LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ashleigh Holbrook was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Holbrook believes a positive classroom environment starts with relationships. She greets each student by name every morning and focuses on building trust and connection. She incorporates SEL (social-emotional learning) practices and routines that encourage kindness, empathy, and responsibility.

With many of her students being bilingual Spanish speakers, she makes sure they feel seen and valued by using both languages when appropriate and celebrating their culture in their classroom. She also models a growth mindset, provides consistent structure, and sets high but achievable expectations. Her classroom is a safe place where students feel confident to take risks, make mistakes, and grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

One of her most pressing classroom needs is access to more culturally responsive and bilingual resources—particularly in literacy. Many of her students are Spanish-speaking and benefit significantly from books and materials that reflect their home language and experiences. Having more bilingual books and visuals would help students build stronger vocabulary and comprehension while feeling more connected to the content.

Additionally, updated technology such as Chromebook headphones would support differentiated instruction on Chromebooks and allow her to tailor learning for individual student needs—especially during literacy and math rotations. Many of her students thrive with visuals, interactive activities, and opportunities to work independently at their own pace. 

Finally, basic supplies like dry-erase markers, sturdy folders and notebooks, and leveled readers are always in high demand in a first-grade classroom. These tools might seem small, but they directly impact the daily learning experience—helping students stay organized, engaged, and confident in their work.

This will be her fifth year teaching, and her second year as grade level chair. She takes pride in being a leader and supporting other educators in their journeys teaching young minds. She is also a coach for Girls on the Run, an empowering program that teaches 3rd-5th grade girls how to make healthy choices, physically, mentally, and socially.