Educational Team

Clint brings a robust educational foundation with a Master's of Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a Master's in Educational Technology from Moreland University, supported by a rich portfolio of certifications including Google Certified Educator Levels I and II. His educational journey spans over a decade, highlighted by roles such as Grade One Homeroom Teacher and curriculum leader at multiple international schools in Taiwan. Clint's teaching philosophy is centered around leveraging cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning experiences to create inclusive and engaging educational environments. He possesses a keen interest in educational technology and videography, consistently integrating these elements into his teaching methods. Clint's professional achievements include accolades like Teacher of the Month and Coach of the Tournament, reflecting his dedication to educational excellence. Outside of work, Clint cherishes spending time outdoors, enjoying camping, board games, and staying active with activities like playing pickleball with his family, riding bikes with his daughter, and playing bags with friends.

Currently completing a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University, Mr. Swanston is building on a strong academic foundation that includes a Bachelor's in Political Science from Stanford University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Sunderland University. With seven years of experience teaching High School Social Studies at Taoyuan American School, and additional substitute teaching roles at Taipei American School and Taipei European School, he has honed his expertise in fostering critical thinking and global citizenship. His teaching philosophy centers on creating a classroom environment where inquiry and respectful debate thrive, encouraging students to engage with complex ideas and diverse perspectives. Beyond the classroom, he is a former Canadian National Swim Team member and earned All-American honors at Stanford University's varsity swim team. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys writing, swimming, and traveling.

Luke Mulders is the Elementary School Director, where he is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Nelson Mandela University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Currently, he is completing his Master of Education degree, further deepening his expertise in instructional leadership and curriculum development. Since relocating to Taiwan in 2015, Luke has gained extensive teaching experience across language schools, public schools, and international schools. As both an administrator and homeroom teacher, he is passionate about creating safe, engaging classrooms that nurture each student's growth and potential. He believes that education is a powerful tool for empowering students to achieve their goals and succeed in a rapidly changing world. In his free time, Luke enjoys cycling, traveling and working out at the gym.

Adri Beer has been a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher and subject teacher specializing in the core curriculum for over seven years in reputable private educational institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Studies with a focus on International Relations and Diplomacy. As a Grade 1 homeroom teacher, Ms. Beer believes that the key to successful teaching lies in respecting and understanding her students while creating an environment where they feel safe to be themselves. She is dedicated to fostering growth not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, helping her students develop into confident and well-rounded individuals.

Ms. Vivian has a rich background in education, holding a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta, Canada, and an MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from University College London. With experience teaching kindergarten in Canada and substituting for primary school classes in London, Ms. Vivian has earned both Canadian and UK teaching certificates. She has over 10 years of teaching experience, including seven years as a second-grade homeroom teacher at TYAS, working with students from preschool to adulthood. Passionate about fostering early learning, Ms. Vivian believes in the profound impact of education on young children. She strives to create a warm, engaging, and nurturing classroom environment, emphasizing early literacy by incorporating daily read-aloud sessions to spark her students' interest in learning. Outside the classroom, Ms. Vivian stays active with sports like boxing, running, hiking, and badminton. Music is another important part of her life; she plays the piano, sings with the ukulele, and loves watching musicals whenever possible. Ms. Vivian has "caught the travel bug" from her parents from an early age, and continually adds new destinations to her travel map. She eagerly integrates her diverse life experiences into her teaching, enriching her students' learning journey.

Ms. Lin was raised in Toronto, Canada. She graduated from the University of Toronto with a double-degree: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Education in Primary Junior Education. She is a certified K-G6 elementary teacher by the Province of Ontario. Ms. Lin is creative and very passionate about making learning exciting for her students so that it would become a meaningful learning experience for them. She has experience teaching a variety of different learners and has the patience to help them meet their needs. Ms. Lin loves working with children and believes in the importance of care and guidance in education. This will be Ms. Lin’s ninth year teaching. Other than working with children, she enjoys crafting, traveling, spending time with family, and learning about different languages and cultures.

Mr. Webb comes from a small town in Iowa, located in the heart of the Midwest. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Asian Studies, with a focus on Japanese and Chinese languages. Following his graduation, he moved to Taiwan, where he has been teaching English and enjoying life for over a decade. Driven by his passion for teaching, Mr. Webb pursued teacher certification through Moreland University and became a licensed educator in the state of Hawai‘i. Currently, Mr. Webb teaches 4th grade, where he strives to inspire his students to find their own love for learning and develop a global perspective. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active engagement with the material and making learning meaningful, especially in an international setting that encourages cross-cultural understanding. He encourages students to develop a growth mindset, equipping them with the skills and resilience to face future challenges confidently. In his free time, Mr. Webb enjoys spending quality time with his wife, daughter, and son. He also has a passion for weight training, gaming, and traveling.

 

He earned a Master of Science in International Management from Swansea University in Wales, U.K., and obtained a U.S. teaching license from the District of Columbia. Mr. Psillos has 20-plus years of experience instructing students of all ages and abilities in Taiwan. He has expertise in fostering a supportive learning environment for diverse learners and a deep dedication to English Language Arts instruction. He believes in creating a positive, student-centered classroom climate that empowers students to take ownership of their learning. He emphasizes respect, encouragement, and an inclusive atmosphere that allows students to excel in all areas. He is skilled in engaging students through varied classroom activities and interactive lessons, as well as incorporating educational games and multimedia resources. Outside the classroom, Mr. Psillos enjoys spending quality time with his family, staying active through workouts and martial arts, and indulging in movies and travel. His passion for these hobbies brings a well-rounded, engaging presence to his role as an educator.

Rick holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Secondary Mathematics from Southampton University and a BSc (Hons) degree from Liverpool University. He has taught in the UK and Taiwan for over 20 years, where his teaching philosophy is to inspire a lifelong passion for mathematics in his students. Prior to teaching, Rick worked as a computer programmer and is also a best-selling author of vocabulary-building books. Outside the classroom, he enjoys rowing, cycling, and spending time with his family.

George Gibson serves as the Middle School Director, AP Coordinator, and Middle/High School STEM Teacher at Taoyuan American School. He holds a Higher Education Diploma from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and has completed advanced certifications in Robotics and the Internet of Things from institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Irvine. With over 25 years of teaching experience across South Africa and Taiwan, George specializes in STEM education, including IT, Computer Science, and Engineering. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning, aiming to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. George has successfully coached award-winning robotics teams and developed innovative educational resources for STEM programs. Outside of his professional role, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and mentoring young innovators, driven by his passion for inspiring the next generation of leaders in technology.

Joseph received a Bachelor of Arts in Writing from Southern Oregon University while teaching in the ESL department of the school. He moved to Taiwan in 2008 to gain experience in teaching abroad. Since his move, he has taught Language Arts and Social Studies from grades three to twelve at Fuhsing and Wego until starting his own classroom in Taipei for instructing students on ISEE testing as well as assisting students in transitioning from a Chinese-based curriculum to an American based curriculum focused on literature, social studies and writing. His interests include cooking, baking, woodworking, and board gaming.

Courtney received her Bachelor of Arts from Southern Nazarene University. Since graduation, she has lived and taught middle school to college levels across Asia, including Mongolia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Georgia, Thailand and Taiwan. She loves offering classes with hands-on activities and teaching lessons through stories. She brings an enthusiasm for lifelong learning to the classroom and inspires her students to continue asking questions and digging deeper. Outside of school, she is an avid knitter and seeks to be outdoors laying in a hammock whenever possible.

Dennis Liu is a dedicated High School Social Studies teacher with a strong educational background and nearly two decades of experience in education. He holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Sacramento State University and has taught a wide range of students, from kindergarten to high school. Over the years, Dennis has gained international experience, teaching English in Korea for one year and working for 14 years in Taiwan. His teaching philosophy centers on making learning engaging and entertaining, as he believes that student engagement is essential for effective learning. Inspired by his high school experiences in debate and Mock Trial competitions, Dennis brings a dynamic approach to his teaching. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cycling and is passionate about working with young people.

Merlin graduated with honors with a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Mapua University, Manila, Philippines, and pursued his Masters in Space Science and Engineering at the National Central University, Taiwan. In addition to his scientific training, he also has a background in music as a violin major from the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the Philippines, College of Music. With more than a year of experience teaching Math and Physics to engineering students, his approach focuses on simplifying complex concepts to make them accessible, fostering curiosity and joy in learning. Merlin believes that nurturing a student's natural curiosity through exploration and encouraging them to find joy in discovering new concepts is the best way for them to learn. He currently teaches high school mathematics and advanced physics courses. In his free time, he enjoys listening to classical music, playing chess, and going to the gym.

Mrs. Charita Koli is an alumna of Bombay University where she got her Bachelor's Degree in Science. She has gained recognition in Fostering Academic Success Through Cooperative Learning, Working Memory, and the Reflective Cycle from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. She has been working as a professional science educator for the past 8 years in Taiwan. She brings with her a passion for active, inquiry-based learning aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Her approach includes engaging students through phenomena-based experiences, encouraging them to ask questions, investigate problems, and propose solutions. She has successfully managed to connect science with math and STEM, foster collaborative discussions, and use technology to enhance learning. Her goal is to provide authentic scientific experiences that prepare students for success in college and their future endeavors.

Joy Amada holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Batangas State University and a Master's degree in Education, majoring in English and Literature, from the University of Batangas. She is currently a PhD candidate in Educational Leadership. A licensed educator with a multifaceted background, she has served as a university lecturer and pre-service teacher coordinator in the Philippines, as well as a high school and elementary educator in China and Taiwan. She is deeply passionate about the transformative power of literature in cultivating intellectual curiosity, cultural literacy, and critical discernment among students. She values the "one school" philosophy, firmly believing in a cohesive, collaborative educational environment where all stakeholders work to foster holistic student development. In her leisure time, she enjoys running and playing badminton.

Han-jie received a full scholarship and completed her Master of Violin Performance from the prestigious Boston Conservatory in the United States. Her teaching career began at Marshfield High School in Massachusetts, where she developed a reputation for excellence in music instruction. She then joined the faculty at Hanscom Air Force Base Middle School, where her role expanded as the Director and Conductor of the Hanscom AFB Middle School Orchestra, cultivating her students' passion for music through performance and collaboration. Following this role, she also taught at Lincoln Public School in Massachusetts. In August 2012, Han-jie returned to Taiwan, bringing with her a wealth of international experience and a commitment to music education. Currently, she teaches general music classes for students from Grades 1 to 8 and leads the Musical Theatre Production program for Grades 9 to 12, where she inspires students to express themselves through the arts. In addition to her work in music, Han-jie teaches AP Chinese, showcasing her versatility and dedication to fostering a broad educational experience for her students. Outside the classroom, Han-jie has a profound love for Broadway shows, finding joy in both the rich storytelling and the dynamic performances. This passion for the arts not only enriches her own life but also fuels her teaching, inspiring students to explore and appreciate the transformative power of music and theater.

Josh brings a strong professional foundation with a Master's degree from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and diverse experience as both a software engineer at Yahoo and university lecturer at De La Salle University, one of the Philippines' top institutions. His expertise spans computer science and cybersecurity, where he stays current with emerging technologies and security practices. Josh's teaching approach emphasizes bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application, drawing from his industry experience to provide practical insights. Outside the classroom, Josh pursues adventurous activities including freediving and lead climbing, holding certifications as both a scuba diver and freediver. He also enjoys the strategic complexity of abstract strategy board games and is always open to playing with new people.

Mr. Sam is a dedicated and versatile physical education teacher with a career spanning 15 years, working across elementary, middle and high school levels both in and out of Taiwan. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ming Chuan University in Taiwan and possesses coaching certificates from FIBA, international basketball federation, which enhance his expertise in sports coaching and athletic development. In addition to his career, Mr. Sam owns and operates a sports club in Taiwan where he shares his knowledge and passion in physical education with the wider community. His commitment to fitness and healthy lifestyle extends beyond the classroom, creating a healthy lifestyle for students and families alike. Mr. Sam's teaching philosophy focuses on inspiring students to embrace active healthy lifestyles and to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance through physical activities. Mr. Sam's passion for working with students comes from witnessing the joy and accomplishment they feel when they overcome challenges and reach new milestones. He enjoys guiding them on their journey to self-discovery and personal growth through sports and fitness. Outside of his professional commitment, Mr. Sam enjoys diving in the ocean exploring the underwater world and connecting with nature. He also has a passion for cooking and baking, finding relaxation and creativity in the kitchen. Through his hobbies and professional work, he brings a rich, well-rounded perspective to his role as a physical education teacher.

Mr. Lien brings three years of international Mandarin teaching experience to our school, having taught students in New Zealand, Thailand, and Taiwan. He holds a Master’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature from National Taitung University. In addition to his teaching background, Mr. Lien previously worked as an Education Solution Manager at the ViewSonic company, where he trained over 6,000 teachers in Taiwan on integrating educational technology into their classrooms. Mr. Lien’s diverse cultural and professional background allows him to create a rich, inclusive learning environment that resonates with students from all backgrounds. His student-centered approach focuses on building a strong foundation in Mandarin through engaging, real-world applications. Beyond his classroom duties, Mr. Lien enjoys exploring innovative teaching tools and methods, striving to inspire his students to become confident and enthusiastic Mandarin speakers.

Hui Tzu (Sandy) Kan received her Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Afterwards, she acquired her Master's degree in Adolescent Education at City University of New York, Hunter College. Ms. Kan taught elementary school at Sacred Heart Greenwich for seven years. Ms. Kan currently holds a full teaching certification and license with the State of New York. She has accumulated significant experience in teaching elementary, middle, and high school students both in the US and in Taiwan. Ms. Kan believes in active learning and that the students learn best through various hands-on crafts, storytelling, experiments, and cultural events. She hopes to build a positive environment that will not only encourage the students to achieve, but will also guide them to be responsible for their learning.

Sylvia has been passionate about art since high school. She graduated from the Department of Art and Design at Fu-Hsing High School in Taiwan, then pursued a degree in Art Education at National Taitung Teachers College, where she also earned certification in children's art education. She later completed a Master's degree in Fine Arts at Tunghai University, deepening her academic and creative foundation. Her professional journey includes roles at art museums and cultural institutions, where she organized international exhibitions and participated in global art fairs. These experiences in arts administration and contemporary art have greatly influenced her perspective and practice. In recent years, Sylvia has dedicated herself to children's art education, bringing her artistic sensibility and experience into the classroom. She believes that "art begins with life"—and in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, she sees creativity and aesthetic awareness as essential skills for the next generation. For Sylvia, the artistic process is not just about making art; it's a source of confidence, joy, and personal growth. Her greatest reward is hearing a child say with pride: "I love my art!"

Ms. Shen holds a PhD in Education specializing in Linguistics, along with a College Counselor certification from the University of California San Diego (UCSD). With deep knowledge of U.S. college admissions and student advising, plus teaching experience in a Los Angeles public secondary school, she understands the diverse needs of multicultural students and leads curriculum design, instructional material development, and varied assessment strategies to create student-centered learning environments. She has long collaborated with the College Board, guiding Taiwanese educational leaders in understanding U.S. college admissions systems, and successfully introduced the California-based UC Scout online course platform to Taiwan, enriching local college preparatory curricula. Ms. Shen actively mentors students participating in the International Science Fair, NSS Space Settlement Contest, and VEX Taiwan Open, fostering curiosity and innovation. She focuses on cultivating coherent, globally minded K-12 curriculum systems that strengthen academic foundations and support lifelong growth.

As a College Counselor, Andrew passionately supports student success in college preparation at TYAS. After earning a M.S.Ed degree from University of Pennsylvania with a Research Award, he served as an alumni interviewer in Penn's undergraduate admissions process and organized the first in-house writing center at Graduate School of Education. Andrew is also a certified high school English teacher in Taiwan, where he's taken on both teaching and administrative roles in several local schools. Outside of work, he's a fan of American pop-culture, Philly sport teams, and good food.

As an Emotional Wellbeing Specialist, Elis supports students in nurturing their emotional wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on interpersonal development and social engagement throughout their campus experience. She is also a socially engaged artist, collaborating with a diverse range of organizations to enhance emotional intelligence and relational skills. Her work centers on interdisciplinary and inspiring learning, utilizing various art forms to deliver soft skills training in areas such as emotional awareness, relationship-building, teamwork, and critical thinking. Beyond the campus, Elis partners with universities, social welfare foundations, and corporate organizations across Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany, and Finland. She brings a rich blend of academic training and practical experience to her work. Her interdisciplinary qualifications include a Master's degree in Digital Health from Finland, as well as professional certifications in art and creative therapy and trauma-informed coaching for children in therapeutic settings in Germany. She has also advanced her expertise in cross-cultural management, anti-bullying strategies in education, and mental health and crisis nursing in the UK. In 2023, Elis was awarded a grant from the Taiwan National Culture and Arts Foundation's "Inclusive Arts Project," a program aimed at addressing aging-related issues and promoting cross-sector collaboration among the arts, social welfare, and education to increase artistic engagement and social care. In 2025, her second project, which focuses on mental health and the cultivation of social intelligence, was honored with an award from the New Taipei City Government Department of Cultural Affairs. Her interdisciplinary practice continues to explore the interconnectedness between relational health and mental wellbeing, contributing to a more holistic and integrated understanding of emotional health in both educational and community-based contexts.

Melody is a certified teacher with a Master’s in Applied Linguistics and TESOL from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Since beginning her teaching career in 2005, she has developed an educational philosophy centered on addressing her students' unique needs through diverse, individualized strategies that honor their differences. Currently, Melody teaches elementary EAL and high school Digital Publication. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling, baking, and spending quality time with her family.

With a childhood spanning six different countries, Matthew Zuhl brings a truly global perspective to education. Graduating from the American Cooperative School of Tunis, he developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and learning environments. This foundation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in East Asian Studies, demonstrating a keen interest in understanding the world's interconnectedness. He is deeply passionate about bringing the narratives of the past to life and is eager to share this enthusiasm for history with his students. Further solidifying his commitment to education, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and holds a teaching license from the state of Maryland, equipping him with the skills and credentials to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity in students

Ms. Zanetti holds two Master's degrees—Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Tunghai University and Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Jaén—and is currently completing an Intercollegiate Master's in Bilingual Education and CLIL. She brings over six years of teaching experience in Taiwan's bilingual education system, specializing in Science and English language instruction through content-based and project-oriented approaches. A recipient of multiple academic scholarships, Ms. Zanetti has participated in prestigious international exchange programs in Spain, Serbia, and Taiwan, experiences that enrich her intercultural perspective in the classroom. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes curiosity, trust, and student engagement, creating a safe and stimulating environment where learners grow in confidence and skills. Passionate about technology, innovation, and hands-on learning, she enjoys integrating digital tools, DIY projects, and creative problem-solving into her lessons. Outside of school, Ms. Zanetti loves riding her motorcycle, spending time with her cats and family, and sharing moments of fun and connection while traveling.

Karis Kim holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). With a background in teaching English as a second language and a strong foundation in youth mentorship, she has experience working with students of all ages in both academic and extracurricular settings. She is passionate about language as a bridge for connection and believes in fostering a safe, inclusive classroom where students feel empowered to grow in confidence and curiosity. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes relationship-building and helping students find joy in their own learning journey. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys learning new languages, dancing, and analyzing movies.