Ashley Raithel

Ashley Raithel serves as an Associate Professor of English at Middlesex Community College. With a non-traditional academic path, she previously worked as a cosmetologist and explored veterinary technology before discovering her passion for English literature. She holds a BS in English (summa cum laude) from Mount Ida College and an MA in Literature from Simmons College.

Her teaching focuses on composition and introductory literature courses, emphasizing the transformative power of reading and writing. She has taught at multiple institutions including Mount Ida College, Eastern Nazarene College, and Southern Connecticut State University prior to joining Middlesex full-time.

Raithel advocates for students' career exploration through her own experiences, and serves as the American Association for University Women (AAUW) representative. Her literary influences include Anne Lamott, Tom Robbins, J.K. Rowling, and Sherman Alexie.

Outside academia, she resides in East Haddam with her husband, dog, three cats, and five chickens, reflecting her commitment to both scholarly and rural life.