Meet the minds behind blooming buddies!

Ashley is the founder of Blooming Buddies, a family lifestyle and children's activity community. She created this community with families in mind. Modern-day parenthood can be isolating at times. Children are best when raised in a village. Ashley wanted to create a space where families can achieve the life-work balance we all strive for.

 Ashley is a licensed state of New Jersey preschool to fifth-grade teacher.  Ashley was not always a teacher and began her schooling in business education at Marist College in New York.  She graduated from Marist College with a business degree in marketing and fashion merchandising.  

After a few years in the business world, Ashley felt unfulfilled and knew she had to be in a career in which she could help others.  She began the process of going to school at The College of Saint Elizabeth in New Jersey to get certified in early childhood education. 

Years after elementary school teaching, getting married, and having two daughters she decided to resign from her classroom teaching position and further her education to obtain a certificate to become a Child Development Specialist.  She felt the need to be at home with her daughters and wanted to continue her role as a teacher so she worked with families who needed assistance in developmental intervention.  

Ashley is an animal lover and a true beach girl at heart.  She loves collecting seashells or searching for sea life at the beach.  Ashley loves to care for her adopted dog and her two guinea pigs.

Most of all she loves spending time with her family.  

With over 15 years of teaching experience, she is ready for this new venture and cannot wait to get to know her Blooming buddies!

Former educator turned stay-at-home mom, Katie is thrilled to return to the classroom! She is a graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Language Arts. 

She also has her Special Education certification from William Paterson University. Katie spent ten years teaching everything from preschool to fifth grade, and even taught English in Honduras. 

She lives in North Haledon with her husband and three boys, ages six, five and three. In her free time, Katie enjoys traveling, gardening, trying new foods, and reading. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially at her family’s home in Long Beach Island. 

She is excited for the opportunity to connect, learn and grow with the wonderful families at Blooming Buddies!