Ashley Adams began working in California arts education over 20 years ago and has spent her professional career supporting high-quality arts instruction for all students. As the Founding Executive Director of the AME Institute non-profit organization, Ashley is committed to supporting AME teachers and administrators through professional learning experiences that are relevant, engaging, meaningful, and transformative. Ashley's career began in the educational departments of the Old Globe Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse, and she later taught high school theatre in the San Dieguito Union High School District in San Diego. She was a founding staff member at Canyon Crest Academy and its first Envision Director. Ashley's consulting work has encompassed strategic planning and curriculum support for various schools and districts throughout California including Rancho Santa Fe, Vista Unified, and Oakland School for the Arts. Ashley holds a BA in English and Theatre from Middlebury College and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education.