This month’s Alumnus of the Month spotlight belongs to

Ashley (Dresing) Bradshaw, Class of 1998.

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Ashley, daughter of Tim Dresing of Glen Carbon and Gail Green of Peoria, currently lives in Peoria, IL with her husband, Stephen (’99), and their three children: Sophia, age 12, Kiefer, age 11, and Ella, age 9. Ashley works at Green Ford and Green Chevrolet, and as most business owners, often finds herself playing a “jack-of-all-trades” role, completing whatever anyone on her team needs done at that particular time. 

 

Following her time at Routt, Ashley attended Millikin University and then Illinois College, graduating with a degree in early education and science. In 2004, she and Stephen (’99) were wed in Springfield, IL and they have been each other’s biggest supporters ever since. Shortly after graduation, she decided to go into the family business, where in her 15-year career she has worked her way through every single position in the dealership(s).

 

Her successful career has been shaped by much more than her time at the dealership, however. “You can learn from every job you have,” says Ashley. “Whether it’s as simple as babysitting or running a business. Every job proves to be a lesson in life.” EDITOR’S NOTE: Based on experience, let it be known that Ashley and Stephen were great babysitters, especially to a certain wild and crazy family by the name of Doyle with 6 little ones running around!

 

When she’s not working, what Ashley loves more than anything is spending time with her children. All three are involved with competitive travel sports, so the summer months are spent driving from town to town, gym to gym, and field to field – but they love every minute. “I also enjoy going to my husband’s basketball games. As the defensive Varsity Coach for Peoria Notre Dame High School, I adore wearing my green and navy to cheer on the boys,” says Ashley. She is a family woman and the rock of her household, but she also enjoys experiencing a great concert with her husband, hanging out with her girlfriends, working out at the local Crossfit gym, and running with her dogs.

 

Ashley’s success has, at times, been built around failure, which makes her a strong influence on those around her. “I have failed many times. I have had to rebuild management teams…I even had to step down for the greater success of the store.” Ashley’s uncle - and hero - tragically passed away last summer, and again her life went through a major change. When asked about her time at Routt Catholic High School, Ashley feels the school prepared her for life after high school specifically by “preparing her faith to handle the ups and downs of life…life is hard, and when you think it is easy it will send you a curve ball. That is when family, friends, and faith make you get out of bed, take a deep breath, and you can say ‘OK – let’s try this again.’”

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If you know of a Routt graduate who you would like to nominate as a future Alumnus of the Month, please email cdoyle@routtcatholic.com.