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, and as a Horticulture Program Supervisor at a retirement property in Kitchener, Ont. Ashley graduated from the Horticulture Technician program at Niagara College in May 2023, and recently joined the School of Environment and Horticulture at Niagara College as a Part-Time Professor, teaching the tropical plant course called Architectural Green Spaces.