REACH OUT

Credentials

About Ashley Gustafson
athletic fitness sessions for students

Mission & Workshop Approach

My assemblies, presentations, and workshops are interactive, strategic, and transformational, designed to meet the needs of each audience. Participants leave:

  • Confident in themselves and one another
  • Proud of their growth
  • Equipped with tools they can apply immediately
  • Ready to turn challenges into opportunities in their profession and life

As an educator and business owner, I create opportunities by design, not default—helping students and adults navigate life’s quicksands. I focus on the power of self, teams, programs, and community to remind people that we all matter and we all make a difference.

Speaking & Coaching Engagements

  • Corporate & Non-Profit Organizations
    • MAPFRE Insurance – Women’s Leadership Network & additional leadership events
    • Shine Initiative
    • Seven Hills / You Inc.
  • Colleges
    • Nichols College – Peer Mentors / RA’s
    • Dean College
    • Quinsigamond Community College
    • WPI
  • High School Assemblies
    • Nipmuc Regional HS, Tahanto HS, Grafton HS, Ashland HS, Foxborough HS
  • Athletic Workshops – High School & College Teams/Programs
    • Shrewsbury HS, Nashoba Regional HS, Ayer Shirley Regional HS, Auburn HS, Ashland HS, Millbury HS, Quabbin Regional HS, Shepherd Hill HS, Marlborough HS, Plymouth South HS.
    • Nichols College, Dean College, Quinsigamond Community College
  • Coaches Workshops – MidWach League (Fall/Winter/Spring Sports Meetings)
  • Club Program Workshops – Cape Ann Field Hockey, Worcester County United Field Hockey, Spirit Central Cheer
  • One-on-One Confidence Coaching – Clients of all ages

Education

  • Associate in Arts Degree – General Studies, Quinsigamond Community College
  • Bachelor of Science Degree – Health Education, Summa Cum Laude, Worcester State College
  • Master of Education Degree – Health Education, Worcester State College
  • +60 Graduate Credits – Augustana University

Professional Experience

  • Founder & CEO – Navigating Through Quicksand
  • 15+ Years working with adolescents
  • 12 Years as a high school educator
  • Taught Introduction to Nutrition & Advanced Nutrition (authored both curricula)
  • Health & Physical Education
  • Leadership roles: Department Coordinator (Health/PE/FCS), Wellness Coordinator, Challenge Course Manager, Game Change Advisor, SADD Advisor, JV Girls Soccer Coach, Class Advisor

Special Programs & Achievements

  • Personal Story Presentations – Turning setbacks into empowering comebacks
  • NTQ Summer Fitness Sessions – For student-athletes entering grades 6–12, building confidence in emotional, mental, and physical fitness (Shrewsbury HS, Nashoba Regional HS, Auburn HS, Ayer Shirley Regional HS, Millbury HS, Tahanto Regional Middle/HS)
  • Tony Robbins programs: Unleash the Power Within, Date with Destiny, Leadership Academy, Business Mastery, Life and Wealth Mastery
  • Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit Captain – 2024 & 2025
  • Contributing Author – Amazon International Best Seller: Women Living On Purpose
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