Ashley Whitlatch currently works as an advanced practice provider, a director of nursing operations, and teaches nurse practitioners at Thrive NP. She has over fifteen years of experience within the healthcare field. Within the past year, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by birthing A.K. Hybrid Health, a nurse practitioner-led telehealth clinic. Her most recent education was from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where she received a Doctorate of Nurse Practice in conjunction with a Master of Business Administration in May of 2022.

She has experience serving on different committees and being a board member within her community. She serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the American Nurses Association-Illinois. Within the past year, she served on committees, including the ‘Racial Justice and Equity Commission- Child and Youth Development Committee’, and the ‘Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee for the local school district and was also a member of the ‘Executive Leadership Team’ for the American Heart Association, where she served as the chair. Ashley belongs to two professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association- Illinois and the American College of Healthcare Executive of North Texas.

Ashley has won several awards, including the ‘40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award’ for the state of Illinois, the American Heart Association’s ‘Peoria Woman of Impact Award’, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award, and 40 Leaders Under 40 for the city of Peoria. She was also recognized by Illinois’ very own Comptroller Susana Mendoza for Women’s History Month. Ashley believes mentorship is essential for growth, so she advocates and encourages mentoring relationships.

Ashley is also a children’s author and published a book to uplift and encourage children of all ages. She has two children and loves to travel the world with them in her free time. She loves spending time with family and friends while making memories that will last a lifetime. She is determined to give back to her community by being a dedicated healthcare and health education leader.