Joyce Ashby is a Paraeducator for Ilwaco High School in the Ocean Beach School District.

How long have you worked for ESD 112 and what does your job entail?

I have worked for ESD for 9 years. This year is going on 10. I work in the Special Ed department, and help life skills and resource students. I go to the classrooms where they need help, and I take notes and help the students I look after. Later in the day I sit with them to help them back in the SpEd Room.

What do you like best about your job?

I love to help students learn and teach them the life skills to better themselves.  I enjoy the special-ness they bring to the table. They have such special spirits about them. I enjoy that they trust me, and can ask me for help always.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

There are a few subjects that I even have a hard time with, and I have to work hard to help them.  It is like taking high school over again. Math is the hardest for me.

Single? Married? Kids? Pets?

I have been happily married for 28 years. My husband’s name is Roy. We have 2 boys. Eric who is 36 years old, and Jacob (Jake) who is 34 years old. We have 2 grandchildren. We currently have no pets. We had a dog, and he went to doggie heaven a few years ago. His name was Mufasa King…He is surely missed.

Joyce and her husband, Roy.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I enjoy making scrapbooks and homemade cards for people, and I love to write poems. I enjoy reading a lot too, and working out on the treadmill each day. I enjoy doing things with my wonderful husband.

If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?

Non-fiction and/or The Big Bang Theory show.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

To be able to do math with no problems and/or do better with sewing.  Also be better at communicating with others in short versions.  My stories are long!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

To be able to fly to help others and to teach love to all! Helping out in all ways.

If you could speak another language, which would it be and why?

I have always loved French speaking..

If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?

The future.

What was your most interesting past job?

Working at a bank in duplication department.

What is your spirit animal?

Tiger for sure.