Before switching into the horticulture industry, Ashley studied and completed research in archaeology, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Near Eastern and Classical Archaeology from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master of Science in Archaeological Science from University College London, where she was trained in a variety of methods of scientific analysis of materials. During her master’s degree, one of Ashley’s specializations was archaeobotany, which prompted a career change into the horticulture and plant science industry.

She has since worked at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sheridan Nurseries, as a Horticulture Program Supervisor at a retirement property in Kitchener, Ont., and with Georgian College as a Part-Time Instructor. Ashley graduated from the Horticulture Technician program at Niagara College in May 2023, and joined the School of Environment and Horticulture at Niagara College as a Part-Time Professor, teaching students in a variety of horticulture and greenhouse courses.