Our Nona Hero is a woman of great perseverance and tenacity, with a big heart and a bigger story. She inspires those around her to heal, to practice optimism, and to zero in on what matters the most. Ashley is a beautiful soul through and through, and she has been toughened by the world in ways not visible to the eye.
Ashley came to Lake Nona after time in Madeira Beach and a childhood in New Jersey. Lake Nona was a clean start for her after her life and the lives of her two young children were turned upside down.
Ashley’s husband, Cliff, struggled with severe depression. It ultimately became too heavy of a burden for him to bear; he took his own life in the backyard of their home. Ashley, unfortunately, witnessed the love of her life hurting and watched the pain win over him. It is an experience many of us can never expect to truly understand unless we go through it ourselves.
She immediately launched into therapy, in shock at what she had just experienced but knowing that it would be something she’d need to work through. By the time the shock wore off and symptoms of grief, PTSD, and depression settled in, she was luckily already under care for her mental health. She quickly implemented regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, and remaining organized and regimented to live a functional life.
“In the beginning, I did this for my children,” Ashley said. “Now, I take care of myself for me.”
With the thought of her babies keeping her strong and focused, Ashley learned coping mechanisms for PTSD and adopted a healthier lifestyle to battle the aftermath of her trauma. Penelope and Charles were her inspiration for progress; there is no down-time for a mother with young children. She had to quickly get back on her feet and give their kids the best life she could in the absence of her husband. She was certainly up to the task and even exceeded it.
“I have a 5-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter who are my entire world,” said Ashley. “They bring me so much joy.”
Ashley dedicates her time professionally to helping small businesses with human resource needs. Recently, Ashley has made her own business just for this purpose after recognizing a need in the community.
“By day, I work from home and visit local businesses. By evening, I am Super Mom, routine enforcer, tear wiper, and singer of lullabies. In between, I find as much time as possible to enjoy the great outdoors with my family, making every day an adventure.”
Such an experience would leave so many people incapacitated, but Ashley is not just anybody.
“Ashley is a beautiful, kind-hearted, fun-loving, compassionate mother of two wonderful children,” said Ashley’s mother. “She puts others’ needs before her own and offers to help wholeheartedly. Ashley is resilient and faces challenging times head-on with faith and trust. She always looks out for the underdog.”
Ashley is a bright and joyful soul despite what she has endured. She has persisted where few could and continues to set an example for tenacity and strength while honoring Cliff in the way she cares for and protects her children.
“I have learned that repairing one’s mental health is not something that comes naturally or organically, but it takes work. You must make the conscious decision to change the course of your life,” she said. “You may be exhausted and feeling defeated, but find that little fire within you that still burns. I promise it is there. You use that fire and take action to get your life back. If I can do it, you can, too.”
Photos by Kristina Bozanich
