Meet Our Founder

Dedicated to improving the quality of education for students and families.

Ashley E. Harding, MA
Founder and Educational Therapist

Ashley is a fourth-generation educator.  

A Los Angeles native, dedicated to advancing educational equity, Ashley earned a B.S. from USC and an M.A. in Child Development from Tufts University. Her commitment to education has taken her from studying reform in South Africa at NYU to serving as a Graduate Fellow in Belize through the University of Pennsylvania Social Impact program.

 With over a decade of experience, Ashley supports students and families in private and independent schools, bridging cultural and academic gaps. As the former Director of External Engagement for a national school network, she supported over 6,000 students and co-authored research on educational disparities among Black and Latino males. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and in collaboration with Dr. James Jennings of Tufts and Harvard University.

Through North Star Academics, she provides evidence-based strategies that empower students to excel academically and develop key life skills. Ashley also serves on the board of the Black Education Advocacy Network (BEAN) and is a member of CHADD’s National Education Committee, advocating for students with learning differences and executive functioning challenges.

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Our founder, an experienced educational therapist, specializes in the intersectionality of neurodivergence and BIPOC learners. Book Ashley for your next event, podcast, or media inquiry.