Ashley Fox, CTSP, City of Aurora
Diversity within the tree care industry fosters innovation and creativity on the job site. Every climber brings a unique set of strengths, challenges, and perspectives. This presentation celebrates the diversity of climbers’ shapes, sizes, and styles by offering practical tips to accommodate individual physiology and climbing preferences. Ashley will address common obstacles climbers face—such as endurance, differences in muscle composition, and body mechanics—and provide creative solutions to overcome them. Working from the belief that every task has multiple paths to success, this session will demonstrate how to adapt climbing techniques and workflows to suit your body’s needs. Topics will include gear selection, wardrobe considerations, and nutrition strategies, with live demonstrations of ascent techniques, mechanical advantage systems, and system setups tailored to different physiques. Whether you’re adjusting to your own unique physiology or supporting a diverse team, this presentation will empower you to approach challenges with confidence and adaptability.

Biography

Fox, Ashley, CTSP – City of Aurora
Ashley Fox is a dedicated arborist and passionate advocate for safety and education in the tree care industry. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South (Class of 2019) with departmental honors in Natural Resources, Ashley began her career in arboriculture in 2020 through an apprenticeship with a Colorado municipality. Since starting as a tree climbing trainee in September 2020, Ashley has achieved several professional certifications, including Arborist Apprentice Journeyworker, Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Climber Specialist, and Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP). She is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and has participated in multiple climbing competitions. Ashley is currently a municipal arborist and an instructor for the Arborist Apprentice Journeyworker Program through Front Range Community College, teaching tree biology and climbing techniques. Her passions include fostering a strong safety culture, exploring innovative climbing gear, connecting with fellow arborists, and traveling for both professional growth and personal connections.