Hello! Weytk! Bonjour! I’m Ashley Epp, a 22-year-old teacher candidate from Chilliwack, British Columbia. Growing up on the coast of BC, I experienced a childhood that was constantly changing. My family moved frequently, and by the time I graduated from high school, I had attended around 9 different schools. Always the “new kid,” I found myself in an ever-shifting landscape of classrooms, teachers, and learning environments. While these transitions were often challenging, they provided me with a unique perspective into the diversity of educational experiences and the many barriers students face. It is thanks to this journey that I developed a deep understanding of how powerful and how personal learning can be.
At 21, I was diagnosed with ADHD. The diagnosis brought clarity to many of my own struggles in school, especially those involving focus, organization, and accessing appropriate learning supports. It also helped to build my passion for inclusive education. I know firsthand how isolating it can be to navigate school without the tools or understanding needed to truly do your best. As a future educator, I am committed to helping students who face similar challenges- those who may learn differently, who may feel unseen, or who are still discovering how they learn best. Every student deserves a quality education that respects and responds to their individual needs and strengths.
My passion for working with children began long before I considered teaching as a career. Even as a child, I found joy in mentoring and including younger kids in games and group activities. In high school, I volunteered with a local youth group, guiding a Grade 5 cohort, and tutored clarinet for students in Grades 6-8. These early experiences solidified my belief that education is not just about gaining new knowledge- it’s about connection, encouragement, and growth. I see teaching as a way to inspire, support, and empower. I may not be able to change every circumstance a student faces, but I can offer them a space where they feel seen, capable, and encouraged to keep growing. To me, that is the heart of teaching.
As an educator, I bring a vibrant sense of creativity to any classroom I am a part of. More than anything, I love to integrate my passion for the arts into every aspect of my teaching. I believe that creativity is one of the most powerful tools for self-expression, and I’m committed to providing students with diverse opportunities to explore and express their unique identities. With a background in visual art, crocheting, creative writing, music, and theatre, I have a wide range of skills to draw from when designing engaging, hands-on activities. I especially love incorporating arts and crafts into the classroom, as they offer students plenty of exciting and imaginative ways to connect with learning. Whether it’s through storytelling, performance, or creating something with their own hands, I want my students to feel comfortable taking risks, thinking outside the box, and confident in their creativity. By fostering this kind of environment, I aim to build a classroom that is not only inclusive and dynamic, but also deeply inspiring.
PS – All art and illustrations on this website were created by me!