Dr. Ashley Gates brings a decade of experience in alternative and special education to her role as a Persistence to Graduation program consultant at the Kentucky Department of Education. Her background includes work as a special education teacher, behavior coach, and digital learning leader, all grounded in a commitment to student voice and relationship-building. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education, an Ed.S. in Principal P-12 preparation, a Rank I in Special Education, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from University of the Cumberlands. She now partners with schools to strengthen re-engagement efforts, promote school connectedness, build inclusive learning environments, and use data to support student success and belonging.
