Professional Q&A: Ashley Spence

Ashley Spence, the Vice President at LilyPad, the provider of all-in-one childcare management software, shares her story and how it intersects with Edmond. From her early days as the Easter Bunny at Quail Springs Mall to a pivotal role at LilyPad, her journey reflects a blend of professional evolution and deep-rooted community ties. Discover Ashley’s unique trajectory, her love for Edmond’s communal spirit, and insightful tips for fellow professionals.

Q: Do you live in Edmond, work in Edmond, or both?

A: I moved to Edmond in my fifth-grade year, so twenty-three years ago. Now I feel old! But I moved a few times to various cities around the metro after high school and came back to Edmond in 2022.

Our office is in OKC, but I often work remotely from home or coffee shops in Edmond! My sister and dad are also in Edmond, so we’re thrilled to be back and be closer to family! 

Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?

A: Before moving to Oklahoma in 5th grade, my family and I moved around a bit. I was born in Moore, Oklahoma, but shortly after, we moved to New Hampshire.

We lived there for a few years before we moved to Missouri. When we came here in 2000, I went to Washington Irving Elementary, then Cheyenne Middle School, and Santa Fe High School. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, along with a Master of Arts in Human Services and Counseling from Liberty University. 

Q: What did you do prior to getting involved with LilyPad?

A: I have done so many things!

So fun back story, my first job ever was being the Easter Bunny and assisting Santa as an elf at Quail Springs Mall. I worked in restaurants as a teen and young adult. I worked in several retail shops before landing my first “big girl” job at Farmers Insurance as a Total Loss Claims Adjuster.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was high-risk and ultimately chose to leave my stressful job to be a stay-at-home mom and further my education. I then went to work at Express Employment Professionals as an Employment Specialist. I absolutely adored that job. Express is just the best company with the best management team. 

Q: How did you get involved with LilyPad?

A: When the pandemic hit, life changed, and I found myself searching for something with a different schedule that could accommodate my life as a wife and mom of 4 young children. That is when my sister, Alisha, called asking for help with some projects with [her two companies,] Easy Time Clock and LilyPad. She needed assistance and I was eager to help.

I was originally hired just to assist with a short-term project, but we quickly realized how well we work together, and we wanted to keep that going. I’ve been with Easy Time Clock and LilyPad for almost 3 years now.

In hindsight, life falling apart during the pandemic was an absolute blessing in disguise.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: There are so many things I love about my job. I love who I work with. I love getting to network and talk to people. I love staying busy. I love having a flexible schedule.

I think what I love most is how much I am learning and growing as a person, a professional, and a newbie in the tech world. I never in a million years thought I would be involved in software development and working directly with programmers. 

Not only do I get to learn new things on a regular basis, I get to work with my family and feel like a valued part of their team and it’s an honor to be a part of it.

Q: What’s something you’re passionate about in your personal life?

A: My number one passion is being a mother. I pride myself on my ability to teach and help my children grow. There is no bigger honor than being the person who gets to see them implement the life lessons they are being taught.

Myself, my husband, and most of our children are very passionate about music. We all use music as our therapy, and singing makes us feel whole. If I couldn’t sing and listen to others sing, I would feel empty inside. 

I am passionate about art. Creating art is a part of my soul. It runs in the family, too. My father is an insanely talented artist. I would be lucky to be even a fraction as talented as he is. 

I am passionate about mental health. I am a huge mental health advocate. I substitute teach in Edmond Public Schools because I love being able to build relationships with children who need someone to love them and someone to listen to them. There are so many children in need of being heard, and I want to be that person for them. I want to be that person who can make a difference in their life by instilling what I have learned about life and how to cope with unfortunate circumstances. 

Q: What do you like about Edmond?

A: I love the community. I love my neighbors, the teachers, the beautiful parks, and the walking trails. I love that everything is so close by. I could walk to Starbucks! I may or may not spend way too much money on Bath and Body Works down the road, but it’s down the road!! I love that. I get my shopping fix in without having to go to a big, crowded mall.

Most of all, I love that I feel like it’s a safe place for my family to be. If we were in trouble, I know a dozen neighbors nearby would come help out. 

I also love that there is always something fun happening. There are always events happening at Hafer Park, Mitch Park, and fun things in downtown Edmond. Holidays in Edmond are so much fun. 

Q: What is your number one tip for other professionals?

A: Take care of yourself. If you neglect yourself, you’ll get burnt out quickly. Take a walk, drink your favorite latte, buy a new outfit, and do the things you love. Life is just a mess if you can’t enjoy the little things.

If you are stressed out, go sit outside in the sunshine for 10 minutes. The Vitamin D from the sun will boost the serotonin in your brain and make you feel in a better mood. I promise you; it works. I do it often.

A small break throughout the day can make a huge difference, especially if you are stuck inside an office all day long.