For Ashley Stone Kline ’01, coming back to Harley as the School’s new Director of Enrollment is like coming home.
Her Harley story began in elementary school as a day camper, long before she enrolled as a student in Grade 7. By Grade 8, Harley had become even more deeply woven into family life when her mother was hired as Business Manager. From those early years on, Harley was never just a school to Ashley—it was home. That sense of belonging is what she now hopes to share with prospective families.
Because she experienced Harley as a student herself, Ashley brings something uniquely personal to her work in enrollment. She can speak in the first person about what it means to be known here, supported here, and shaped here. She knows firsthand the extraordinary care our employees show students and families, and she sees helping others discover that as central to her role.
After building a career in enrollment and development at St. Stephens and St. Agnes School and George Washington University, both in the Washington, D.C. area, Ashley returns with both experience and vision. She speaks about creating meaningful first touchpoints for families, recognizing that the admissions process is not simply about enrolling students, but about beginning lifelong relationships.
Her approach, she says, is “data informed, but relationship driven.” Data may help identify where and when families are engaging with Harley, but relationships are what bring the School’s value to life. She is eager to elevate how Harley tells its story—showcasing not only its exceptional academics, but its distinctive combination of college preparation and life preparation.
For Ashley, Harley’s value proposition extends well beyond the classroom. It is a place where students are prepared to contribute to the world, supported by a vast alumni network and a community that remains with them long after graduation. “We need to show the relationships and partnerships that come from being at Harley,” she says, adding, borrowing a phrase from Head of School, Dr. Ryan Kimmet ’95, P ‘30, ‘33, that she hopes to “add more sparkle and elevate.”
Her connection to Harley has only deepened over time. In addition to serving as a development volunteer and supporting Reunion efforts over the years, Ashley was once featured in a Harley Fund postcard and video declaring, fittingly, “Harley is home.”
Now, that sentiment has become even more personal as her son, Alex, will be joining Harley next year in Nursery. “Having Alex here is a dream come true I didn’t even know I had,” she says. Sharing Harley traditions with him feels both joyful and full circle.
When Ashley describes what makes a Harley education distinctive, she returns again and again to the community. Here, she says, children are known. Families are known. Yes, students receive outstanding academic preparation, but they also learn kindness, service, and what it means to be part of something larger than themselves.
Looking ahead, Ashley’s hopes for Harley are rooted in both growth and continuity. She envisions robust enrollment while staying true to the relationships and community that define the School. As Harley approaches its 110th year, she is excited to strengthen connections by involving current students and parents more in the enrollment process; from student leadership opportunities to parent ambassadors who can help new families feel welcomed from the very start. She imagines an admissions process where families don’t just receive information, but experience belonging before their first day.
For someone who has known Harley as a camper, student, volunteer, parent, alumna, and now enrollment leader, that vision feels deeply authentic. Ashley isn’t simply telling prospective families what Harley can be—she is living proof.
Ashley had a visit from former member of the Harley business office, Nita Goronkin (1997-2020). Nita worked with Ashley’s mom, Marlene Stone (Business Office, 1996-2001)!
