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 began my journey at Kellogg School as a student. Both my son and daughter are Bulldog alumni and I feel especially fortunate to teach at this community that I love. I received my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCSB before obtaining my Multiple Subject and Single Subject English teaching credentials from Chapman University. Since then, I have taught across grade levels including elementary, junior high, and high school. This has given me the unique perspective of academic and social development from the early childhood years through adolescence. I am passionate about developing relationships and a strong, inclusive classroom community. I believe that play is an essential part of learning. 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 since 2014, after teaching 5 years at a small school in Santa Barbara. At Kellogg, I have taught 6th grade, kindergarten, and 2nd grade. Kindergarten is an exciting year of learning, curiosity, telling stories, and growing. I love to see the moments when the "light bulb" turns on and the child's excitement for school ignites. My goal is to continue fostering their passion for learning and building community within my classroom.. I live in Santa Barbara with my husband Brian, our sons, 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 my boys and Wally.

Ashley Switzer

I began my journey at Kellogg School as a student. Both my son and daughter are Bulldog alumni and I feel especially fortunate to teach at this community that I love.

I received my B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCSB before obtaining my Multiple Subject and Single Subject English teaching credentials from Chapman University. Since then, I have taught across grade levels including elementary, junior high, and high school. This has given me the unique perspective of academic and social development from the early childhood years through adolescence. I am passionate about developing relationships and a strong, inclusive classroom community. I believe that play is an essential part of learning.

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 since 2014, after teaching 5 years at a small school in Santa Barbara. At Kellogg, I have taught 6th grade, kindergarten, and 2nd grade. Kindergarten is an exciting year of learning, curiosity, telling stories, and growing. I love to see the moments when the "light bulb" turns on and the child's excitement for school ignites. My goal is to continue fostering their passion for learning and building community within my classroom..

I live in Santa Barbara with my husband Brian, our sons, 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 my boys and Wally.

Claudia Hamers	I have been teaching for 15 years, and nine of those have been at Kellogg School! I graduated from UCSB with my credential and Masters of Education. I have been married 22 years to my wonderful husband, Jeff. I have a senior at Dos Pueblos High School and a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We also have a three year old pug, and a 13 year old lab. I enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, 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 15 years, and nine of those have been at Kellogg School! I graduated from UCSB with my credential and Masters of Education. I have been married 22 years to my wonderful husband, Jeff. I have a senior at Dos Pueblos High School and a freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. We also have a three year old pug, and a 13 year old lab. I enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, 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.