About Me

I'm Ashley, a mom, the founder of Loving Care Collective, and a dedicated Early Childhood Care and Education Specialist and Postpartum Doula. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to begin the search for quality childcare and support, especially in those early weeks and months of parenthood. With years of experience in education, newborn care, and family support, I created Loving Care Collective to help parents navigate this season with confidence, clarity, and the genuine care they deserve.

I hold a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Children and Adolescents and have worked in various roles across the Early Childhood Education field. My experience includes:

❤️Nanny – Providing hands-on, personalized care for children.
❤️Lead Teacher – Managing an early childhood classroom, developing curriculum and fostering early learning.
❤️Director & Administrator – Overseeing childcare programs, ensuring compliance, and training educators.
❤️ Small Business Owner – Building Loving Care Collective from the ground up, which means I understand what it takes to create systems, lead with intention, and show up consistently for the families I serve.
❤️Postpartum Doula – providing physical, emotional, and educational support to families after childbirth, helping with newborn care, parental well-being, and household adjustments. My training was completed through Bastyr University and I am currently working toward a certification by DONA International.

My expertise extends beyond the classroom—I have in-depth knowledge of Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) that regulate childcare programs in WA, have conducted extensive background checks, and have represented schools during licensing and health department visits. I’ve also trained and mentored teachers on the importance of high-quality early care and its impact on child development.

My Philosophy on Postpartum Support

When a baby is born, so is a family and that transition deserves to be held with the same care and intention as the birth itself. As a postpartum doula, my role is to care for the birthing parent, the baby, partner, and existing children.

I believe deeply that caring for a new parent is the best way to support the care of a new baby. A birthing parent who feels supported, seen, and rested is better equipped to show up for the new challenges that parenthood bring. My job is to create a safe, judgment-free space where your family can breathe, adjust, and find your way, whatever that looks like for you.

I am trauma-informed in my approach and I understand that birth and early parenthood can bring unexpected emotions, memories, and challenges to the surface. Everyone walks into this experience carrying their own life story, and I honor that. I don't arrive with a one-size-fits-all plan. I arrive with presence, resources, and a genuine commitment to meeting your family exactly where you are.

Whether you need hands-on newborn support, someone to hold space while you process the enormity of this change, or simply a knowledgeable guide who can connect you with the right resources, I'm here for all of it.

Why the First Days, Months, and Years Matter

Brain development starts before birth and continues into adulthood with the first five years being the most critical. During this time, more than 1 million neural connections form every second, shaping a child's future learning, behavior, and well-being. These connections are strengthened through positive, responsive interactions with caregivers who engage with warmth, attention, and consistency.

Choosing providers who are committed to delivering this type of high quality care for you and your family can make all the difference in creating the safe, loving environment needed for children and parents to truly thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to support your family as it grows and evolves!

Sources:

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/brain-architecture/