In addition to being a published author, Ashley Erdely is an educator, writer, devoted parent, and passionate nature enthusiast. She grew up on a 130-acre llama ranch in Northern Michigan, where having llamas as best friends felt completely normal. Her childhood was shaped by camping trips and visits to national parks across the country—experiences that deeply influenced her decision to become a teacher and inspired a lifelong mission to help children build meaningful connections with the natural world.
After a decade of teaching in public school classrooms, Ashley co-created a thriving 6th-grade outdoor school program for Hood River County Schools (Oregon), developed curriculum for a private environmental education school, and co-founded a local branch of a Forest Free School for preschoolers in her community. She is also a specialist in dyslexia and a college essay coach.
This fall, she’s stepping out of the classroom and into her newest role: published author on tour. Ashley looks forward to book signings, wildflower events, and leading hands-on workshops for kids and caregivers — sharing her love of native plants, storytelling, and outdoor exploration with as many young learners as possible.
She lives in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area in White Salmon, Washington, with her husband, daughter, and (unofficially) 750 species of wildflowers. You can usually find her outside—digging for worms in the garden with her daughter, leading nature workshops for curious kids, or raft-camping with her family on one of the region’s many wild rivers.
“Ashley transforms a room into a rich, explorative space!” — Danny Cosgrove, Education Director, Columbia Gorge Discovery Center