Ashley Bartley

Ashley Bartley, M.Ed., NCC is a school counselor whose writing has been published in The Joyful Life Magazine and on the Kindred Mom Blog. Her social emotional learning book series includes "Diamond Rattle Love to Tattle," "Opal Octopus Is Overwhelmed," "Remi in Overdrive," "Jasper Lizard Wants to Stay Home," "Molly and the Runaway Trolley," and "Bravo, Jalen," all published by Boys Town Press. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from The University of Virginia and her M.Ed. in School Counseling from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, where she grew up. She also has a diploma from The Institute of Children’s Literature and is a National Board Certified Counselor. She lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband and three boys.

Ashley loves hiking National Parks, spending time with family, reading thrillers and historical fiction, and going on adventures. Some of her favorites include running the Disney Marathon and Shamrock Marathon, flying in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, kissing the Blarney Stone, dancing at the Eras Tour, spinning the wheel on The Price is Right, snuggling a baby kangaroo, and walking up the steps of a roller coaster!

She has always loved reading, and her dream to become an author began in second grade. She also volunteered as a costumed interpreter at Colonial Williamsburg for eight years as a child, and one day, while giving a tour, one of the children in her tour group recognized her from her social studies textbook! This connection affirmed her love of education and learning, and she went on to become a school counselor. Some of her most fun jobs have been working at a candy store and serving on the leadership team at summer camp, but being a mother has been her favorite role.

Ashley's books address common childhood concerns, from tattling, to overwhelm, ADHD, separation anxiety, and school refusal. Each book offer strategies that can be implemented at home and at school and includes a page of tips for educators and caregivers. Are you wanting to turn the book into an SEL classroom lesson? You can find five companion activities for each book on the Boy Town Press website.

Ashley's books include:

Diamond Rattle Loves to Tattle (2020, Boys Town Press)

Opal Octopus Is Overwhelmed (2021, Boys Town Press)

Remi in Overdrive (2022, Boys Town Press)

Jasper Lizard Wants to Stay Home (2023, Boys Town Press)

Molly and the Runaway Trolley (August 2023, Boys Town Press)

Bravo, Jalen (April 2025, Boys Town Press)

You can find more elementary school counseling resources, activities, games, and curriculum from Ashley at her TPT store, Counselor Station, or on her Counselor Station blog. Resource topics include anxiety and worry, bullying and conflict, career exploration, changing families, friendship and social skills, grief and loss, hygiene, middle school transition, mindfulness, personal safety, self-regulation skills, social emotional learning, stranger danger, study skills, test anxiety, and more!