Momentum Mom Corporal Natalie Ashby models kindness, strength, and bravery to both her daughter and the community she serves and protects.
Natalie Ashby is a deputy sheriff corporal at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, working within the North Naples District Community Oriented Policing Unit. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Belmont Abbey College, her master’s in forensic science from Florida Gulf Coast University, and is pursuing a doctorate in philosophy in industrial and organizational psychology. She has received a number of awards for her work, including Deputy of the Quarter Award; the Medal of Valor, which is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers; and the Distinguished Public Service Award for Law Enforcement.
What made you decide to become a deputy? As a young child I was always intrigued by police officers. I felt that they possessed a great deal of strength and brav-ery; combined with the genuine desire to not only protect, but to help other people.
What do you love about your job? I enjoy the diversity in my day-to-day experiences. I am utilizing different skills, from more technical policing to drawing upon human and community interaction skills while working with colleagues and people in our community.
What is a typical week night like for your family? I think it mirrors that of many busy young families. To maximize the time we spend together, we walk or run for physical activity, we make art work, I help with homework, and we read books. Then we close out the evening with dinner and bedtime rituals, before collapsing into bed.
Do you have any favorite local spots you go to with your family? We prefer interactive activities that can be experienced again and again. The Naples Zoo and the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and are among our favorite local places.
What’s the best parenting advice you’ve received? The best parenting advice I’ve received remains that “character is not simply something that you teach your children, but rather something that you demonstrate for them each and every day.” If you want to have a child who is inquisitive and kind, be the type of adult role model they can emulate.
What’s the best and worst part about your daughter’s current age? My daughter is four and that is such an amazing age. I love everything about it. She is learning so much and asks so many questions! She is so smart and it amazes me every day how quickly her mind is develop-ing. The worst part about her being four is that she is growing so quickly. I wish I could slow down time.
What’s your proudest moment as a mother? I have so many proud moments as a mother. My daughter’s kindness and loving attitude toward everyone is so amazing. What are your hopes and goals for 2018? I look forward to 2018 being a year in which I step up to challenges and log achievements in all facets of my life; as a loving and present mother, daughter, sister and friend, and also as a dedicated employee.