"Theatre allows us the opportunity to rehearse living in the worlds we choose to create. What better way to begin instilling change in ourselves and the world around us?"

Education

Currently, Ashley is a Teacher Candidate at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, and an alumni of the Drama in Education and Community program at the University of Windsor.

Experience
& Research

In 2019, Ashley travelled to Frejus, France to teach Drama-English at a nature and play based private school called Ecole o Chrysalides. Prior to this, she led the first student-run theatre and arts program for youth in challenging circumstances as a Program and Education Coordinator for Changing the Odds. In this position, Ashley co-directed and co-wrote original theatrical performances like The Eleventh Hour and Illuminate. 

For half a decade, Ashley has devoted her artistry and research to the impacts of drama education on newcomer youth and international students. In 2017, Ashley co-founded a non-profit initiative entitled Drama as a Second Language (DSL) which aims to empower newcomer youth through drama and theatre as they socially integrate into Canadian society. Currently, Ashley’s co-written research entitled “Newcomer Youth and Resilience: Impacts of Drama Education” is under review for publication under UBC Press. In addition, Ashley served international students for two years as a Student Recruitment Advisor at University Canada West - helping students transition from their home country to their post-secondary studies in Canada.