Pottery
Ashley began making birdhouses after her mom passed away and while caring for her father. He needed to feel safe, and Ashley needed something steady and creative to hold onto. The clay became a middle ground between grief, love, and steadiness - and the birdhouses grew into little sanctuaries, holders of hope and home. As part of sharing her love of ceramics, Ashley volunteers to create meaningful artwork and guides others in creating pieces with personal purpose and significance.
You can view more on IG @earthkeeperpottery
The Wellhouse & Shop Well
The Wellhouse actively rescues and provides opportunities for restoration to female victims of human trafficking and/or sexual exploitation. During the summer of 2025, Ashley taught women how to make bird feeders by hand.
In addition, Ashley works with leadership of Shop Well to produce signature candles. Shop Well is a social enterprise where survivors are employed and empowered to start their journey toward financial independence.
pathways Women & children’s shelter
During a semester-long internship at Pathways Home for Women & Children, Ashley facilitated a ceramic ornament-making project with clients, guiding them through creating and glazing their own work. Proceeds from the sale of the ornaments were used to purchase Christmas gifts for women and children living at the shelter.
Ashley continues to create ceramic ornaments in support of Pathways’ ongoing fundraisers, including their annual Carnival fundraiser in August 2025.
longleaf Recovery & Wellness
During a yearlong internship at Longleaf Recovery & Wellness, Ashley has facilitated art therapy groups. One recent project was a ceramic wall altar workshop where clients were guided through the process of designing, creating, and glazing their own pieces.
The wall altars project was directly related to a pivotal moment in each client’s wellness journey: at the completion of the recovery program, individuals “coin out” and receive a medallion honoring their progress. Each unique ceramic creation was designed to hold the client’s coin, serving as a lasting symbol of growth, resilience, and transformation.
