Meet the Experts: Ashleigh, College & Career Coordinator

At Success Virtual Learning Centers, our team is dedicated to helping students discover their potential and confidently plan for the future. In this edition of Meet the Experts, we're highlighting Ashleigh, our College & Career Coordinator, who works closely with students to turn their goals into actionable plans.

Ashleigh plays a vital role in helping students plan for life after graduation by guiding them through both college and career pathways. Her days are filled with connecting students to opportunities-whether that's coordinating college visits, organizing field trips, building partnerships with businesses and unions, or supporting students through applications and the Financial Aid process.

With a background in psychology and a Master's in School Counseling, Ashleigh brings over a decade of experience working directly with students. Her passion for this work began early, driven by a desire to help young people discover their potential and build meaningful futures. What makes Ashleigh's role especially impactful is her commitment to all students. While many assume her focus is solely on college-bound individuals, she equally supports those pursuing skilled trades, certifications, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. She believes success looks different for everyone and works to ensure each student finds the path that fits them best.

Ashleigh is known for helping students find clarity, especially when they feel unsure about their future. Through tools like interest inventories and one-on-one conversations, she helps students connect their passions to real-world careers. Her favorite moments are those "aha" breakthroughs when a student begins to see a future that excites them.

She encourages students to stay open-minded, avoid "tunnel vision," and remember that career paths don't have to be linear. Her advice is simple but powerful: start early, explore often, and take small steps forward. Whether it's a campus visit, job shadow, or conversation, each experience builds confidence and direction.

For Ashleigh, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing students thrive beyond graduation, finding fulfillment, success, and purpose in their own unique journeys.

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Coordinator Spotlight

"I always tell students it's okay if you don't know what you want to do yet. There are so many opportunities out there, we just have to explore how your interests connect to them."

"Career planning isn't about having everything figured out at 18. It's about taking small steps, staying curious, and being open to where your path might lead."

"Success looks different for everyone. My goal is to help each student find a path that truly fits them."

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Get to Know Ashleigh

• Go-to coffee order: Dunkin' Blueberry Muffin coffee with sweet cream creamer

• Favorite way to recharge: Camping and traveling with her family

• Favorite trips so far: Upper Peninsula, Maine, and Yellowstone (with Pennsylvania next on the list!)

• Hobbies: Reading fantasy novels (she's a big Harry Potter fan!) and sewing clothing and bags

• Fun fact: She's even taught her daughters how to sew!

• Connect with Ashleigh

Connect with Ashleigh

If you'd like to follow up with Ashleigh or learn more about college and career planning opportunities, feel free to reach out directly at (231) 527-9080 or adroste@shamrocks.us. She's always happy to support students and families as they explore their next steps!