Rooted in Relationships: Ashela’s Path to Leadership in Early Childhood Education
Published October 14, 2025 as a part of the Career Exploration Tool: Stories from the Field series. This series of stories brings to life the many pathways members of Michigan’s early care and education field have taken to achieve their goals, nurture their interests, and achieve success.
Ashela’s journey into early childhood education was shaped by the powerful influence of others. Surrounded by strong, passionate professionals who modeled what intentional, relationship-driven work looked like, Ashela found herself inspired to follow in their footsteps. Their dedication—to children, families, and fellow educators—ignited a passion in her that has only grown with time.
She began humbly, making copies for a special education department. While studying communications and journalism, Ashela transitioned into a public relations role where she promoted public education and preschool programs—an experience that sparked a love for connecting families to early learning. Life changes brought her across the state, and eventually into a part-time job at an early childhood center, chosen to better align with her own children’s needs. But that role became the turning point. She committed to earning her Master’s in Early Childhood Education.
Today, Ashela wears many hats: early childhood specialist at an intermediate school district, CDA specialist, adjunct professor, and student again—now pursuing an Education Specialist degree. Each role builds on her mission to empower others. Whether she’s coaching teachers, developing professional learning sessions, or mentoring educators through curriculum implementation, her goal is clear: to create supportive, high-quality learning environments where both educators and children can thrive.
What excites her most is being part of the “ripple effect.” By supporting educators, Ashela helps strengthen entire communities. She believes that when educators feel confident and equipped, children feel it too—in the warmth of their classroom, the responsiveness of their teachers, and the overall quality of care they receive.
Of course, the work comes with challenges. Addressing the diverse needs of children, families, and professionals takes patience, empathy, and constant collaboration. But Ashela meets these challenges by focusing on relationships, and by nurturing the same kind of support that once inspired her. Over time, she’s developed a strong voice in advocacy—something she never expected but now sees as essential to creating lasting change in the field.
Her journey hasn’t followed a traditional path. It wasn’t formal training that got her started—it was passion. That passion drove her to seek education, mentorship, and every opportunity to grow. TEACH became a valuable part of her story, thanks to a mentor who introduced her to the scholarship program during her first master’s. The experience was seamless, and it reinforced her belief in the power of supportive systems.
To those just starting out, Ashela offers wise advice: “Be patient with your growth, and seek mentors who will guide you.” She also urges others to consider early childhood education not just as a career, but as a deeply meaningful way to shape the future: “It is the most important work—laying the foundation for all future learning and development.”
From the copy room to the college classroom, Ashela’s journey is a testament to what happens when passion, mentorship, and purpose intersect.