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Ashley Pankey
Ms. Ashley sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon

Ashley Pankey

Learning Specialist

ashley.pankey@dcsdk12.org

My Favorite Things

 

Meet Ms. Ashley

Hi Crew!  My name is Ashley, and I’m incredibly excited for another year as a member of Crew.  Here is a little more about me…

  • I love lists.

  • Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, I spent a lot of time boating, eating hot dogs, eating pizza, wishing Illinois had mountains, and playing competitive sports.

  • For ten years, I traveled the country with my competitive cheerleading team.  I spent so much time at the gym, my coach eventually just started paying me to work with the younger teams.

  • For my final five years as a cheerleader, I volunteered to work with the special abilities cheerleading team at my gym.  This is where I developed my passion for working with individuals who have disabilities.  There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone grow with independence and confidence.

  • My first major in college was Fire Science.  My dad is a Fire Chief, and I have spent lots of time at the firehouse.  After 50 hours of clinical time working the graveyard shift in the ER, I decided it just wasn’t my jam.  My heart was set on being a Special Educator.

  • After I graduated from Illinois State University as a Learning and Behavior Specialist, I packed my life into my car and moved west.  I have been living and teaching in the country's best state since 2015.

  • In 2019, I married my husband, Charlie.  He has the world’s best job as a corporate chef for the world’s largest mozzarella cheese company!

  • Recently, I decided I needed to learn more about dyslexia and earned my master’s degree from Regis University as a Reading Specialist.  I take great pride in helping students overcome their literacy and learning challenges.

  • In 2022 and again in 2025, Charlie and I had our kids, Hadley and Hunter, to complete our family.  

  • I enjoy camping, working out, playing sports, spending time with friends/family, trying new foods, fly fishing, snowmobiling, traveling, baking, buying things on Amazon, and being outdoors. Oh, and I’m addicted to Diet Coke and chocolate.

  • I chose to become a member of Crew because I feel my teaching philosophy lines up seamlessly with the culture at REMS.  I’m deeply passionate about building relationships with students and their families, as well as, creating lessons that are functional and meaningful to foster independence. 

Feel free to contact me via email at aapankey@dcsdk12.org or to my direct office line at (303) 387-8010.  WE ARE CREW!