I am Dr. Elizabeth Ashline. I have been in the field of education for over a decade and have taught at different levels of education that include: Elementary, Middle school, and English Language Learners, as well as Self-Contained settings such as Social-emotional, Cross-Cat, and Home-bound environments. Most of my time in education was spent as a Special Education Coordinator for Resource settings, including co-teaching. I received a dual bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Elementary and Special Education. Right after receiving this, I obtained a position in a self-contained setting. During this time, I went for my master’s degree in autism spectrum disorder. When I completed my master’s program, (a fast-track program), I went into a doctoral program, completing my Ph.D. in General Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction. Therefore, I know the importance of being proactive. 

Currently, along with being a core faculty member at AUI, I have my own Advocacy and Tutoring company in Arizona to support students, parents, and even schools. On a more personal note, in 2017, while completing my doctoral program, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which I currently do immunosuppressant infusions; I of course did not let that get in my way of completing my Ph.D.! I was born and raised in Arizona, and I enjoy traveling; my favorite places to travel are Disneyland (my second home) and small towns such as Show Low and Tombstone.

I consider educators, especially special educators, to be unsung heroes in our communities. They have entered a very important and challenging field.  In your communities, you serve the most vulnerable students.  It is no coincidence that special education teachers have such a high turnover rate, that there is always a shortage of special education teachers, and that job opportunities are always available.  The work you do can have a tremendous positive impact on students who are in need, and you can't be replaced.