Ashley grew up in central Iowa and currently lives in Ankeny. She joined Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers in order to help shift the negative stigma around atheists and other nonbelievers. Ashley was brought up attending chuch but even as child she was skeptical of the bizarre bible stories. In college where Ashley studied world religions, and the new and old testament, her non-beliefs were solidified. As a board member and the main event organizer for IAF she has helped to foster local community and encourage members to be more involved in activism and advocacy.