Ashlea Taylor

Ashlea Taylor is in her 16^th year at Presbyterian School. She worked in Admission and all aspects of the Philanthropy office including Annual Fund, Alumni, Volunteers, and Special Events, before becoming the Head of Philanthropy in 2015. In her work, Ashlea enjoys connecting with each family at PS and helping both parents and families find ways to have a transformational experience at Presbyterian School. Ashlea has two daughters, Lilly (PS ’27) and Pearl (PS ’29) with her husband Brad, and she is soaking up the years where they still love that “mom works at school!” When not at school, Ashlea enjoys cooking with her family, needlepointing, and hosting friends and family.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Family and Consumer Science, Baylor University
Certification in Comprehensive Fund Development, Rice University

Q & A with ASHLEA

What are your top five CliftonStrengths, and which ONE do you find yourself leaning into the most these days?
My top five strengths are futuristic, strategic, includer, focus, and activator. I resonate with all of them, but I probably love the combination of futuristic and strategic the most. I love to visualize clear goals for the future and then set out on the most strategic way to achieve those goals.

What’s your favorite part of the PS Mission ("Family, School and Church united in the education and support of each Child") and why?
I have three favorites! I love that the words, “family” and “church,” are ingrained in the School’s mission because family and spirituality are integral in the education of children. I also love the word, “each”. As a parent of students in the School, I’m blown away by how individualized both of my daughter’s experiences have been. We have two very different children and they have been educated, encouraged, and challenged in very different ways.

What’s your happy place?
My Happy place in Houston would be sitting in our living room with the family and the fire on! Even in the summer, we love to turn it on at night for an extra cozy feeling. My very favorite happy place of all time is Cinque Terre, Italy. It’s five tiny coastal villages on the coast of Italy that connect by walking paths between each town. It’s the most charming and quaint place I’ve ever been.

Are Christmas gifts from Santa wrapped or unwrapped?
Definitely unwrapped! Santa does NOT have time to get all the way around the world (or through the Christmas season) AND wrap the gifts.

Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter?
Crunchy! But don’t take smooth away from me either. I think both are vital. If eaten alone, you just can’t beat crunchy, but life without a smooth Reese’s peanut butter cup would just be sad.

What makes you laugh? My husband, Brad. He has the most under the radar dry humor that I find hysterical. I also can’t help but laugh when one of my daughters is having a laughing attack. It’s one of my favorite things to experience.

What was your favorite activity as a 10 year old?
Dad/ Daughter dates were always my favorite. I loved trying new restaurants with my dad or seeing a new movie, and I could usually talk him into buying me a toy at the end!