From Dancer to Teacher,

to Competition Company Director,

and finally, to Mindset Coach.

My Story

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m so glad you’re here! I live in Fayetteville, AR, with my husband, three kiddos, and two dogs. Through Coaching, I help dancers build healthy mindsets to navigate the dance world at their best.

As a teenage competitive dancer out of Dallas, I was my own worst critic. My fear of not being perfect was often debilitating. I was a people-pleaser who strived for her worth and identity from her dance teacher and awards. This led to years of anxiety and eventually burnout. But I thought it was just me. 

When I began teaching, choreographing, and eventually directing a competition company while finishing my degree in psychology, I quickly realized I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I watched as some of my most talented dancers were stuck in fear or so overwhelmed by self-criticism that they just quit. 

I also recognized how my role as a teacher could negatively impact my students when pressure was high and emotions were leading the way.

I felt a deep desire to create change and give my dancers the tools to cultivate self-confidence and mental strength.

But I didn't yet know how to help. As I looked around for resources, I realized there weren't many specifically for dancers. As the years went on, I began experiencing that same burnout that I had as a dancer. I realized I was still on the hamster wheel of comparison, perfection, and exhaustion, just this time on the other side as a teacher. I made the tough decision to step away from teaching and directing full-time. I knew I wanted to help dancers and the dance community and knew there was a need for mindset skills. But I didn't feel like I could do that until I stepped back for perspective and to do self-work first.

I worked for a Mental Health Non-Profit for two years while doing my internal work and figuring out what was next. I yearned for dance and to help dancers but didn't know what that looked like. For years, I searched for a job where I could combine my passion for dance and the desire to support dancers' mental well-being. I had even done Tara Mohr's Playing Big Coach Facilitators Training. But I didn't yet know how to combine it all.

Then, a dear former student asked for guidance in reaching a huge life goal. As we prepared her dance, we also prepared her mindset. We explored her negative self-talk, practiced tools for comparison and confidence, and found her mental strength and motivation. As I watched her go after her dream while feeling equipped to handle all the challenges and obstacles, something inside of me was ignited. Could I work with other dancers like this, too?

I pondered that question for a year. I didn't think I was ready yet. I didn't know if I could run my own business. But in October 2017, I decided to just go for it. There have been so many ups and downs since then. But, through it all, I've continued to feel grateful that I get to combine my passions and do work that I truly love.

Thank YOU for being here with me.

Since then, I have become an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, a Whole Person Certified Coach, and a Trauma-Informed Certified Coach through Coach Training World, and a Certified Positive Psychology Coach through the Wholebeing Institute. I’m also a specialist for Doctors for Dancers, a blog contributor for Apolla Performance, and a faculty member for Embody Dance Conference, where I lead workshops for all ages, including parents and teachers, on mindset skills.

Can’t wait to hear your story and see what we can do together.