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About Ashley

About Ashley Gustafson
athletic fitness sessions for students

ABOUT ASHLEY

Inspiring Change & Igniting Passion

Ashley is direct, real, and unapologetically herself…and she expects the same from the people she works with. Her message centers on taking action over reacting, owning who you are, holding yourself to high standards, and staying aligned with your values. It’s not about ignoring hard truths; it’s about facing them and moving forward anyway.

With over a decade of experience as a high school teacher deeply embedded in school culture, Ashley held leadership roles including Department Coordinator, Wellness Coordinator, and Challenge Course Manager. Through her work and personal journey, she witnessed the same self-imposed limits repeatedly affecting students, student-athletes, and adults alike.

Recognizing the need to reach beyond a single school, she founded Navigating Through Quicksand, LLC. Her mission is to work with high school and college students, student-athletes, athletic teams and programs, coaches, educators, nonprofits, and corporations…transforming emotional, mental, and physical shifts into lasting habits.

Navigating Through Quicksand

Navigating Through Quicksand reflects life’s challenges…moments when we feel stuck in relationships, friendships, our own minds, careers, or phases in life. The key is remembering that we have the power to both get ourselves into and out of these situations. Often, all we need is our internal compass and the commitment to polish the diamond within ourselves and others. When nurtured, that inner light shines out, creating positive change in the world.

Ashley’s approach is transformational at its core and practical in application. Empowerment isn’t just a feeling she offers…it’s a standard she holds you to.

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motivating, engaging & creative

Awards, Education & Experience

Awards

Toastmasters District 31
2021 Division E
International Speech Contest
First Place

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

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ACE Award
Shepherd Hill Varsity Girls Volleyball Team
2011

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Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges
2006

Education

Augustana University (SD)
Plus 60 Credits, Education
2016

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Augustana College (SD)
Plus 30 Credits, Education
2013

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

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

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

Experience

SADD Advisor
Sep 2017 – 2019

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

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

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Teacher
Dudley-Charlton Region School District
Sep 2007 – 2020

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

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

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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."

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

—Maya Angelou