Jean Ashley has served as director of the Martha Best Children’s Center since 1983. She received a B.S. degree in early childhood education from Appalachian State University in 1975. She taught kindergarten for seven years before becoming director of the Children’s Center.

She is married to Ralph Ashley.  They have three children, Greg, Josh, and Lauren and 5 grandchildren.

Jean serves on Smart Start of Davidson County Board of Directors.  She is a member of the Advisory Board for North Carolina Pre-K and North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children. Her interests include golf and reading.

The Children’s Center offers a full-time preschool, a part-time preschool and an after-school program and is licensed for 120 children. The staff of 25 serves children age 2 to third grade.