Ashby began teaching with us in 2016 and is from Seattle, Washington. She has a Bachelor of Arts in theatre from University of North Carolina at Asheville and her Montessori accreditation is in early childhood education.
Outside of school, Ashby and her partner, Adam, are often found “junkin” (thrifting or antiquing), hanging with their cats, or just playing music to pass time.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
AP: I first learned about GMS through my friends Sundev Lohr and Peter Baggish while I was a student at Grimsley High School. Both of their mothers, Nancy Hofer and Linda Baggish, worked at GMS at the time (this was in the mid 90's).
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
AP: I choose to work at our school because of the children and the creative environment in which we all learn. The GMS campus is also one of the most beautiful places to work in Greensboro. Exploring the gardens with the children or solo, I feel so fortunate to work in such a beautiful, creative environment.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
AP: The independence that is offered to all in the Montessori classroom and beyond.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
AP: I learn something new from the students everyday! I am always practicing grace and courtesy, and appreciate when a child reminds me how to be polite and courteous. It's a friendly reminder that adults make mistakes too!
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
AP: I learn so much from my co-workers from all areas of the school. If I ever have a question or concern there is someone that is there for me, and I hope that they know that I am there for them. I never feel alone at Greensboro Montessori.
GMS: Is there anyone in your family or close circle of friends that you'd like to tell us about? If so, who?
AP: My partner in life, Adam. He is an extremely loving and supportive person.
I am immensely fortunate to have a wonderful family in Greensboro. My mother, Ann, lives nearby as does my father, Craig, and step mother, Donna. My brother, Graham, lives outside of Washington DC where he teaches 5th grade. My other brother, Randy, is a wood worker who lives on a boat in Seattle, WA.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
AP: At the age of 10, I decided to become a vegetarian. I have been one, dabbling in veganism, since then.
GMS: What is your favorite memory from childhood?
AP: Some of my earliest memories are of me playing with my brothers and cousins. I loved the big city life of Seattle, and always being able to see large bodies of water wherever you go!
GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?
AP: We live with Maggie the white and black cat who has a crooked tail.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
AP: I enjoy playing my guitar and ukulele and singing all my favorite songs loudly. I love walking through neighborhoods throughout town, working in my garden and spending time with friends and family. Adam and I also enjoy "junkin." We find rare and beautiful mid century objects out in the wild, and then sell them at our booth at Grandaddies antiques in Burlington.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
AP: My favorite destination is the Pacific West Coast. I have friends and family from San Francisco all the way to Seattle who I love to visit and explore with.
GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?
AP: I'd like to visit anywhere in Europe: England, France, Norway, or Denmark.
GMS: What is your favorite indulgence?
AP: Finding something great at the thrift store or on the side of the road.
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?
AP: Meditate.
GMS: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
AP: Lemon ice cream from Yum-Yum.
GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails?
AP: My friends and I meet at all sorts of places. I love coffee and tea of all kinds! As for a cocktail, I like a classic gin and tonic.
GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why?
AP: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. has always been one of my favorite authors. I would love to pick his brain... and so it goes…
GMS: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
AP: I am beyond honored to be part of the amazing community at GMS.
