Hi! I’m Ashley (she/her).

Most organizations don't have a design problem. They have a systems problem.

I'm a professionally accredited service designer and researcher with over 10 years of multidisciplinary design experience and community engagement. I'm deeply committed to making a difference in people's lives, policies, and places — tackling complex challenges through human-centered design and systems thinking.

I've worked with organizations of all sizes, from grassroots groups and local businesses to Fortune 500 companies and state and federal governments. My projects span housing, labor, public health, education, immigration, and creative placemaking. I help organizations enhance their services, improve processes, and redefine the status quo to achieve meaningful transformation.

I hold a Master in Integrative Design (MDes) from the University of Michigan (2020) with a full-ride scholarship focused on equity and access in education, and a BFA in Graphic Design from Montana State University (2014).

Outside of my work, I am usually grooving to music (whether at home or with friends), tending to my garden, or adventuring across Montana. I love embracing new experiences!

I live in my hometown of Helena, Montana — on land that rightfully belongs to the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and traditional hunting grounds of several tribes.

I do this work because I want to live in a world where everyone has access to just systems—equitable services, policies, rights, and participation with visible representation in civic life.

Guiding principles

Build at the pace of trust. Strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. I invest in the communities and organizations I work with — and design alongside people, not just for them.

Break down barriers, foster creativity. I use collaborative design methods to create experiences, tools, and services that open doors and spark new possibilities.

Reimagine what progress looks like. I believe the status quo is a starting point, not a ceiling. I bring a systems thinking mindset to help organizations see — and seize — what's actually possible.

Awards

  • 2016 Governor’s Excellence in Performance, Montana Department of Labor & Industry

  • 2020 Jean Paul Slusser Thesis Award, University of Michigan

  • 2022 AILA Michigan Chapter Pro Bono Champions Award via Immigrant Justice Lab (University of Michigan / Harvard University / Michigan Immigration Rights Center)

Outcomes and success

  • Equitable and meaningful experiences

  • Innovative and modernized processes

  • Enhanced access to information

  • Empowered communities

  • Continuous improvement and adaptability

“Ashley is a visionary in the field of service design, with a rare ability to see the big picture while also honing in on the details that matter most. Our work on CPHA and Cohesion showcased Ashley's talent for turning complex challenges into meaningful change.

She approaches every project with a deep sense of purpose, ensuring services are not just functional but truly equitable and accessible. Her collaborative spirit and expertise in systems thinking make her an invaluable partner in any initiative aimed at creating lasting, positive impact.”

— Jane Smilie, MPH

What People Are Saying

“How lucky are other organizations to work and collaborate with you! If I were to chat with them, I'd say, ‘Well, you got Ashley! You got one of the best!’ The best of people, the best of designers.”

— Darwin M.

“Ashley was a pleasure to work with. She was patient with me as I learned how to manage a project of this scale, and she consistently worked to make sure that we remained on track.

Ashley is a principled researcher and designer and a considerate and diligent collaborator. She would be an absolute asset to any team.”

— Aleck S.

“Ashley is a consummate professional, and a pleasure to work with.

She is an excellent listener, facilitating conversation among various team members with an eye to the needs of the project.

She is also a brilliant creative partner, adding crucial insight to conversations about the development of concepts and copy.”

— Jesse H.