Ashley Phelps

Dr. Ashley Phelps entered the field of gifted education in 2014 when she enrolled in endorsement courses under the guidance of former NAGC president, Dr. Lauri Kirsch. Inspired by the work of Lauri and her team, Ashley moved into a gifted teacher role at a Title-I school and joined Hillsborough’s gifted leadership team, collaborating with other professionals to support gifted learners throughout the district. Ashley then served gifted children and their families through her employment at a statewide virtual school district in an administrative role. She completed her PhD in Education with a focus on Leadership, Policy, and Change, including a dissertation focused on addressing underrepresentation in Florida’s gifted programs, in 2023.

Ashley is a board member for the NAGC affiliate Florida Gifted Network, where she advocates for gifted students statewide. She also supports adult learners as an adjunct instructor at the University of Arizona's Global Campus.

In 2026, Ashley founded her own nonprofit organization focused on providing educational support and enrichment to all students, regardless of income, in her local community.

Ashley is passionate about supporting gifted children and their families, with a special heart for underserved populations. Her favorite role in this field, however, is being the parent of a twice-exceptional child.