This article is part of a twin profile. Read the companion piece on Clark Thomson’s departure here.

After 19 years at Moorestown Friends School, Associate Director of College Counseling and Upper School Advisor Ashlynne Thomson plans to depart at the end of the 2025-26 school year and move on to the next chapter of her life.

Over her time here, Thomson has helped hundreds of MFS students in their college journey and used Quaker principles in her work by seeing the Light within all her students. 

MFS was the first Quaker institution in which she taught, and though she doesn’t identify as a Quaker, she stated that the Quaker SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship) deeply influenced her and her work at MFS.

“The [values of] simplicity, peace, and integrity [resonate with me] … [The college counseling team is] always encouraging students to be who they are,” said Thomson. “We’re always [telling them] how you have to believe that what you are and [that] what you’re bringing, whether it’s to the college process or to the world, is more than good enough.” 

Director of College Counseling Chris La Tempa, a close colleague of Thomson, recounted the numerous ways that she’s impacted and contributed to the MFS college counseling experience. 

“We share a door that is often propped open, so we collaborate all the time. She has been so great in helping to develop that Junior College Seminar curriculum [and] all of the evening programs … Basically, all of the programming we do, we work on together,” said LaTempa. 

“She is so deeply dedicated to working with students and families, supporting students and families, and trying to make what is an inherently stressful process a bit less stressful,” said LaTempa. 

LaTempa went on to reflect on his first Intensive Learning experience, the Pine Barrens, led by Thomson. 

“She did such an amazing job organizing that trip [and] putting together that experience for students … That was a lot of fun and a great way to work together outside of the realm of College Counseling.”

Another role Thomson plays in MFS’s community is as an advisor for eleventh and twelfth-graders. Aashi Reddy ’26 described her relationship with Thomson as both her advisor and college counselor.  

“It’s really nice to have her there because she knows my workloads, my college stuff, and just my regular school stuff … She helps guide me through both of them simultaneously, which is definitely a huge [help],” she said. 

This is exemplified by how Thomson helped Reddy during her search for colleges.

“She recommended me schools that she thought would match who I am as a person and would help me grow into a better version of myself, and places that I would flourish in.” 

Bodhi Vance-Harris ’26, another advisee of Thomson’s, added that she has “always been someone open to talk about anything,” he added. “I see, even in our advisory, how she cares a lot about protecting people’s peace and feelings.” 

Thomson’s serious passion for guiding students and seeing them succeed was clear.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than when a student’s college options match them well,” said Thomson with a smile.

Livia Kam ’26, a senior who has Thomson as her college counselor, explained her personal relationship with Thomson and the help Thomson has provided her.

“I’ve literally asked her so many questions: over email, outside of school hours, during school hours, during class. I constantly bug her, and she’s always there for me; she really understands me as a person.” 

Kam added on explaining how Thomson isn’t just a college counselor to her because of the care she provides her students. 

 “She has a really nice perspective as a mother. She’s always caring for me, even though she’s my counselor; she’s always making sure that I’m well-fed and that my mental health is really good. She’s always worried about my health, because I do try to overwork myself sometimes, but she’s constantly making sure I’m okay.”

Outside of the help Thomson provided in a professional setting, Reddy stated that she connected with Thomson on a more personal level. 

“She’s definitely someone that I can confide in, I guess [she’s] like a comfort person… She’s very positive … We’re gonna miss her bright and cheery personality.”

The feeling of connection is reciprocated by Thomson, who repeatedly mentioned how conversing with young people is one of her favorite parts of her job.

“I love how students just have these amazing ideas of what their future might look like,” Thomson said fondly.

When asked why she decided to leave MFS, she simply said, “I’m old!” After laughing, she went on to elaborate on the other factors that prompted her and her husband’s decision. 

“As much as we love this place and our work here, [we’ve realized that] we want more balance in our lives… [and also the] piece of mak[ing] sure we have done the things that we want to do together without necessarily the weight of full-time employment.” 

Thomson explained that she and her husband, US history teacher Clark Thomson, plan to move to Vermont, where her mom and brothers live.

“[Our house is] near two really funky towns in Vermont.” She continued, “It’s also near skiing. Pray for me the next time I get on skis. Clark is more graceful on skis than he is on his feet just walking around with a book,” she joked.

Through her humor, her wistfulness at leaving her position at MFS was apparent.

“I love working one-on-one with students… I am going to miss that.” 

Yet, Thomson clarifies that she wishes to continue college counseling work in Vermont. 

“I hope to, [but I] can’t entirely replicate it in our next life.”