Ashley Clark, a native Vermonter, graduated from the University of Vermont in 2007 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. She then applied her knowledge of the natural world to direct an environmentally focused afterschool program for elementary level students in northern Vermont. Working in a rural community she focused on creating a sense of place for her students through creating connections with the world around them through teaching environmental stewardship, safety in recreation, nature art, and journaling. Following her directorship, Ashley took a position at the University of Vermont in the Faculty Senate office to pursue her interests in governance networks and to further her education.