KAFI Academy Instructors

Jason Byrne is a  freelance 3D artist and game writer.  A graduate of KVCC’s Video Game Art and Animation programs, Jason’s short films have been awarded in showcases from 2005 to 2007, and has tutored 3D animation classes as a teacher’s aide for the KVCC honors college.  He was part of the 3D art and writing teams to create the game “Downfall” in KVCC’s capstone Video Game Projects Class in the winter 2006 semester.  In the summer of 2007, he worked as the lead character artist for the “Project: Operation” team of the Kalamazoo Animation Festival International’s Project Challenge.

Aubrey Jewel Hardaway is an instructor at the Center of New Media in the world of  animation, as well as the art teacher at The Montessori School in Kalamazoo. Aubrey also has her own freelance business, Aubrey Jewel Arts, that incorporates, video, photography, fine art,  illustration, and graphic design. She has BFA in Timed-Based Media Design from Columbus College of Art and Design.

Amy Stermer is an instructor with Education for the Arts in Kalamazoo, where she teaches high school classes in video and digital media. Levine is also a part-time English instructor at KVCC. Amy has produced several video documentaries, including "Dishes: Collecting Fiesta" and "Chihuly in Kalamazoo: Installing the Exhibition." BA in English and Communication, State University of New York at Buffalo; MA in English, University of Maryland.