Ashley Balog, a graduate of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Childhood Studies. Throughout her time at CNU, she had the opportunity to engage with local schools, churches, and the Boys and Girls Club, gaining valuable experience and insights into effective teaching. The university’s outstanding courses and hands-on labs allowed her to work directly in the community and connect with students in meaningful ways. Ashley has gained essential skills through her studies and volunteering experiences. She has regularly nannied for several families, developing her caregiving abilities, and worked as a personal trainer during summers, enhancing her leadership and communication skills. Originally from Haymarket, a small town in Northern Virginia, Ashley now resides in St. Augustine with her family, which includes her father, mother, older sister, younger brother, and two energetic German Shepherds.
Ashley has always aspired to be a teacher, driven by her passion for shaping students’ minds by broadening their horizons, igniting their creativity, and helping them recognize the beauty and goodness in the world that God has to offer. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, learning to surf with her brother, and reading memoirs and nonfiction books to gain insights and inspiration.