Meet Ashley!

" Hi! I'm Ashlee O'Dell, a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and the owner of Ember Nutrition & Training in Whitefish.

I became the coach I needed. I'm here for total food freedom, but also building beautiful, balanced plates and smart supplementation to nourish the body from the inside out. I say this all the time, “Our bodies crave consistency, yet they can be incredibly flexible.” My approach to training is also flexible when needed, evidence-based, and uniquely designed for the body and mind of the individual or group I’m working with. These products are part of the daily rituals my clients and I love. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: to move well and feel great in our bodies! "

We asked Ashley a few questions to get to know her better and discover the Haskill products she swears by to help her and her clients stay strong, balanced, and thriving!

Haskill Essentials x Ember Nutrition: Q&A with Ashlee O'Dell

1. For those who don’t know you yet—tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Ember Nutrition.

I was inspired to start Ember Nutrition & Training to help wellness seekers build lives they love—without burning out by chasing fads or jumping from diet to diet. One of my favorite sayings is: “Our bodies crave consistency, yet they’re incredibly flexible.”

My favorite part of the job is teaching people what truly matters in their nutrition and where they can be flexible while still living a balanced lifestyle. Lately, I’ve been saying I’m a workout and wellness lover in my bridal era—I'm getting married in September! It’s been fun giving my routines a little refresh so I can look and feel my best for the big day.

I’m a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, and Certified Personal Trainer—so I like to say I’m pretty book smart on my best days. I fell in love with the power of nutrition during one of my first college biology classes when my professor explained how it impacts disease prevention, quality of life, and even gene expression (i.e., nutrigenomics). That moment hooked me.

Throughout college, I taught group fitness and women’s boxing classes. Fitness empowered me to empower others, and Ember Nutrition & Training became the perfect blend of nutrition coaching, personal training, and small group workouts.

2. You wear many hats as a certified nutritionist, personal trainer, and business owner. How do you balance it all, and what keeps you grounded?

Thank you for asking this—what a great question! You’re right: I have to be really intentional about protecting my energy and how I spend it. I stay grounded by keeping things fun—for myself and for others. If what you’re doing brings even small moments of joy, you’re far less likely to burn out.

Refreshing my playlists, staying curious, learning new things, and making sure my own cup is full are all essential. I’ve also found a lot of peace in simply being authentic. I don’t always have to be bubbly and upbeat to be effective—I can show up calmly, steadily, and still inspire others by being myself.

3. What’s your personal wellness philosophy, and how has it evolved since launching Ember?

My method sometimes surprises people because I care more about consistency in routines than intensity. I focus on what my clients can maintain for a year, five years, or a decade—not just what they can stick to for 21 days.

I’m heavily influenced by the systems-based approach in Atomic Habits by James Clear, and I incorporate those ideas into all of my sessions—even group workouts.

4. What are some common health challenges you see in your clients, and how do you typically approach them from a nutrition and movement standpoint?

The nature of what I do naturally attracts people who are looking for big changes like yesterday. I help them move away from black-and-white thinking and toward daily balance: giving their best each day, knowing that “best” looks different from day to day.

Flexibility—in your mindset and in your plan—sets the stage for meaningful, lasting results, whether your goal is performance, body composition, or overall wellness. I often remind my clients of this gem from Atomic Habits: “What can I maintain on my worst days?”—not just what I can achieve on my best.

5. You’ve said that small, consistent shifts can lead to big changes. Can you share an example of a “small shift” that has had a lasting impact on your own life?

My mantra this year has been: Keep it simple, smart, and automated.

I now ask myself three questions before committing to something:

1. Is this a smart move for me?

2. Does it enhance my business, wellness, or daily life?

3. Can it be simplified or automated?

Even small tweaks—like using a coffee pot that autobrews—have been life-changing!

6. We love having you as a part of the Haskill Creek community! What are your go-to products from the shop, and how do you incorporate them into your daily routine?

I’ve been on a Cymbiotika Magnesium Threonate kick for two years—I stir the vanilla bean packet into my morning coffee with cream, and it helps lift the brain fog and set me up for a productive day. I also love their magnesium spray—it smells like lavender and is a huge part of my recovery routine.

I’m also obsessed with the essential oil blends—I diffuse them in my studio all the time to set the tone. And I might be giving away my secret here, but the matcha and matcha whisk combo makes such a luxurious yet affordable gift!

I’m always down for a good mocktail or a cup of locally roasted coffee, too.

7. What’s one underrated wellness practice or habit you wish more people embraced?

Morning gratitude practice. My current class closing is:
“Keep building and enjoying a life you love, and I’ll see you next time!”

I encourage people to write down three things they’re grateful for from the past 24 hours—three wins or simple moments worth remembering. It might feel awkward at first, but over time, it helps you carry your joy from yesterday into today.

Mine usually include a workout or walk with my dog, a win from work, and dinner with my fiancé. Yes—I still write them down every day. It’s helped me boost my joy, increase gratitude, and quiet the inner critic.

8. Montana living comes with a unique rhythm—how does living in the Flathead Valley influence your approach to health and wellness?

Montana summers come with a unique rhythm, and it can feel like a marathon—especially in the Flathead Valley! Whether you’re juggling work, kids’ schedules, home maintenance, wellness routines, or just trying to enjoy the sunshine, it can get overwhelming.

When I feel stretched thin, I ask myself: “What would feel like a luxury today?”

That often leads me to something wellness- or rest-related, like sitting in the sun for five minutes on a lunch break, sneaking away for a workout class, or grabbing a matcha latte. It’s a small but powerful shift.

9. What advice would you give to someone just beginning their wellness journey, especially someone who feels overwhelmed by where to start?

Work with a coach or join a community that’s already living the healthy lifestyle you want to create. Then, focus on designing your environment, habits, and systems to make that lifestyle sustainable.

If you need help with your nutrition or training, reach out! We have multiple offerings—and some may be covered by your insurance. We also accept HSA/FSA cards.

10. What’s next for Ember Nutrition—anything exciting coming up that you’d like to share?

Yes! We’re celebrating three years of Ember Nutrition & Training with a Sip, Shop, Celebrate event on June 27–28. We’ll have extra-special workout classes followed by signature sips and an amazing vendor lineup. I’m especially excited about my favorite cotton sundresses from LBLC the Label—perfect timing to grab a cute dress before the 4th of July!

Also new to the studio: I recently completed two Experiential Movement trainings with the one and only Brittany Carden in Sculpt and Barre. I’m so excited to bring her beat-based methods into my own class style and training approach. More new offerings are coming in July—stay tuned!

Her Haskill Essentials:

Shop Small! All of these products are available in-store at Haskill Creek.
**We do not receive commission from the links provided below.

1. Cymbiotika | Dynamic Magnesium Duo : Magnesium Spray + Magnesium Threonate
Combine these for recovery and neurological benefits. This topical form of magnesium is anti-inflammatory, relaxing, and soothes joints and muscles. A must-have before bed after a tough training day. Magnesium Threonate is the only form of magnesium that readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. A vital part of my morning routine—this mixed into coffee with cream for calm, productive energy and focus all day. The vanilla bean flavor is delicious. I focus on including magnesium-rich foods in my diet as well to feel my best. 

2. Happy Organics | Berry Birthday Candles
These belong on every birthday, bridal shower, and baby shower cake this summer. TOO cute.

3. Canopy x Rosie Jane | Essential Oil Blends: Chill / Wake / Calm
Essential oils are always going in my coaching studio, and I vary them depending on the weather. When the sun is out and we’re energized and ready to rip, I love blends that combine citrus and eucalyptus—like Wake. When it’s a gray day, we can also find quiet strength in simply showing up—strong and committed nonetheless. That’s a job for Chill, a blend of mandarin and mint.

4. Aplos | Mocktail
A tasty mocktail with health and mood-boosting benefits. The adaptogens in this provide an elevated feeling without the empty calories or side effects of alcohol. If you’re not ready to go fully alcohol-free, incorporating 1–2 of these alongside drinks can offer benefits and help reduce hangovers.

5. The Tea Spot | Organic Tea
From a woman-owned business out of Colorado, they make a tea for every season that brings joy to everyday rituals. I supply this brand in my coaching studio. In the fall, we offer Pumpkin Chai Spice. I love serving their immunity blend iced, and their Hibiscus Cucumber tea is another favorite. Moroccan Mint—a blend of spearmint and green tea—is also a standout, especially for women with PCOS.

6. Leaf Shave | Dermaplaner
A must-have in my beauty routine for exfoliation and removing peach fuzz. The blade refills keep things both sanitary and eco-friendly!

7. Treeline Coffee | Coffee
My favorite coffee company in Bozeman, where I lived for about six years. It has the roasting and freshness standards of Peet’s Coffee, but it’s crafted in Montana.

8. Rishi | Matcha and Matcha Whisk
This is my go-to birthday gift, sourced from Haskill Creek. Having a real matcha whisk and a fresh tin of matcha is an understated luxury—and also cost-effective (less than $50, I think?).

To learn more about Ashlee or to book an appointment visit her website!