From the stages of New York City to classrooms around the world, Ashley Olson has spent much of her career using creativity to connect with young people. Now, as Bridges’ new school counseling intern, she’s embarking on what she calls her “second wave career”—bringing a wealth of experience in education, theater, and working with students to our counseling team.
Finding Her Place
Growing up in Portland’s Cedar Mill neighborhood, Ashley attended Catlin Gabel School from kindergarten through 12th grade, earning the distinction of what the school calls a “lifer.”
Diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, she remembers struggling with reading and finding her place in the classroom. Fortunately, her school’s progressive, hands-on approach to education helped keep her engaged, but it was theater where she truly discovered a sense of belonging.
“I did my first play in kindergarten,” she recalls. “I took over for a kid who got scared at the last minute. I can do the lead role; I already know that part!”
That experience sparked a lifelong passion for theater and learning.
“I absolutely love learning, but it’s funny for me to think about that because learning was such a point of stress for me when I was younger,” she reflects. “It’s a matter of finding what works right for you, which is why I really appreciate how Bridges focuses on the individual student.”
Taking Center Stage
Eager to experience life beyond Portland, Ashley headed east to Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting. “I didn’t apply to any schools west of Chicago,” she laughs. “I was dead set on getting out of Portland, doing something new, and experiencing different things.”
Her studies included a semester at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, where she immersed herself in classical theater and performed in productions ranging from an all-female production of Macbeth to A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
After graduation, Ashley moved into New York City to pursue acting. Like many aspiring performers, she spent her days auditioning while working other jobs to make ends meet. One of those jobs, working at a daycare, unexpectedly changed the direction of her career.
“I was having so much more fun teaching in the daycare setting,” she recalls. “I was like, wait a second, I don’t think I like standing up and asking people to like me every day. I’d rather be playing with the kids!”
That realization led her to New York University, where she earned a master’s degree in Educational Theatre in 2010.
Through her studies, Ashley became involved with Global Empowerment Theatre, helping young people write, create, and perform original plays based on their own culture, experiences, and beliefs about social justice. Her experience interning with this non-profit organization inspired her to look for overseas teaching opportunities, eventually leading to positions in Myanmar, Zanzibar, and Morocco.
A Second Act
After returning to the United States in 2018, Ashley initially settled in St. Louis, where she led a visual and performing arts school for students in grades 6–12. Navigating remote learning during the pandemic reinforced something important: while she appreciated educational leadership, her greatest satisfaction came from working directly with kids.
In 2021, Ashley returned to Portland and continued teaching theater, including at Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) where she had studied as a student during her youth. At NWCT, she also had the opportunity to teach a few current Bridges students.
But Ashley was also considering a new direction. “I revolve around the word ‘impact,’” she explains. Counseling offered a way to build on her years of teaching, theater, and social justice work while continuing to make a difference in young people’s lives.
Now pursuing her second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University, Ashley hopes to incorporate play therapy and drama therapy into her future practice.
“As a theater person, you really learn how to connect as a human being first before the characters come into play,” she explains, noting how improv has taught her to listen, respond, and remain present.
A New Role at Bridges
When Ashley spotted Bridges on her university’s list of potential practicum contacts, she immediately recognized the name from a billboard near the Ross Island Bridge. Intrigued by the school’s individualized approach to special education, she reached out to Principal Dr. Carrie Hall and soon joined the counseling team, with Jordan Miller serving as her site supervisor.
Ashley now spends Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bridges, working alongside fellow counselors Mary Morris and Jordan Miller.
“It has been wonderful. I’ve learned a lot from the kids. I love their honesty,” she shares.
Her own experiences as a student with learning difficulties and ADHD give Ashley a personal appreciation for Bridges’ commitment to meeting students where they are.
“I’m one of those educators who really loves middle school,” she says. “I love the development and the formation of identity that happens. I will always want to work with this age group when I can.” Ashley hopes to stay connected with Bridges after her practicum ends, perhaps returning as a substitute counselor or to teach a theater-focused Friday elective.
Outside the Spotlight
In her free time, Ashley enjoys movies, hiking, and baking. She also loves spending time with her two cats, Luke and Leia, whom she rescued as kittens from a roadside box while living in Morocco. Eight and a half years later, they’re still part of her family.
Ashley and her partner Zack also recently got engaged and are planning a wedding next summer.
From finding her own sense of belonging through theater to helping young people discover theirs, Ashley’s journey reflects a belief at the heart of Bridges: every student deserves an opportunity to find their place.
We’re excited to have Ashley on our counseling team and the creativity, compassion, and perspective she brings to our community!