About Ashley

About Ashley Gustafson
athletic fitness sessions for students

ABOUT ASHLEY

Inspiring Change & Igniting Passion

Ashley is dedicated to raising awareness and being an advocate for positive change. She stresses and is living proof of the importance of making human connections along life’s journey. Her motivation to always look at the good in others and promote kindness no matter what the situation is has made her into the success story she is today.

Ashley teaches the life lessons that encompass trials and tribulations in her daily routine as a teacher. She is consistently looking for new ways to have others think of the precious gift called life and that it is crucial to be yourself and not take things for granted. Her strong desire to provide others with the tools and knowledge that they can overcome anything by never giving up, using resources around them, looking up to positive role models and realizing that they are in the drivers seat to create the life they want is only one of her many messages.

Navigating Through Quicksand

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.

Ashley teaches the life lessons that encompass trials and tribulations in her daily routine as a teacher. She is consistently looking for new ways to have others think of the precious gift called life and that it is crucial to be yourself and not take things for granted. Her strong desire to provide others with the tools and knowledge that they can overcome anything by never giving up, using resources around them, looking up to positive role models and realizing that they are in the drivers seat to create the life they want is only one of her many messages.

motivating, engaging & creative

Awards, Education & Experience

Awards

Toastmasters District 31
2021 Division E
International Speech Contest
First Place

MIAA Wellness Coordinator of The Year
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
Oct 2013

ACE Award
Shepherd Hill Varsity Girls Volleyball Team
2011

Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges
2006

Education

Augustana University (SD)
Plus 60 Credits, Education
2016

Augustana College (SD)
Plus 30 Credits, Education
2013

Worcester State University
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Concentration Health
2010

Worcester State University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Health Education
2007

Quinsigamond Community College
Associate of Arts (A.A.), General Studies
2001

Experience

SADD Advisor
Sep 2017 – 2019

Game Change Advisor
Patriots Anti-Violence Partnership
Sep 2016 – 2019

Wellness Coordinator
Dudley-Charlton Region School District
Sep 2008 – 2019

Teacher
Dudley-Charlton Region School District
Sep 2007 – 2020

Department Coordinator PE/Health/FCS
Dudley-Charlton Region School District
Jul 2012 – Jun 2015

Challenge Course Manager
Dudley-Charlton Region School District
Jul 2012 – Jun 2015

JV Soccer Coach
Shepherd Hill Regional High School
2009 – 2014, 2018

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!"

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

—Maya Angelou