Building North: A Conversation with Our Leaders

Nghia is deeply committed to creating a school environment where every student feels seen, safe, valued, and loved. She believes in holding students to high expectations while also building strong, meaningful relationships with them. Her approach is often described as warm but firm, where structure and care go hand in hand. She believes that joy plays an important role in learning and that when students feel supported and inspired, they are more likely to succeed. Her goal is to help students grow not only academically, but also as confident, faithful, responsible, and curious individuals. She also values strong collaboration with teachers and staff, believing that the best school communities are built when adults work together with a shared commitment to student success.

Outside of the classroom, Nghia cares deeply about community and building meaningful relationships with those around her. She approaches both her work and personal life with humility, a growth mindset, and a desire to keep learning. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, growing in her faith, and continuing to learn in new ways. The values that guide her personally—respect, perseverance, and curiosity—are the same ones she believes help create a positive and supportive school culture for students.

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a little girl, I often imagined myself in a classroom, helping students learn and grow. Along the way, I was fortunate to learn from many incredible educators and leaders who inspired me and helped shape my path in education.

I often say that leadership found me. Early in my career, I spent several years serving students and teachers as a paraprofessional and later as a lead teacher, and I truly loved being in the classroom. Eventually, I was asked to step into the role of Dean of Culture. At the time, I didn’t feel ready to leave the classroom, but I trusted the opportunity and the people who believed in me.

Once I stepped into that role, I began to see the impact I could have on a broader level. Supporting teachers, working closely with students and families, and collaborating with staff to create positive outcomes deepened my passion for leadership. The relationships I built, the teamwork I experienced, and the growth I saw within our school community helped shape me into the leader I am today and strengthened my commitment to serving students, staff, and families.

For Nghia, Aug Prep North felt like the right place at the right time because it aligned deeply with her purpose and faith as an educator and leader. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a desire to serve students, families, and communities while helping create school environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive. The chance to help lead and build something meaningful at Aug Prep North was especially compelling.

She was also drawn to the school’s mission and vision. Being part of a community committed to strong academics, character development, and supporting the whole child reflects values she holds closely. The opportunity to help shape the culture, systems, and experiences for students and staff during the early stages of the school’s growth felt both like an honor and a responsibility. Guided by her faith, Nghia believes that when God calls, she is meant to follow.

This moment also aligned naturally with her leadership journey. Her experiences working with students, supporting teachers, and building strong relationships with families prepared her to serve in a broader role. Joining Aug Prep North allows her to bring those experiences together while continuing to grow as a leader and contribute to a community working toward something truly special.

"Every child deserves a school that believes in their greatness!"

- Nghia Williams, K4-8th Grade Principal

Nghia is energized by the opportunity to help build a positive school culture from the very beginning. Opening a new campus allows her to be intentional about how students are supported not only academically, but also socially, spiritually, and emotionally. She is especially passionate about building strong relationships with families and the surrounding community to ensure every student feels connected and supported. For Nghia, being part of something that will impact generations of learners is both a meaningful and inspiring opportunity.

A K4–8 experience is truly impactful when it nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually—and it all starts with great leaders and educators who love students and give them what they need to thrive. Students grow academically when they are challenged, curious, and confident in their learning. Socially, strong relationships and opportunities for collaboration and empathy help them become responsible, compassionate individuals. Spiritually, reflection, values-based guidance, and service foster purpose and character. When these elements are integrated, students feel loved, seen, valued, supported, inspired, and equipped for the real world.

The opportunity to help establish a positive school culture while introducing innovative teaching approaches is what makes this role so meaningful. Supporting students’ academic, social, spiritual, and emotional growth while building strong connections with families and the community is at the heart of the work. It is a rare opportunity to help shape a new campus that will positively impact generations of learners.

From K4 through graduation, St. Augustine Preparatory Academy is committed to forming tomorrow’s leaders — known for their strength of character, courage, intellect, faith, and meaningful impact. Through our four pillars — faith, family, academics, and athletics/arts — we provide a holistic, non-denominational Christian education that nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

Experience a community where students grow with purpose, lead with confidence, and are prepared to make a difference.