Baker billed as guest speaker for Education banquet 

 Southern Ute tribal member, Ashley Baker recently took to the podium to address tribal youth during the Education Department’s annual banquet honoring tribal graduates. Her inspirational words came from personal experience, having recently graduated with a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University in Washington state. 

“Ashley was always determined throughout her higher education journey,” Southern Ute Education Department Assistant Director, Michael Kirsch said. “She was never deterred or disheartened by obstacles that would present themselves.  She saw them as opportunities to grow and learn.”  

Baker got her undergraduate degree in food science, with an emphasis in dietetics from Seattle Pacific University, in Washington state from 2012-2018.  

“It took me a long time to graduate college, because of my lack of confidence in my educational abilities,” Baker said. “When she first went to college, Baker hadn’t decided on her specific field of study or degree and eventually studied abroad for a time. This choice led to an epiphany in her educational journey; while taking a nutrition class abroad she felt a clear sense that she wanted a career that directly helped people through diet and lifestyle. 

“From 2016-2018 while I was going to school, I worked at a residential eating disorder facility in Washington,” Baker said. “And it was here that I was inspired to expand my career beyond just nutrition. I met and worked with Naturopathic doctors at the clinic and found out about my career that I’m in now, and that’s when I decided I wanted to pursue naturopathic medicine.” 

The educational path was never straightforward for Baker.  

“I went to six different grade schools from K-12, because my dad was in the military, and we moved every couple of years,” she said. “Which made it difficult to keep up with the different education standards. I think this is a unique education journey, it was not a clear road; which led to me not being really confident in reading or math. I was struggling in those areas, which made me question college.” 

Baker attended a school in California that offered many college visits, and during her junior year Baker visited about five colleges, which ignited excitement in her pursuing an undergraduate degree. “After visiting the campuses, I was able to see myself there and see myself making new memories outside the comfort of my own home,” she said.  

“I have been working with Michael and So. Ute Education since 2012 when I started my undergraduate degree,” Baker said. “I feel like I’ve had such a positive experience with them, and they have been so supported in my endeavors. They have been really receptive of my education timeline, and they have provided tutoring services. Being acknowledged by them in little ways has been a boost in my confidence.” 

 “It is great to be a part of a program that can help our tribal students reach their educational goals and realize the great opportunities that ongoing education can provide,” Southern Ute Education Department Assistant Director, Michael Kirsch said. “It has been a pleasure to work with Ashley as she is an excellent communicator and dedicated student.” 

“I encourage students that are considering any type of post-secondary schooling to investigate the programs the Education Department has to offer,” Kirsch said. 

When asked about what she would like to tell other students considering their future in higher education, Baker shared her own personal thoughts.  

“I think that despite any adversity that you might face, don’t let failure keep you away from your dreams,” Baker said. “Keep going and enjoy the process along the way. When I graduated high school, I didn’t know that either of my career choices were options, and it’s OK to learn more about yourself and find a career that is a good fit for you.” 

Dr. Ashley Baker, ND graduated with her doctorate degree on June 24, 2024 at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Wash. Her parents are Raymond and Rachel Baker.