Ashley Matalone was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where her early love for animals and children began. Inspired by her younger sister—who was born three months premature and weighed just one pound—Ashley pursued a degree in Child Development, earning her Bachelor’s from Humboldt State University in Northern California.
Over the past decade, Ashley has worked in a variety of early childhood settings, including Montessori classrooms, preschools, as a lead infant teacher, a behavioral aide for children with autism, and as a nanny for multiple families. Her broad experience has deepened her passion for supporting the growth and development of young children in nurturing, intentional environments.
Ashley discovered Tucson Waldorf School while searching for a place that aligned with her values, and immediately felt drawn to its holistic philosophy, strong sense of community, and deep connection to the rhythms of nature. She is honored to be part of the Sunflower Garden and excited to continue her journey as an early childhood educator, learning and growing alongside the children and colleagues.
Outside the classroom, Ashley loves spending time in nature with her two dogs, hiking, paddleboarding, traveling, and capturing moments through photography.