I am a Creative Arts Director and advocacy-focused leader with 10 years of experience in visual and performing arts education and arts non-profit leadership. I am dedicated to transformative change and passionate about curriculum design, community engagement, and event coordination. I drive collaboration, advocacy, and decision-making for partners at every level, fostering timely and relevant connections through creative programs, mentorship, and community arts initiatives.

Heather Ashley

I am a Creative Arts Director and advocacy-focused leader with 10 years of experience in visual and performing arts education and arts non-profit leadership. I am dedicated to transformative change and passionate about curriculum design, community engagement, and event coordination. I drive collaboration, advocacy, and decision-making for partners at every level, fostering timely and relevant connections through creative programs, mentorship, and community arts initiatives.

Available to hire

I am a Creative Arts Director and advocacy-focused leader with 10 years of experience in visual and performing arts education and arts non-profit leadership. I am dedicated to transformative change and passionate about curriculum design, community engagement, and event coordination.

I drive collaboration, advocacy, and decision-making for partners at every level, fostering timely and relevant connections through creative programs, mentorship, and community arts initiatives.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Artist at Painting in the Park / Patio project
May 20, 2022 - Present
Lead artist for the 'Painting in the Park / Patio' project; designed, implemented, and marketed outdoor family painting classes; oversaw costume and prop design for related theatre activities; coordinated community art engagement and event logistics.
Visual Arts Instructor
August 1, 2017 - Present
Provided visual arts instruction for Early Childhood Education (ECE); designed and implemented all Visual Arts Curriculum for 300 students.
Conscious Discipline Team Lead Specialist at Conscious Discipline
August 1, 2017 - Present
Led Conscious Discipline initiatives; designed cross-curricular SEL programming; trained staff and coordinated presentations and performances for students; contributed to core curricula and staff development.
Artistic Director at Chapman University
August 1, 2003 - Present
Artistic Director for Annual Drama Production and School-Wide Speech Contest; coordinated casting, rehearsal processes, and production execution.
Lead Artist at Painting in the Park / Patio Arts
May 20, 2022 - Present
Lead Artist for outdoor community family painting classes; designed, implemented, and marketed outdoor-family painting classes; focused on community art engagement.
President at Denver Classroom Teachers Association
November 20, 2021 - Present
President; Technical and performance background; Board of Directors.
Interventions Specialist (2nd/3rd Grade) at Notre Dame Academy Elementary
August 1, 2011 - August 1, 2013
Interventions specialist for 2nd/3rd grade for 2 years; provided targeted academic support.

Education

Master of Science, Educational Leadership at Loyola Marymount University
January 1, 2013 - April 11, 2026
Bachelor of Arts, Theatre at Chapman University
August 1, 2003 - April 11, 2026
Masters of Science in Educational Leadership at Loyola Marymount University
January 1, 2013 - April 11, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (Tech & Performance) at Chapman University
August 1, 2003 - April 11, 2026

Qualifications

Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society Member
January 11, 2030 - April 11, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization
    paper Arts in the Open Hiking Plays

    In partnership with Arts in the Open, I had the privilege of designing and implementing costumes and props for Alice and Wonderland in the scenic stage of Chautauqua Park trails, in Boulder CO. All costumes needed to be breathable, compact, and versatile (some reversable or transforming into multiple characters and uses).