You could say that Chappy G and Chappy Steph are “diving” into their new roles. But principal of Brisbane Adventist College (BAC), Peter Charleson, admits, “They may have felt a little bit thrown in the deep end, too.”
In late 2025, Stephanie Scott (Chappy Steph) was appointed as chaplain to fill in for Pastor JP Martinez—who is taking six months’ long service leave. Mr Charleson was impressed by her strong spiritual life and positive connection with students. “She’s always talking about Jesus,” he says.
However, Ashlon Ghazali (Chappy G) had much less time to prepare. Just weeks before students returned to school this year, there was still no replacement for Pastor Annalise Cherry, our other regular chaplain—who is also taking extended leave as a new parent. Then someone came up with a name that seemed like a natural fit: Ashlon.
Being a chaplain as a young person in your 20s is challenging. Less common is two new chaplains working in a big Adventist school without the benefit of a senior, experienced colleague. But these two young women—who have so much creativity and spiritual maturity to offer—stepped up when they could so easily have said the role was too big or there was not enough time to prepare, Mr Charleson observes.
Ashlon and Stephanie are seasoned summer camp counsellors, which is where they met and where Stephanie explains she met Jesus. Their friendship developed, and when Ashlon set up a youth Bible study group, Steph naturally came along too. Discovering they would be partners in chaplaincy at BAC this year, Steph recalls, “I hugged her. Then I unhugged her. Then I hugged her again!”
Stephanie has a business degree and has worked at BAC for two years as a primary teacher aide while completing her teaching qualification. Ashlon is an experienced occupational therapist and BAC alumna. Both are mentored by pastors and school leaders.
They delivered their first report to the school advisory council four weeks after they started. Personal assistant to the principal, Keroli Jones, recalls, “They’re so expressive—all hands and long limbs flying while they explained their vision and the projects they’ve been working on. We all just sat and watched them with big smiles on our faces.”
Among their earliest responsibilities was introducing BAC’s spiritual theme for the year to a multipurpose centre packed with students and parents. The theme “Dive In” calls students and staff to go beyond the surface in faith, community and service.
BAC students are excited and keen to be involved. Many remember both chaplains from summer camps. “Hey, I’ve seen Chappy G singing ‘Jesus Got Heaps of Lambs’ at Junior Camp talent night!” recalls one 2026 student leader, referring to a popular camp song. At a recent leadership breakfast, the chaplains led a leadership game and prayer, helping students reflect on the act of serving others.
Beyond the events and logistics, both chaplains are navigating what it means to lead spiritually at such a young age.
What does their faith ask of them in this role that they have not had to face before?
Ashlon says, “Similar to how Steph and I were friends and now colleagues, it’s been interesting to navigate me and Jesus being friends as well as colleagues who are working together. Having ‘Jesus Time’, thoughts about work can intrude. Life with God is real and honest and sometimes messy.”
Stephanie sees her challenge this way: “The story of Mary and Martha comes to mind. I might want to just get into the ‘cooking’ and sacrifice my connection time with Jesus. Or, I’ll be starting some administration work—there’s always setup work before we can start each project—but then realise that it’s the kids who need my attention right now.”
Ashlon and Stephanie aren‘t just dipping their toes in. They’re diving in—and inviting the whole BAC community to jump in with them as they journey through 2026 together.
Debbie Cosier is Communications Officer at Brisbane Adventist College.
