Meet the Team

Ashley Kohl’s passion for performance began at just two years old at the New England Dance Conservatory. Standing in the back row during her very first stage appearance, her drive to inspire others immediately took hold as she worked her way to the front line. She went on to study ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and acrobatics at “The Dance Shop” under Joy Barcome and Marianne Bouthilette, performing in their company until 1997, when her mother, Darlene Sattler, opened Technique Studio of Dance. Throughout her childhood, Ashley competed and performed extensively across New England.

By age 14, Ashley was already teaching and choreographing. She attended Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter High School (PVPA), where she joined the Catalyst Dance Company, studied partnering, ballroom, ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop, and began instructing hip-hop during her senior year. Her training continued at Wagner College, where she studied Arts Administration, and at the University of Massachusetts, where she majored in Communications. While living in New York City, she spent three years training at the Broadway Dance Center under instructors including Chio, Luam, Jamie Jackson, and Bev Brown, while also working as a full-time character performer for The World of Disney Store.

Over the years, Ashley’s teaching and performance background grew to span all styles, ages, and skill levels. She taught at Technique Studio of Dance for over a decade, spent three years teaching hip-hop at Hackworth School of Performing Arts, served as a Master Faculty member for NADAA Dance Conventions across New England, and taught Zumba Fitness for five years after earning her certification in 2007.

Her creative path also extended into broadcast media. Serving as a co-host and associate producer for WWLP-22News’ NBC morning lifestyle program, Mass Appeal, for six years helped illuminate her true purpose and drive.

Her contributions to the community and the arts have earned wide recognition. Named one of Western Mass Women Magazine’s “Top 25 Women to Watch” and “Top Woman in Television” in 2012, she was later honored in BusinessWest’s “40 Under 40” class of 2018 and named “Citizen of the Year” by the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Channeling her passion into long-term impact, she founded the Ohana School of Performing Arts 11 years ago to make dance accessible to all ages and abilities. To further this mission, she established “One Ohana, Inc.” six years ago—a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to raising funds in support of local dancers.

A Western Massachusetts native born and raised in South Hadley, Ashley finds her greatest happiness in her family. Alongside her husband, Wade, her heart, soul, and purpose center on being a mom to her 14-year-old daughter, Summer, and 13-year-old son, Brody.