I am the “Jill” of all trades at Ashland. My official role is Preschool Office Manager, and my responsibilities include typical business management duties such as accounting, billing, contract management, etc. In addition, I fill in as a class substitute teacher as necessary, and have greatly improved my skills as plumber, janitor, handywoman, counselor, critter wrangler (snakes, turtles, a rooster, and a bat, so far), and general operations person. I have recently completed my 90-hour education requirement to officially teach in preschool but love that I get to use my business acumen and interact with children and families every day in my current role. My other hat is as Church Treasurer. In this role I manage the accounting duties of the Church including general contract management, Session data management and reporting, bill paying, etc.
Learn more about Pamela
Why do you do what you do?
After 30+ years as an executive in medical publishing and software sales and marketing I tired of the endless rounds of acquisitions and mergers, reorganizations, and layoffs. To stop and catch my breath a friend suggested I apply as a substitute at Ashland Preschool Center. It was intended to be a brief respite while I figured out next steps, but I fell in love. As a mom to two daughters and nana to two granddaughters I always loved being around children so to be around them every day brought me such joy. I particularly enjoy my interactions with the families; parents, and grandparents, because I have been in their shoes juggling the challenges and, sometimes, guilt of being that working parent. After so many years I stumbled upon my purpose here at Ashland.
Why Ashland?
Ashland is a family-oriented environment with great colleagues, fabulous, supportive families, and funny, engaging children – it is a community in which I have found my place and as much as I feel I contribute I know I am rewarded that times ten in return.
Talk to me about?
My daughters and granddaughters- the loves of my life! Horses, donkeys, chickens, cats and dogs, all breeds, shapes and sizes. I am particularly passionate about my Australian Shepherds and enjoyed years as a pet therapy partner at GBMC’s oncology unit with my dog, Glory. I am passionate about animal rescue and love to help people match their lifestyle to the pet most right for them. I love movies and reading, needlepointing, and have gotten very involved in the rock painting community driven by the Kindness Rock Project. I love live theater. And finally, travel. I have been fortunate enough to have traveled the world and love to share stories of places I have been and dreams in my bucket list of places to go.
When I’m not at Ashland, you’ll mostly likely find me…
Spending as much time as possible with my family and/or on my farm cooking, grooming my horses, playing with my dogs, talking to my chickens, or snuggled up with my three rescue Siamese cats, Stella, Joan Crawford, and Betty Davis, reading, needlepointing, or watching a movie.
