Ashleigh began her career in 2001 as a volunteer at the National Aquarium, Baltimore. There she volunteered in the Fishes Department and Marine Mammals Department. She also volunteered for the Marine Animal Rescue Program, working with rescued seals and sea turtles.
She decided along the way that she most enjoyed working with the fish, sharks, and rays, and began applying for supplemental positions. In 2004, she left her marketing job to accept a position as a full-time aquarist aide. In a few short months, Ashleigh was hired on permanently as an aquarist trainee.
Ashleigh graduated from Towson University with degrees in broadcast journalism and psychology with a concentration in ethology. She always knew that she wanted to work with animals, but tried out the corporate world first, working as a marketer. Ashleigh got her foot in the door at the Aquarium shortly after college, and once the door opened the rest of the way, she quickly jumped through and never looked back.
After four years and many wonderful experiences including working at the offsite quarantine facility in Baltimore, Ashleigh transferred to the National Aquarium's D.C. venue. Here she has a variety of tanks and animals under her care, including the Amazon systems, several of which she has helped renovate, coldwater Pacific tanks, and both Atlantic and Pacific tropical tanks.
Ashleigh lives in the Baltimore area.
