Born in DeKalb, IL, Captain Ryley began her military career in 1983 when she enlisted in the US Army as an Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence Analyst. During her enlistment she served tours of duty with the 105th Military Intelligence Battalion, Ft Polk, LA and the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 501st Military Intelligence Group, Korea. At the conclusion of her initial enlistment obligation, she transferred to the Colorado Army National Guard while attending the University of Colorado – Boulder. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs she was commissioned as a Naval Officer in May of 1990 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1992.

A young LT Ryley reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Zero (VRC-40) as a newly designated C-2A Greyhound pilot. While attached to VRC-40 she made two Mediterranean Deployments aboard the USS George Washington and logged over 140 carrier arrested landings. Captain Ryley then served at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)/US Space Command (USSPACECOM) where she held the positions of Command Protocol Officer and Imagery Collection Requirements Manager. During this tour Captain Ryley received a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

In 1999 Captain Ryley was selected for a TAR (Training and Administration of the Reserves) C-130T transition and reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Four (VR-54) where she completed tours as the Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer and Training Officer. Next Captain Ryley reported on board the staff of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW) as the Wing Safety Officer and Training Department Head followed by a tour as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Five (VR-55). In 2006 she was the VR Program Manager for Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command in New Orleans, LA.

In August 2007 she reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six One (VR-61) to serve as Executive Officer and assumed command of the squadron in August 2008. Following her command tour she reported to Commander, Naval Air Force to serve as Deputy Director, Centennial of Naval Aviation Task Force. In 2012 she was assigned as Director, Strategic Planning Division for the Chief of Navy Reserve. Captain Ryley assumed command of Navy Operational Support Center Kitsap in July 2014.

During her career, Captain Ryley has accumulated over 3900 flight hours and 140 carrier arrested landings. Her military awards include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4), Air Medal with Bronze Star, the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3), as well as various other individual, campaign and unit awards. Captain Ryley is married to Pat Cherry of Poulsbo, WA. She has two stepsons, Austin and Cameron.