Ashley Katz

Dancer. Writer. Painter. Artist.

Email:

Address:

I live in the unique and eccentric city of Portland, Oregon.

A Bit About Me

My life has been unconventional, to say the least. I won’t give you a sob story here — that’s a book for another time — but it’s been a strange, winding journey filled with experiences that have defined who I am.

For years, I lived in isolation. I was intentionally kept small, disconnected, and unsure of myself. I was lied to, manipulated, and psychologically abused in ways that were invisible to the outside world. What happened was calculated and deliberate, and it took a long time to understand the reality of it.

I survived a chapter of my life where I was cut off from others, from myself, and from my voice.

This space exists because I am no longer willing to live in isolation.

I create because connection matters. I share because visibility matters. I am here because I don’t want to be alone anymore — and because I believe none of us are meant to be.

Work and Educational Experience

September 2023 - June 2026

January 2020 - June 2026

I have been part of a master’s program at Pacific University, where my academic path evolved alongside my personal growth. In June, I will be graduating with a Master’s of Art's in Education.

This experience has deepened my understanding of learning, systems, and human development, and it has informed how I think about creativity, communication, and connection. My education has reinforced the belief that learning is not one-size-fits-all — and that meaningful growth often comes from adapting, not forcing ourselves into predefined paths.

I worked as a substitute teacher across multiple school districts, and I truly loved the experience. While it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to continue in this role, the time I spent in classrooms was deeply meaningful to me.

I care about helping others, and helping people learn and grow was an incredibly rewarding experience. There is something powerful about the shared moment when curiosity clicks — when a learner is engaged, and knowledge is absorbed with enthusiasm. Those moments reminded me why education, in any form, matters.

September 2014 - June 2019

I took an alternative path through higher education, starting at community college and later transferring to Portland State University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Back to Quick Links