Ashley Williams
K-8 School Counselor
Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology, University of Northern Iowa; Master's Degree, Counseling, University of Northern Iowa
Ashley Williams started her career as a school counselor in 2014. In 2020, she joined Iowa Connections Academy, where she’s a counselor for students in grades K–8. Her favorite part of the job is “helping students reach their goals, both academically and emotionally.”
Why She Became an Educator
“I always loved working with my school counselor,” says Ms. Williams. “She was really involved with students in different groups and organizations and made her presence known in the school, so everyone was comfortable talking to her.
“I always knew I wanted to be in a role that could help others, and being a school counselor is a unique way to be a supportive person in a student’s life. During college, I worked in before-and-after school childcare programs. After I graduated, I worked six years in a brick-and-mortar school in northern Iowa before coming to Iowa Connections Academy.
“It’s so wonderful to see a student accomplish something they have been working hard at. The increased sense of self-confidence and pride is valuable, and playing a small part in that victory is so rewarding.”
The Online School Experience at Iowa Connections Academy
Ms. Williams works with elementary teachers in leading social-emotional learning lessons and says, “Students are able to learn about their emotions … and how to cope and handle big feelings. I also work with students in small groups and one-on-one settings. I’m here to help students be successful any way I can.”
The staff here strive to help students be successful. They go above and beyond to make sure any student who wants help, gets it.
— Ms. Williams
Message for Families Considering Online School
Ms. Williams adds, “At Iowa Connections Academy, teachers and staff members are open, accepting, and encouraging of all students. They genuinely want to help students. If parents or students seek out help, they will find it at our school. … Students leave here with a well-rounded education and the self-confidence to be successful outside of school.”
About Ms. Williams
In her free time, Ms. Williams says she enjoys “drag racing, scrapbooking, photography, and spending time outdoors with my dogs and kids.”