About Ashley
Ashley Bohinc has dedicated the last 20+ years to serving the next generation in educational, athletic, and ministry settings. Ashley serves as the Founder and CEO of Make It Middle School, where she is determined to help people create more meaningful resources, programs, and experiences for middle schoolers in both churches and the school system. Ashley is a sought-after speaker, coach, consultant, creator, and evangelist who is known for her energy, passion, and authenticity when it comes to making a difference in the next generation and a difference in the world.
With a heart for students, Ashley earned her B.A. in Education from Kent State University in 2006 before going on to receive her M.Ed. in Education from McDaniel College in 2009. She began her career in the public school system, working as a middle school health teacher and high school soccer coach in Maryland. In her six years working in the public school system, Ashley had 10,000+ large group conversations with teenagers, opening her eyes to their desperate need for a mentor to guide them as they navigate who they are and who they want to be.
In response to that need, Ashley transitioned into full-time work in middle school ministry at her local church, LifePoint Church, working specifically to lead students through the rough waters of middle school by pointing them toward the truth of who they are in Jesus. Five years later, she moved to the Atlanta area where she began work for North Point Ministries Multi-Campus Middle School Team learning the ins and outs of multi-campus ministry. She then led the Middle School Curriculum Team and Strategy at Orange for eight years. Ashley has written two influential books, Communicating to Middle Schoolers and The Art of Group Talk for Teenage Girls, showcasing her expertise in communication and connection with young people. Furthermore, Ashley co-hosted the Think Orange Podcast, and the Rethinking Youth Ministry Podcast, where she cultivated many conversations around important topics in the ministry space. All of this experience has established Ashley as a trusted resource in the industry and led her to launch her own organization, MAKE IT MIDDLE SCHOOL. Make it Middle School is not just a consulting agency; it's a vision to empower individuals creating experiences for middle schoolers globally. Whether you're developing a curriculum, organizing a camp, conducting a research project, planning a pep rally, designing a program, crafting a devotional, recording a podcast, or any other endeavor tailored to humans ages 10-14, Ashley and her team are dedicated to helping you make it middle school.
Additionally, Ashley serves as the Executive Director of Carry 117, a ministry based in Ethiopia that focuses on orphan prevention and family preservation through empowering women. Carry 117 hires at-risk women in one of the most marginalized communities in Ethiopia and teaches them to read and write, measure, cut, and sew beautiful products. With a heart for service, Ashley is thrilled to be a part of ministry making a difference in the lives of women and families in a country she loves.
When she’s not trying to change lives or change the world, you’ll find Ashley working in her garden, traveling, or unpacking the meaning behind the latest Taylor Swift lyrics.
