Kindergarten

Kindergarten at Kellogg is a wonderful mix of academics, social skills, creative play, and fun. We strive to help all children become great students and well rounded citizens. We believe in teaching the essential skills, but also enriching children and helping them become thoughtful, friendly, and academic thinkers.

Ashley Switzer	I am excited to return to Kellogg as a teacher this year. I began my journey at Kellogg as a student, and my son and daughter are former/current Bulldogs. I’ve also showed off my dance moves more than once while donning the Bulldog mascot costume! I received my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCSB (Go Gauchos!) before obtaining my Multiple Subject and Single Subject English teaching credentials from Chapman University. Since then, I have taught in a vast variety of grade levels including lower and upper elementary, junior high, and high school. Teaching across the grade levels has given me the unique perspective of academic and social development from the early/middle childhood years through adolescence. I am passionate about developing relationships and a strong classroom community. I believe that learning and discovery extend beyond the four walls of my classroom and I am committed to guide students to become compassionate world-changers. In my spare time, you will most likely find me at my family’s favorite beach spot where we love to play in the ocean, surf, run the bluffs, read, explore tidepools, hunt for sea glass and walk our salty dog Kona.
JESSICA JOHNSON	I have been teaching at Kellogg School for 5 years, after teaching 5 years at a small school in Santa Barbara. At Kellogg, I have taught 6th grade, kindergarten, and 2nd grade. Second grade is a magical year when students grow in their love for reading, expand their math skills, and explore all their curiosities. I love second graders’ enthusiasm towards learning and thoughtful questions as they start to better understand the world around them. I live in Santa Barbara with my husband Brian, son Griffin, and our dog Wally. Fun Fact about me: I am the 7th generation in my family to be born and raised in Santa Barbara; our family history dates back to before the Presidio. I enjoy traveling to new places, spending time with my family and friends, and weekends at the beach playing with Griffin and Wally.

Ashley Switzer

I am excited to return to Kellogg as a teacher this year. I began my journey at Kellogg as a student, and my son and daughter are former/current Bulldogs. I’ve also showed off my dance moves more than once while donning the Bulldog mascot costume!

I received my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCSB (Go Gauchos!) before obtaining my Multiple Subject and Single Subject English teaching credentials from Chapman University. Since then, I have taught in a vast variety of grade levels including lower and upper elementary, junior high, and high school. Teaching across the grade levels has given me the unique perspective of academic and social development from the early/middle childhood years through adolescence.

I am passionate about developing relationships and a strong classroom community. I believe that learning and discovery extend beyond the four walls of my classroom and I am committed to guide students to become compassionate world-changers.

In my spare time, you will most likely find me at my family’s favorite beach spot where we love to play in the ocean, surf, run the bluffs, read, explore tidepools, hunt for sea glass and walk our salty dog Kona.

JESSICA JOHNSON

I have been teaching at Kellogg School for 5 years, after teaching 5 years at a small school in Santa Barbara. At Kellogg, I have taught 6th grade, kindergarten, and 2nd grade. Second grade is a magical year when students grow in their love for reading, expand their math skills, and explore all their curiosities. I love second graders’ enthusiasm towards learning and thoughtful questions as they start to better understand the world around them.

I live in Santa Barbara with my husband Brian, son Griffin, and our dog Wally. Fun Fact about me: I am the 7th generation in my family to be born and raised in Santa Barbara; our family history dates back to before the Presidio. I enjoy traveling to new places, spending time with my family and friends, and weekends at the beach playing with Griffin and Wally.

Claudia Hamers	I have been teaching for 12 years, and half of those have been at Kellogg School! I graduated from UCSB with my credential and Masters of Education. I have been married 19 years to my wonderful husband, Jeff and have two children at Dos Pueblos High School. We just adopted a puppy, and also celebrated our 10 year old dog. I enjoy playing tennis, reading, hiking, and playing all sorts of games with my family. I have taught first grade and kindergarten. I love both, but the most important thing about teaching is to encourage, guide, and fill each student’s heart with the love of learning. This love for learning will instill their life long goal to accomplish anything they desire. I know that this begins at birth, but my goal is to continue to develop those amazing moments with “oohs and awes” in wonderment, so that they are encouraged to ask for more.

Claudia Hamers

I have been teaching for 12 years, and half of those have been at Kellogg School! I graduated from UCSB with my credential and Masters of Education. I have been married 19 years to my wonderful husband, Jeff and have two children at Dos Pueblos High School. We just adopted a puppy, and also celebrated our 10 year old dog. I enjoy playing tennis, reading, hiking, and playing all sorts of games with my family.

I have taught first grade and kindergarten. I love both, but the most important thing about teaching is to encourage, guide, and fill each student’s heart with the love of learning. This love for learning will instill their life long goal to accomplish anything they desire. I know that this begins at birth, but my goal is to continue to develop those amazing moments with “oohs and awes” in wonderment, so that they are encouraged to ask for more.