Are you ready to meet the teachers of Roberts Academy in Macon, Georgia?
Roberts Academy is thrilled to welcome Ashley Evans, Teresa Kalmbach, and Allison Roberts to the Roberts Academy at Mercer University family.
Each of these outstanding educators bring unique talents, expertise, and skills to the Academy, and we can’t wait to watch their students SHINE!
With 23 years of dedicated service in education, Ashley stands as a beacon of excellence in teaching, particularly in the realm of special education and dyslexia intervention.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in early childhood education, a master’s degree in teaching reading, and an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction.
Her credentials include a reading and gifted endorsement, a certification as an Orton Gillingham Classroom Educator, as well as a certificate in Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist (CERI).
Throughout her illustrious career, Ashley has been recognized for her outstanding contributions. She was honored as Wells Primary School’s Teacher of the Year in 2007 and was later recognized as the K.B. Sutton Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2019.
Ashley actively engages in educational initiatives, serving as a member of the K-2 Stakeholders Committee for Georgia’s Literacy Council and participating in Georgia’s branch of the International Dyslexia Association.Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley enjoys snuggling up on the couch with her beloved puppy, indulging in a family movie night, and spending time outdoors.
Her guiding motto, “Improvement over perfection…every single day!” reflects her commitment to continual growth and excellence in all aspects of life.
Teresa Kalmbach is a dedicated educator with a passion for specialized education, particularly in the realm of dyslexia support.
With a strong academic background, she holds bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees in elementary and special education as well as endorsements in general reading and dyslexia.
Additionally, she has completed extensive training in Orton-Gillingham, Lexia LETRS, Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing LIPS, and Handwriting Without Tears.
Beyond her credentials, Teresa’s commitment to her students shines through her initiatives outside the classroom. She has been an active participant in professional development sessions, including the 2023 Houston County Leadership Summit, where she led a breakout session on “Intervention & Enrichment.”
Drawing from her personal experience navigating dyslexia and dysgraphia with one of her children, Teresa understands the transformative power of targeted instruction and unwavering support. She seeks to instill in her students not only academic skills but also a sense of purpose and resilience as they prepare for their futures.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Teresa finds joy in spending time with her family, indulging in hobbies like swimming, biking, photography, and unwinding at the beach.
Married for 35 years to her husband Kevin, she is a proud parent to four children and grandmother to three grandsons. Her diverse life experiences, including years spent supporting her husband’s military career overseas and her background as a pediatric nurse, enrich her teaching and allow her to connect with students from all walks of life.
Allison Barrs Roberts is an accomplished educator with a deep passion for fostering literacy and supporting students with dyslexia. With a robust educational background and 24 years of experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her teaching endeavors.
Education has always been a cornerstone of Allison’s life. She earned her bachelor of science in early childhood education from Mercer University in 2000, laying a strong foundation for her teaching career.
Building on this, she pursued further studies, obtaining a master of education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in literacy from Lesley University in 2006.
Her commitment to excellence led her to achieve national board certification as an early childhood generalist in 2007, a testament to her dedication to advancing her skills and knowledge.
Recognizing the importance of ongoing professional development, Allison continually seeks to enhance her qualifications. She obtained her educational specialist degree in curriculum, instruction, management, and administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2008.
Moreover, she has diligently pursued specialized training, including completing the Dyslexia Endorsement in 2023 and undertaking comprehensive Orton Gillingham training through the Orton Gillingham Online Academy. In 2024, she completed the Wilson Reading System Introductory Course. She also holds a certification in gifted education.
Her commitment to excellence in education has been acknowledged through various honors and awards. Notably, she was named the Pulaski County Elementary Teacher of the Year and Pulaski County System Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her role as a Mentor Teacher and her involvement in numerous initiatives such as organizing educational events and sponsoring clubs aimed at enriching her students’ experiences.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. Married for 25 years, she cherishes moments with her husband, John, and their two sons, Evan and Jackson. Her interests include reading, walking, and actively participating in community and church activities.
Roberts Academy at Mercer University in Macon is Georgia’s only transitional school for dyslexic 2nd-5th graders outside of Metro Atlanta.
Every educator is highly experienced, well-trained, and exhibits the following traits. They:
The Academy is currently accepting applications for enrollment; you can learn more about our admissions process and apply to the Academy here.
Roberts Academy is now accepting applications for enrollment. Classes will begin in August 2024.