Ashley felt JOY was missing from our educational system during her time as a 1st-3rd grade teacher, early childhood professor, and family literacy program director. She realized, when it comes to our nature’s history, most lessons, courses, and experiences are taught from the white perspective, and the experiences of those who are Indigenous, Black, and Other People of the Global Majority too often go untold.

She founded Unearthing Joy to unearth those stories, uplift our ancestors and their contributions, and inspire joy for all of earth’s children, families, and communities.

Ashley is committed to helping families and communities, especially those who have been historically excluded, to find joy in nature as she has throughout her own life, and Unearthing Joy is determined to make that a reality.

About Unearthing Joy

Through the development of culturally-inclusive, nature-based programming, Unearthing Joy enables families, community groups, and organizations to develop outdoor spaces into inclusive places.

Founded in 2020, Unearthing Joy has quickly emerged as a promising approach inspired by Indigenous, Black, and Other People of the Global Majority’s roles in nature throughout history.

Decades of experience in teaching, professorship, curriculum development, and leadership in education – coupled with time spent as outdoor guides and nature enthusiasts – informs our unique programming and development process. And our PhD-backed, nationally-recognized curriculum and coaching benefits thousands of families today.

From immersive experiences and workshops to custom development, programming is rooted in the discovery and exploration of the foundations set by our often historically-excluded ancestors. We believe their stories align us in shared experience, unite us in celebration, and open our minds and hearts to new learnings and experiences.