As YouthWork Program Director, Ashley Ayala oversees all aspects of the program—from managing federal grants with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to working with teams to create safe and accessible outdoor spaces for communities to enjoy. Ashley says she was drawn to CFS’s YouthWork program for two main reasons: her passion for the outdoors and her desire to have a positive influence on youth. YouthWork has many wonderful facets-- from trail maintenance and removing invasive species to their GoatWork program with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Youth Work is made up of diverse teams of youth ages 17-26. It is designed to strengthen young people and their communities by completing conservation and skilled trades projects for nonprofits and government entities. 

A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, Ashley has always been committed to getting more people outside, fostering a love for nature, and promoting conservation. She spent many years working with parenting and pregnant homeless youth and, more recently, led year-round outdoor camps for vulnerable youth and adults with disabilities. Her work in outdoor recreation even led her to earn Olympic-level certifications in both archery and axe throwing instruction! 

Some of Ashley’s favorite outdoor adventures include hiking in Custer State Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as backpacking trips through North Carolina, Tennessee, and South Carolina. She thrives in leadership roles, enjoys making quick decisions, and loves teaching youth the "lost art of problem-solving." 

Originally from Michigan, Ashley has also lived in Iowa and West Virginia. While living downstate, she and her husband became licensed foster parents, welcoming a set of 3-year-old twins and a 7-year-old into their home—an experience that confirmed their love of parenting. Now settled in Northern Michigan with their 18-month-old son and two standard poodles, Ashley enjoys exploring our region and dreams of one day hiking the Appalachian Trail with her family. 

When she’s not outdoors, you can find Ashley at home, cooking up just about anything, and cherishing time with her family—the thing she’s most proud of.