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OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF VALENCIA COUNTY
Ashley Means
Ashley Means is the deputy fire chief and EMS chief for the town of Peralta. She went to college at the University of New Mexico.
Her family includes her mother, Dedyra; father, Shane; and brother, Cody.
How do you achieve work-life balance?
“Achieving a work-life balance can be challenging at times. I do this by setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing recovery and communication. I deliberately set aside dedicated time for family and personal responsibilities, remain fully present at home, and lean on my peers for support when needed.”
What motivates your community involvement and being an active presence in the community?
“My community involvement is driven by a strong commitment to service, building public trust and improving safety through prevention and education. In a smaller community, every responder matters. I strive to lead by example, mentor others, strengthen emergency preparedness and serve with purpose.”
Who was/is your role model or mentor?
“My mentor was Dorothy, who I had the opportunity to work with at AMR. She exemplified clinical excellence and unwavering dedication to patient care. She was an exceptional paramedic, who consistently challenged me to elevate my performance, strengthen my clinical judgment and become a more effective advocate for the patients I served.”
What is the biggest challenge and most rewarding aspect of your profession?
“One of the greatest challenges of my profession is encountering individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. However, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to provide compassionate, high-quality care and meaningful support when they need it most.”
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What legacy do you want to leave?
“I hope to leave a legacy of clinical excellence, integrity and compassionate service as a firefighter and paramedic. I aim to mentor future providers, strengthen teamwork and accountability within the department, improve EMS integration, advocate for meaningful improvements, and build lasting community trust through consistent leadership and service above self.”
What made you decide to pursue the career path you’re currently on?
“During my freshman year at the University of New Mexico, I enrolled in an EMT-Basic course upon the recommendation of an academic advisor. After earning my certification, I began working for a private ambulance service, where I discovered a strong commitment to pre-hospital medicine and subsequently advanced my education to obtain my paramedic licensure.”
