Youth Programming Instructors
Youth Programming Instructors
Elizabeth McDonald
Mrs. McDonald earned her B.S. in chemistry from Wake Forest University and her M.Ed. from Marymount University. She is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Washington County Public School Teacher of the Year award and currently teaches at Boyd J. Michael III Technical High School. As a National Board-Certified teacher and a self-proclaimed joyful science nerd, she currently teaches Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations. Over 25 years of teaching high school science, Mrs. McDonald has taught chemistry, forensic science, and anatomy and physiology. Her driving force within science is sharing the joy of discovery and a sense of wonder about science and medicine.
Steve Schaefer
Mr. Shaefer has an M.A. in art education and a B.A. in photography. He has taught various art and photography courses to students in grades 3-12 and cultivated student interest in art and photography with the College for Kids program for the last ten years. In his spare time, Mr. Shaefer pursues his passion for creating art, taking photos, and riding and training horses.
Terry Shade
Mrs. Shade earned her B.S. from Frostburg State University and later earned a Master’s Equivalency. She is a retired elementary school teacher of 36 years, has substitute taught for the last five years and is returning to the College for Kids summer program for her seventh year. Her excitement for Legos® and watching students create with them will continue to be her driving force in the Lego® robotics classes.
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Ellen Burke
Ms. Burke received her B.A in theater from Millsaps College and her M.A. in Drama Therapy from Kansas State University. As a professional, Ms. Burke has taught theater off and on for 15 years, spent six years as a special education teacher and various other roles within schools for 10 years. Currently, she is an elementary teacher fulltime. She will enter her second year as a teacher for the HCC summer enrichment program and looks forward to sharing something that she loves with students and watching them discover and progress in their passion for theater too.
Tracy Brown
Mrs. Brown holds her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of and a reading intervention certification from Wilson College. For the past two years, she has been an integral part of our Summer Youth Program, teaching a variety of subjects including arts and crafts, mysteries, and science. With over the last 15 years of experience working with children in schools and coaching, her passion for teaching is evident. Mrs. Brown finds joy in witnessing the inspiration and uniqueness that students bring to camp, as well as the friendships that blossom.
Jennifer Nearchos
Ms. Nearchos, a graduate of Shepherd University, serves as a career counselor for the Washington County Public School System. With 13 years of experience in both general and special education, she has embraced numerous opportunities within the public school system. This will be her third year contributing to the Summer Youth Program, where she brings a unique and engaging presence to the classroom. Her passion for entomology has fostered a special connection with hissing cockroaches, enhancing her students’ investigative skills. Ms. Nearchos’s enthusiasm for the summer program is evident in her diverse teaching topics, which range from space science to water, steam, and myths. Her infectious passion inspires students, making learning an exciting and enjoyable experience.
College for Kids (Grades 2-8)
College for Kids summer camp has been providing generations with learning opportunities, a 30+ year tradition that will continue. Students will engage in hands-on education that centers around the...
College for Kids summer camp has been providing generations with learning opportunities, a 30+ year tradition that will continue. Students will engage in hands-on education that centers around the...
Discovery Academy (Grades 9-12)
Discovery Academy offers a week-long camp that immerses high school students, grades 9 through 12, within a career field of their choice. Unsure of what you want to do? That’s okay! Try a few.
Discovery Academy offers a week-long camp that immerses high school students, grades 9 through 12, within a career field of their choice. Unsure of what you want to do? That’s okay! Try a few.