 schools, coaches, corporations, organizations & non-profits needing an expert speaker
One on One
Coaching
Life & confidence coaching as well as mentoring to improve your wellbeing
Upcoming Events
Nichols College
REFRESHER: Let’s Do This!
Women’s Volleyball Team
This REFRESHER will be focusing on: accountability, confidence, clear and impactful communication, the strength of momentum, leadership, embracing a growth mindset, deliberate choices that foster confidence and camaraderie, and intentional energy channeling. She will em...
Notre Dame Academy
REFRESHER: Empowerment
Field Hockey Program
Throughout this interactive session Ashley will be focusing on: creating a presence, owning your space, the power of momentum, the compounding of the little things into the big things, value/language/action alignment, paying attention to detail during practices/games, s...
Auburn High School
RISE UP: Elevate Presence, Perseverance, and Performance
Girls Soccer Program
Designed for the Auburn High School Girls Soccer program, this dynamic workshop challenges student-athletes to dig deep individually and collectively. Rooted in the core values of Teamwork. Grit. Character. participants explore the power of effective communication, body...
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Command the Fire Within
Football Team
This high-impact session will challenge the WPI Football team to own their power and lead with unwavering confidence, while reinforcing the ENGINEERS Football team values of Trust. Accountability. Teamwork. These student-athletes will learn to overcome hesitation and se...
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
REFRESHER: Let’s Do This!
Football Team
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, and intentional energy channeling. She will emphasize and reinforce the WP...
Auburn High School
REFRESHER: Empowerment
Girls Soccer Program
This refresher session is designed to reinforce and expand on the key principles introduced in the main "RISE UP" workshop, providing student-athletes with tools and strategies to maintain progress and elevate their performance throughout the season. It focuses on consi...
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
DIVE IN!: A Bold Leap into Growth and Challenge
Swimming and Diving Team
Specifically designed for the WPI Swimming and Diving team, this transformational workshop invites student-athletes to take a bold leap into personal and collective growth. Rooted in the values of Togetherness. Self-belief. Resilience. participants will learn to embrace...
Murphy Academy of Irish Dance
REFRESHER: Empowerment
Session 1
Throughout this interactive session Ashley will be focusing on: creating a presence, owning your space, the power of momentum, the compounding of the little things into the big things, value/language/action alignment, paying attention to detail during class/practice, bo...
Murphy Academy of Irish Dance
REFRESHER: Empowerment
Session 2
Throughout this interactive session Ashley will be focusing on: creating a presence, owning your space, the power of momentum, the compounding of the little things into the big things, value/language/action alignment, paying attention to detail during class/practice, bo...
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
REFRESHER: Let’s Do This
Swimming and Diving Team
This session is designed to reinforce and build upon the core principles introduced in the main "DIVE IN" workshop. The Swimming and Diving ENGINEERS will deepen their understanding of consistency, mindset reframing, and the critical role of body language and aligned la...
Murphy Academy of Irish Dance
WRAP UP: Now Let’s Keep Working!
Throughout this interactive workshop, Ashley will focus on a variety of key areas, including individual and team reflection, identifying strengths and areas of improvement, and making intentional adjustments. She'll also cover personal routines for success, setting expe...
John J. Ahearn Middle School
National Junior Honor Society
Leading with Confidence, Character, and Purpose
This empowering interactive workshop is designed specifically for middle school student leaders. Rooted in the National Junior Honor Society 5 pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship, this experience guides students to understand how their ...
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
How to create winning habits that actually last
Unlock the secrets to how to create winning habits that last. Discover strategies to turn fleeting motivation into lasting change today!
Build social resilience for growth, motivation, and strength
Discover what social resilience is and how it fosters growth and strength. Learn to build supportive networks for lasting change!
The athlete’s playbook for real personal growth
Unlock your potential with this ultimate guide to personal growth for athletes. Discover mental strategies that boost performance and resilience!