2025 Kids University Instructional Team 

Sports Activities & Games

This course engages kids in fun physical activities and mindfulness practices, promoting physical and mental health. The course fosters students to be inquirers, thinkers,communicators, and balanced individuals, developing healthy habits for overall well-being.

 

Philip Kang

I hold a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea. I am a PE teacher and have taught grades 1-5 at Korea Foreign School, developing IB-aligned curricula and instructing basic body movements such as walking, running, and jumping, and sports like indoor soccer, in-line skating, and basketball. I am currently a faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at Augusta University.

 

Reading All Around 


This course will engage all ages through the wonderful world of reading through engaging, fun learning activities that will provide and enhance support for reading instruction for early learners. 

 

 Sanqual Sampson

With 14 years of teaching experience, I was named Teacher of the Year in my school for 2023-2024 and ranked in the District Top 5. As the kindergarten department chair, I focus on inspiring students through engaging reading instruction to foster their curiosity and fluency. I am currently a graduate student in the Educational Leadership Program at Augusta University.

 

 

Mind & Body: A Journey to Health

In this course, students will explore the connection between physical activity and mental well-being. Through fun exercises, mindfulness practices, and healthy habits, participants will learn how to take care of both their bodies and minds, building a foundation for a balanced and active lifestyle.

Saloni Kalra

I graduated in Applied Psychology from Amity University in India, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Augusta University. My experience includes research on pandemic-related mental health issues and internships at clinics with certifications from Harvard Medical School in General Psychiatric Management and Positive Psychology.
 

Get Bugs SMART!
 (science, math, art, and reading time!)

Each week, camp scholars will learn about some of the world’s most incredible insects all while strengthening interdisciplinary academics at their level. The academic goal is to grow science vocabulary, infuse math and writing practice, and engage students through crafts, music, and movement. Scholars will learn about insect habitats, unique adaptations, environmental benefits, and amazing facts that will have them buzzing about bugs this summer!

 

Tamara Bartschi

Hello! I am a teacher at Martinez Elementary School. I have taught first grade for three years, second grade for one year, and fourth grade for the last six years. I am a proud mom of two wonderful sons, both graduates of Evans High School. I love painting, crafts, math, and teaching!

 

Traveling the World

During a 4-week summer camp at Kids University, students will explore a new country each week. We will travel to various countries and continents, learning about their cultures, languages, histories, and popular foods. I will tailor my lessons to meet the needs of different students and age groups. Although I have not yet decided which countries we will explore, excitement and adventure await!

Ashlyn Przedecki

I am a science teacher at Evans Middle School with 8 years of experience working with middle grades students. I hold a master’s in education and am pursuing gifted certification. I am passionate about equality in education and helping students succeed. I work closely with differentiation, scaffolding, and meeting students where they stand. Outside of education, I am a full-time chauffeur, chef, cheerleader, and referee, also known as mom. I have two children, 16 and 10, and when we are not on the lacrosse field, we like to spend time traveling to new places and making new memories!

 

STEAM Project

In this course, students will identify the most pressing problems in their local, state, or global communities. They will then collaboratively solve those problems through science, math, art, technology, and engineering concepts. Through purpose-driven inquiry and resilience, children will understand the agency they have as individuals to impact their communities.
 

Katherine Barker

After earning my Master of Arts in Teaching from Augusta University in May 2023, I became a teacher in Richmond County.
I received the Teacher of the Month and Innovator of the Month awards. Previously, I worked as a COVID-19 Contact Tracer with the Georgia Department of Public Health. This experience showed me how STEAM concepts can be enacted to address real-time needs.          
 
 

Yoga for Kids

The course covers yoga fundamentals with a strong focus on promoting children’s well-being and lifelong health. Practicing yoga is beneficial to children both physically and mentally. It helps children soothe tension and anxiety, reduces stress, and improves their strength, balance, and flexibility.

Sydney Smith

With years of experience in elementary education, I integrate yoga and mindfulness into my teaching, creating engaging curricula that promote physical movement and emotional well-being. I foster a supportive environment where creativity thrives and have led workshops that empower students through mindfulness, ensuring they feel valued in their growth.

 

Writing Innovation

This course is designed to help students connect their reading and writing skills. Students will also gain critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging environment. Activities include creating story trains, tapping into riddles, limericks, reading comprehension Jenga, short story readings, poetry in motion, character maps, and other reading and writing activities and games.

Vanessa L. Williams

I have been teaching for seven years in the Richmond and Burke County School districts. I have taught high school and middle school, and now I am settling into the elementary school setting. I have a sweet and energetic doggy named Levi, whom I love with all my heart. I love reading and spending time with my family.

 

Rhythm & Movement

This course will introduce and/or expand upon students’ knowledge and understanding of how to read and comprehend the language of music through studies in rhythmic patterns utilizing various rhythmic instruments, body percussion, dance movements, interactive games, and other engaging activities.

Amera Fischer

I have loved music all my life - I play the flute, piccolo, piano, and bass and sing. This will be my third year teaching at Kids University. In 2024, I received my Master of Arts in Teaching from Augusta University and am currently awaiting acceptance to a doctoral program. I teach private lessons and play with the Augusta Players, the Savannah River Winds, Garden City Rhapsody, and other various ensembles around the CSRA. I am excited to share my love of music with students, hoping it will ignite a similar passion in them.

 

Drama and Acting

Imagine, Create, and Express! This course invites students to discover the world of drama through expressive movement, storytelling, and imagination. Participants will explore emotions, create original stories, and use crafts, music, and dance to bring characters to life. Through fun activities, kids will build confidence and unleash their creativity!

Katrina Littles

I have a deep love for helping children creatively express themselves through the arts. With 10 years as an early interventionist and experience as a creativity coach, I use engaging activities like games, storytelling, and role-play to build confidence and communication skills. I am passionate about providing fun, supportive spaces where children can explore their imagination. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching.

 

Art Adventure

Children will have a blast as they explore their creative side and develop new skills, knowledge, and ideas using a variety of materials and techniques to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces! Projects integrate cultural, contemporary, and art history as well as literature and are designed to teach campers fundamental skills in art while encouraging each student to express their creative spirit.

 

Wendy Murphy

I’m originally from San Diego but have lived in Augusta for 35 years. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I’ve worked at Kids University for 17 years and taught art at I have over 20 years of teaching experience and have taught in the Richmond and County schools, Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Jessye Norman School of the Arts, Imperial Theatre, and the Art Factory. I celebrate children's creativity and encourage self-expression through art.