We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Bailey. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m really lucky to have some amazing people in my life. One of my closest friends is my go-to adventure buddy. We take road trips, go to music shows, and spend way too much time gaming together. They’re also the kind of friend I can have real, meaningful conversations with about life, which makes those experiences even better.
On top of that, I’m currently in grad school, so a lot of my time is spent learning, growing, and figuring out who I want to be professionally. It’s a busy season, but it’s also one where I’m constantly evolving.
One of the greatest sources of joy for me, though, is watching my children move through different seasons of their own lives. Seeing them grow, change, and become more of who they are meant to be brings a depth of meaning that’s hard to put into words. In the middle of all the busyness, those moments remind me what really matters and fill my life with so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m the founder of Divergent Billing & Consulting, a Uniontown, Ohio–based company dedicated to helping private practices succeed by simplifying the often overwhelming world of behavioral health billing and administration.
At Divergent Billing, we offer personalized support in areas such as credentialing and contracting, claims resolution, practice startup assistance, office management training, and comprehensive education on revenue cycle best practices.
What makes our work truly unique is our personalized, neurodivergent-informed approach. We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we listen to your specific challenges and design services that bring clarity and confidence back into your practice operations. With over a decade of experience, we help practitioners streamline their processes, enhance financial outcomes, and focus more on patient care while reducing paperwork.
I’m passionate about empowering clinicians and practice owners with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Whether you’re just launching your practice or looking to optimize your current systems, we are here to support your journey every step of the way.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. From a young age, I watched him show up consistently, work hard, and take pride in what he did. No shortcuts. No excuses. His work ethic set a powerful example for me and shaped how I approach my own professional life.
More importantly, he taught me that honesty and integrity matter just as much as effort. Doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient, was always non-negotiable for him. Those values have stayed with me and guide how I work with others, make decisions, and build trust in both my personal and professional relationships.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way success never could. Growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent woman meant constantly navigating roadblocks I didn’t yet have language for, challenges that were often misunderstood by others and, at times, by myself. Tasks that seemed effortless for everyone else required extra energy, creativity, and perseverance from me.
Those obstacles were frustrating and isolating, but they also shaped my determination. I learned how to adapt, advocate for myself, and keep moving forward even when progress felt slow or uncertain. That experience gave me a deep drive to never stop trying, to keep pursuing my goals despite setbacks, and to trust my ability to find a way through. Success can build confidence, but suffering taught me grit.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that honesty and transparency truly matter to me. I value real conversations, clear communication, and showing up authentically without pretense. Trust is important to me, and I believe it’s built through being open, consistent, and truthful, even when it’s uncomfortable.
They’d also tell you that humor is essential to how I move through life. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I believe laughter can ease tension, build connection, and get people through hard moments.
Beyond that, music and books are non-negotiable for me. They’re how I process, reflect, and find joy, especially during challenging seasons. They remind me that life isn’t just about getting through the day, but about experiencing meaning and beauty along the way.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is rooted in generosity and compassion. I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared for others, someone who showed up, listened, and offered support, even when it required personal sacrifice. At times, that meant putting others’ needs ahead of my own, because being there for people mattered more to me than convenience or recognition.
More than anything, I hope I’m remembered as a good person. Someone others could rely on when they needed help, understanding, or simply presence. If people feel they were seen, supported, or less alone because I was part of their life, that would mean everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.divergentbilling.com
- Instagram: @divergentbilling
- Facebook: Divergent Billing & Consulting
Image Credits
Renee Bently; Allies on You Photography
