First Follower: Ashley’s leap of faith to join MTR’s first class

Meet ASHLEY GRIFFIN,
Class of 2010

Ashley Griffin’s education journey in Memphis is no small feat, and she is proud of the work MTR teachers and how the organization has changed her life. Honored to be a part of MTR’s first residency class, she is eager to see the work and impact done over the next fifteen years (and more!)

When Ashley first arrived in Memphis, she had no idea the profound ways her life would change. She planned to pursue political science and advocacy, but Ashley's trajectory shifted when she joined MTR as part of its founding class.

“I took a leap of faith,” she laughs. “David didn’t have a schedule or a space when we first interviewed. He said I would be one of the ‘first followers’ and boy…was he right! I must have been a little crazy back then. I had no idea what I was connecting to.”

“I didn’t know what kind of impact MTR would have many years later—on me, on the kids, and on the city. It has been the best decision I have made in my lifetime to date.”

In those early days, Ashley and her cohort were pioneers. “We were just trying to get jobs somewhere. Now, schools across the city ask for MTR teachers specifically,” she says proudly. What began as a vision in a church basement has grown into a powerful force in Memphis education.

Ashley spent five years teaching and continued to serve in many leadership roles: math department chair, mentor teacher, instructional coach, academy director, dean of scholars, founding principal, and more. Today, she is a middle school principal at PCA and mentors principals around the city. Her passion lies in connecting students to real-world experiences. “I’ve taken students to New York City— many had never been on a plane. We’re planning trips to Orlando, Iceland, Costa Rica, and more. It’s about opening up their world to see what’s possible,” she explains.

Memphis has been the perfect backdrop for Ashley’s work. “Memphis has a way of welcoming everyone,” she says. “Whether you’ve been here one year or 25 years, you feel like part of the city. You are a Memphian.”

MTR has been life-changing for Ashley. “MTR embraced me and helped me see a career in educating children and developing people. The training and mentorship made all the difference. “Fifteen years later, I still feel like part of a family,” she says. Her connections with fellow MTR alumni, like April Sullivan and Andrew Owens, remain strong.

Being part of MTR’s founding class is an honor Ashley treasures. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” she reflects. “People now recognize MTR’s impact, and it’s incredible to see the vision come to life. I’m glad I took that leap of faith to be a first follower and see how it has blossomed into a beautiful story of hope for a city.”

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