This is Ashley’s 5th year at Potomac; she has taught 2nd/3rd combined and 2nd grade. Mrs. Olsen is originally from the Twin Cities metro area in MN and received her first B.A. in both English and Religion from Saint Olaf College in 2011. After moving to MT, she went back to school for a B.A. in Elementary Education at UM-Missoula. She is currently working toward her M.A. in Education with an emphasis on literacy instruction through UM-Missoula. She resides in Missoula with her partner of 14 years and canine companion, Scout. Her interests include reading, writing, watching movies at The Roxy, listening to music across genres, hiking, cross-country skiing, and community gardening. She also has a mild obsession with fine-tipped pens and is fascinated by visual art!

Ashley’s reading interests vary widely, but she is currently most interested in poetry, fantasy, and sci-fi. Her favorite poets include Naomi Shihab Nye and Mary Oliver, and one of her favorite recent YA reads is The Last Cuentista (sci-fi/dystopia). Professionally, she also loves reading about literacy instruction. When asked what makes Potomac special, Mrs. Olsen said, “What makes Potomac School so special is its size. Working with such a small, committed, and driven group of staff members is a privilege; we get to know one another quite well and are able to collaborate across grade levels and content areas. Small class size also affords staff the ability to more adeptly address students' needs and recognize learners' unique assets to foster success and confidence. We have the capacity to enact community within our classrooms, which fuels belonging and an overall sense of efficacy.”