For Ashley (Hardin) Chappell, Class of 2017, life and work are deeply intertwined with her faith. As a StoneBridge alumna and now a member of the StoneBridge faculty, Ashley seeks to use every opportunity, relationship, and responsibility as a way to serve Christ and invest in others.
“I try to be intentional about using the gifts and opportunities God has given me to serve others,” Ashley shared.
That commitment is evident in the many roles she fulfills as StoneBridge’s Director of College Counseling and Student Life. From guiding seniors through the college and scholarship application process to helping middle and upper school students navigate academic planning and future goals, Ashley’s days are filled with opportunities to encourage, mentor, and support students.
She also works alongside student leaders to coordinate campus traditions and events, including Homecoming dance, Retreat Olympics, spirit weeks, and other activities that help build community and school spirit. In addition, Ashley serves as faculty advisor for National Honor Society and Key Club, coordinates Upper School testing programs, helps lead senior trip planning and fundraising efforts, coaches Varsity Girls Soccer, and teaches AP Psychology.
In short, she wears many hats. Yet through every responsibility, her focus remains the same: helping students grow academically, personally, and spiritually.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to invest in students in so many different areas of their school experience and to prayerfully support and encourage each student as they grow into the young men and women God has called them to be,” she said.
Ashley embodies many of the qualities highlighted in StoneBridge’s Portrait of a Graduate. She strives to lead with integrity, serve with humility, steward her gifts faithfully, and encourage students to view their education through a Christ-centered lens. More than preparing students for college, she desires to help them understand their identity and purpose in Christ.
“A big part of my job is helping students with college, scholarships, scheduling, and other academic decisions,” Ashley explained. “But I also try to use those opportunities to remind students that their worth is not found in their grades, accomplishments, or where they go to college. I want them to know that they are deeply loved by God and that He has a plan and purpose for their lives.”
For Ashley, education is ministry.
“I am thankful that I am able to pray with students, encourage them when they are struggling, celebrate their successes, and simply be someone they know they can come to when they need support,” she said. “More than anything, I see my role at StoneBridge as a ministry. I pray that the students I work with see Christ through the way I treat them and that I can be a positive, encouraging, and consistent presence in their lives.”
Her passion for serving students is rooted in her own StoneBridge experience. As a student, Ashley was heavily involved in campus life. She played varsity soccer, participated in the drama department, and was an active member of both Key Club and National Honor Society. One of her favorite memories was portraying Ursula in The Little Mermaid during her senior year.
“Playing Ursula was definitely one of my favorite memories,” she laughed. “I’m so excited to see this year’s production of The Little Mermaid.”
Yet when Ashley reflects on her years as a student, it is often the simple moments that stand out the most.
“One of my favorite memories is sitting in Mrs. Sines’ art class with Allie (Plumlee) Clark, singing sad songs because we were genuinely sad to graduate,” Ashley recalled. “Looking back, it’s funny to think that we were so dramatic about leaving, but I think it says a lot about how much StoneBridge meant to us.”
Those ordinary moments became lifelong memories.
“Sitting in art class, laughing, singing, and realizing that an entire chapter of our lives was coming to an end is something I treasure,” she said. “We probably didn’t realize at the time just how special it was, but looking back, I’m so thankful for the friendships we made and for a place that was so hard to leave.”
Today, Ashley remains grateful for the foundation StoneBridge provided and the ways it continues to shape her life and work.
“Working with students gives me so many opportunities to encourage them, pray for them, and help them grow, not just academically, but as people and followers of Christ,” she said. “I also try to carry those same values into my family and community. I want to be someone who works hard, serves others, and keeps Christ at the center of my life.”
Through her years in education, Ashley has learned that faithful service often happens in the small, everyday moments.
“Serving often means putting someone else’s needs before my own,” she explained. “Whether I’m helping a student through a difficult situation, staying late to help with something, or simply being available when someone needs encouragement, I try to be willing to give my time and energy to others.”
Those experiences have also deepened her understanding of humility and stewardship.
“I don’t always get it right,” Ashley admitted, “but I try to remember that my time, abilities, and opportunities are gifts from God and are meant to be used to serve others. I hope that through the way I work, care for my family, and invest in the people around me, I can reflect the humility and selflessness that Christ calls us to.”
Looking back, Ashley said she sees God’s faithfulness woven throughout her journey, from her time as a StoneBridge student to her current role helping shape the next generation. And while her responsibilities may vary from day to day, her purpose remains unchanged: to faithfully use what God has entrusted to her for His glory.
“Ultimately, I hope the way I live and serve points others back to Christ and reflects the Gospel in both the big and the small things,” she said.
When she isn’t investing in students, Ashley treasures time with her family. She and her husband, Savonte, are raising their daughter, Chloe, and are active members of Alive Church. Whether at home, at church, or on the StoneBridge campus, she seeks to live out the same calling that has guided her throughout her journey: serving others with humility, stewarding God’s gifts faithfully, and pointing people to Christ. As a wife, mother, educator, and mentor, she remains grateful for the opportunities God has placed before her and committed to using them to make an eternal impact on the lives of those around her.
