Please join us in welcoming our newly appointed teachers and staff for the 2019-2020 academic year. We are proud to secure such exceptional educators to join our Branksome community.
Karen Lile (Head of Academics, Strategy Team)
Karen joins us from Auckland International College (AIC) where she has led as Director of Studies. Karen has traveled extensively and has lived in countries including Brazil, Japan, UAE and New Zealand with more than 17 years of experience working in the IB world. She lives and breathes the IB philosophy and incorporates the Learner Profile into her thinking. She received her Bachelor of Education from Massey University, New Zealand and obtained her Masters in International Educational Leadership and Change from the Education University of Hong Kong.
Frances Lond-Caulk (Head of Junior School, Strategy Team)
Frances has worked for 26 years in international schools in China, Mexico, and Thailand, in addition to teaching the United Kingdom. Her passion is supporting language learning and language acquisition. Developing partnerships with parents is also something Frances believes is very important. Children need to see that both at home and school, we are working together to help them with their education.Frances holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters degree with a focus on leadership and supporting development and innovation in schools. In addition to these, Frances has studied Thai, Spanish, and Chinese, some more successfully than others! Learning languages helps her to empathize with our students, to think like a language learner, and to see the importance of connecting her first language with the other languages she is learning. Learning Korean is now on the list of languages that she will be trying to learn.
Kelley Christman (University Counselor)
Branksome Hall Asia will be Kelley's second overseas experience as an International University Counselor. She formerly served as an International University Counselor in Istanbul. In total, she has 15 years of experience working in high schools in the US and overseas. Formerly, she taught Social Science. Kelley has a B.A. in secondary education, an M.S. in counseling and an M.A. in Education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
DavidZutautas (University Counselor)
David joined Branksome Hall Asia in January 2019 after working in university admissions, recruitment and financial Aid for the University of Toronto for the past 25 years. He has worked collaboratively with university colleagues from around the world throughout his career. He is a past President of the International Association for College Admission Counseling, has held several leadership and committee roles for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) as well the Council of International Schools (CIS). David has also been a member of the College Advisory Committee of the IBO. He has been a speaker at numerous conferences in North America, Europe, Asia and South America addressing topics on curriculum in admission, especially practices regarding IB Diploma acceptance, student mobility, ethical recruitment of students as well as a variety of other topics faced by the university admission community.
SouHyun (Joanna) Park (Social Counselor)
Joanna joins Branksome Hall Asia from a high school in Fairfax County in Virginia, where she worked as a High School Counselor. Prior to that, she served as a mental health counselor at a community counseling service center in Washington D.C. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts in School Counseling from the George Washington University.
Catherine Beaulac (Boarding head of house)
Catherine joins us as Head of House with almost a decade of teaching, leadership and counseling experience at the middle school level in Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and English literature, a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, all from the University of Victoria, Canada. She is fluent in both English and French. Catherine is also a yoga and meditation (mindfulness) teacher.
Fiona Collins (JS PYP Librarian)
Fiona is an experienced IB librarian and IB Workshop leader who has taught in IB schools in Asia and the Middle East since 2006. She is passionate about children's literature, inquiry and life-long learning and is currently pursuing a Masters in Education in Advanced Teaching through the University of the People. When not in the library, Fiona enjoys encouraging young people to become involved in outdoor education and is a qualified leader for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program.
Ciara Wilson (JS Early Years Teacher)
Ciara joins us after 5 years of teaching in China, coming from an IB PYP World School where JK Prep to SK coordinator. She brings literacy experience from the Teachers College (Columbia University) Reading and Writing Project and promotes the ideologies of global citizenship within the classroom. She holds a BSc. in Radiation Science from the University of Ulster, a PGCertEd. from the University of Cumbria and is currently working towards her Masters in Education.
Jacqueline Moran (JS Early Years Teacher)
Jackie joins us from Dubai where she taught PYP for two years. She graduated with a Higher Diploma in Primary Education from Hibernia College Dublin and taught in Ireland for two years. Previous to this she worked as an English teacher in Busan, South Korea for three years in both the private and public sector. As an educator, Jackie is dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child in her care. She makes it her goal to ensure that the education of her students is a fun, interactive and positive experience.
Pamela Briggs (JS Early Years Teacher)
Pam joins us from Hastings, New Zealand where she has enjoyed over nine years of teaching experience within the field of Early Childhood Education. Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and previously was a Head Teacher of kindergarten. Pam is a teacher who believes being engaged in positive, trusting relationships with children supports them to develop a strong sense of well-being and belonging. Pam is excited to begin her role as a JK Prep teacher and also as an international educator.
Anne-Marie McGuinty (JS Teacher)
Anne-Marie joins us from Canada where she has been teaching for the past 19 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. Her career includes teaching in Japan, Bahrain and Germany. Anne-Marie recognizes the limitless potential of each student and understands the importance of connecting with her students to ensure they are engaged and motivated. She is eager to empower her students with the confidence, empathy and courage to make a positive contribution in our dynamic world.
Victoria Heaton (JS Teacher)
Victoria was an intern teacher at Branksome Hall Asia and is now moving into a full-time teaching role. She joins us from Canada where she completed her teacher certification at the University of Toronto. She has over 10 years of experience teaching EAL students in Korean universities, public schools, teacher training centers and outdoor education programs. She has recently completed certification with the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada to become a forest school practitioner. Last year she added to her Ontario qualifications to include Teaching Reading and Kindergarten.
Michelle Curtin (JS Teacher)
Michelle joins Branksome Hall Asia for the second year after completing a teaching internship. She previously worked as an English teacher in Korea for five years and prior to that was a corporate trainer in South Africa. Michelle graduated from UNISA with a Bachelor of Communication Science, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from Rhodes University and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Cornerstone College. She is passionate about student learning and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
MaraHansen (JS English Acquisition Teacher)
Mara joins us from a PYP school in Chiang Mai, Thailand where she served as ELL Specialist for the upper elementary school. She has spent the last 6 years teaching English learners in grades K-12 and is passionate about teaching students within the context of the PYP. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from IUPUI in downtown Indianapolis. She loves the outdoors, and exploring the ways by which language helps us create meaning and mold identity.
Mikang Kim (JS Korean Teacher)
Mikang was born in Korea and has taught for over 20 years. She worked in public and private schools as a homeroom teacher and in an international school as Korean teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education, Masters in English Education and a Ph.D. in Korean Education. She majored in Korean curriculum and minored in multicultural education.
Amina Rand (JS Learning Support Teacher)
Amina joins us from Australia where she was the head of a learning area for high needs and complex needs students. She has over fifteen years experience in multiple learning needs and ESL teaching to a variety of age groups in Australia, Ireland, U.K, Nepal and New Zealand. She is interested in whole-child development and understands the importance of high expectations which ultimately lead to high success in all students.
David Dougherty (JS PE/SwimTeacher)
David comes to us following five years of teaching in Shenzhen, China. As an International Lifeguard, licensed AUSTSWIM coach and passionate physical educator, David’s primary goal is to develop an innate love of exercise and encourage the pursuit of an active and healthy lifestyle. David holds a BSc., a PGCE from The University of Cumbria and is currently working towards his Masters in Education.
Barry Maher (JS Music Teacher)
Barry arrives in Jeju having taught PYP for the previous two years in the U.A.E. He is an experienced musician, and has taught music and private lessons for the past 12 years. Previous to his experience in Ireland and the U.A.E, Barry taught in Busan for three years. He gained his teaching qualification from Hibernia College Dublin, and has a strong background in inquiry based learning. Barry is passionate about his students enjoying their music education, and loves to see his students honing and performing their musical skills whenever possible.
Albert Hoffman (MS/SS English Teacher)
Al Hoffmann comes to us from the United States, where he has taught IB Language and Literature, TOK, theatre, and design for 6 years in Indianapolis schools. He holds a B.S. in secondary education with a minor in creative writing from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and has recently qualified as an IB examiner for DP Language and Literature. He finds joy in exploring the ways we create meaning in our lives through language.
Anne Katherine Perry (MS/SS Biology/Science Teacher)
Kate has been an international science educator since 1999, teaching in Albania, Germany, Tunisia, Thailand, and Switzerland. She spent the last year on sabbatical in Portland, Oregon working on projects related to developing IB Biology teaching materials. She has experience teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Biology and Chemistry, and is an examiner for the Biology Paper 3 (HL). She brings a passion for helping students to learn science and understand their own learning.She earned a Bachelors in Biology from Bates College and a Masters of Science in Science Education from Oregon State University.
Carla Bowles (MS/SS Athletic Director/ MYP PE Teacher)
Carla has been teaching internationally for over 20 years, in different roles or subjects, but also across the grade levels. Carla started her career in New Zealand and has also taught in S America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. She enjoys the experience of seeing students develop by both trying their best in class and also flourishing outside of academics. As such, Carla has always coached school sports plus shows a keen involvement in student initiatives such as those promoted through CAS. She has worked in three IB World schools. Carla looks forward to seeing BHA's fantastic facilities and adding to the school's positive (and active) atmosphere.
David Michael Brennan (MYP English Acquisition Teacher)
David arrives after three years at Cheongna Dalton International School where he built the school's first ELL program. He has lived and worked in Korea for eight years, and is passionate about IBL (Inquiry Based Learning) and Service Learning, with experience extending lessons outside of the classroom and connecting with the students' passions. He also hopes to help the school to enhance it's support of English language learners by collecting important data and collaborating with teachers to accommodate for these students' strengths and weaknesses in their classrooms.
John Palmasano (MYP Design Teacher)
John has been teaching internationally for the past 7 years. Previously, he taught MYP Design and IS at an international school in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Prior to transitioning into education he worked in the Information Technology and Digital Marketing industries. John holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Marketing from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania and has a passion for creating real world meaning in project based learning.
Joseph Shulist (MS/SS English Teacher)
Joseph has been teaching internationally for 10 years now, including 7 years as a high school English teacher and instructional coach in Qingdao, China and most recently as the English department lead at Korea International School. He received his B.A. and B.Ed. degrees from the University of Ottawa and holds a Masters degree in International Education Administration from Endicott College in Massachusetts.
Keith Collins (MYP Science Teacher)
Keith possesses five years experience teaching MYP Science. Keith has also taught DP Business Management and Economics in Shanghai and Kuwait. He is also an IB Examiner. As well as being a passionate educator, he also has 25 years experience of international business management. Keith also enjoys coaching soccer and is a qualified leader for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program.
Kseniya Maksimava (MYP Design Teacher)
Kseniya joins us as an MYP Design teacher with 4 years of work experience with middle school students as well as over 3 years of experience working in the IT industry. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages Education from MSLU and a Masters in Educational Technology from Kyung Hee University. She is currently completing a Postgraduate program in Education at the University of Derby. She also has experience working as a youth trainer and worked on a variety of educational projects in Europe (Italy, Finland, Poland, Hungary). Kseniya is passionate about technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship education.
Michael Schreider (MS/SS Learning Support Specialist Teacher)
Michael comes to us from Canada and is an experienced administrator who possesses 14 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa. Internationally, Michael worked in Bahrain and was MYP Coordinator at Frankfurt International School. Through his support, students find an advocate as well as the courage and strength to continue to meet their educational goals.
Nadine Lemoine (MS/SS Geography/Humanities Teacher)
Nadine is a Canadian who has been working in the field of geography since 2010 through multiple environmental and human rights NGOs. These postings brought her to different countries across the globe including St. Lucia, Cameroon, Afghanistan and Northern Canada. She’s been teaching IB Geography in Western China for the past 2 years and passionately integrates her field experience in the classroom through experiential and project-based learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Ottawa, a Masters in Geography and Planning from the University of Saskatchewan and a B.Ed. from the University of New Brunswick. She specializes in human geography and possesses a keen interest in Indigenous resource management, traditional ecological knowledge and water governance.
Paul Skadsen (MS/SS Math Teacher)
Paul has been involved as an international educator since 1995. He started his overseas journey as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana and has since taught in South Africa, Qatar, Morocco, China, Malaysia, and he is coming from the UAE. He possesses experience teaching SL and HL mathematics in the IB Diploma Program and in the MYP. Paul earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from South Dakota State University. Along with teaching Mathematics, he has a passion and many years of experience in coaching basketball.
Russel Quinlan (MS/SS History/Humanities Teacher)
Russell has been involved in international education since 2000, and has worked in locations that include Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Germany, and Albania. He has taught DP History, Theory of Knowledge, and MYP Individuals and Societies, and has served as Head of Department in two previous schools. He also currently serves as an IB examiner and curriculum reviewer for DP History. He has authored two study and revision guides for DP History published by Hodder Education. Most recently, he has been in Portland, Oregon on a sabbatical year where he is working on a history book for young adult readers. He has a B.A. from the University of Toledo (Ohio, USA). He also possesses an M.A. in History from the University of Toledo and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey.
Ryan Baker (MS/SS Physics/Science Teacher)
Ryan joins us from Canada where he completed both a Bachelor of Science Honors degree in Physics and a Bachelor of Education. He possesses experience teaching DP Physics, has worked in physics laboratories both in Canada and abroad in Germany, and is a former graduate of the IB Diploma Program. He is passionate about building up a conceptual understanding of physics with his students, and is very excited to help his students become lifelong learners.
Riley Larson (MYP Humanities Teacher)
Riley is from the Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota, USA. He joins Branksome Hall Asia after working as a teaching intern, badminton coach, student council advisor, and English instructor for St. Johnsbury Academy. Riley obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geography, French Minor, and Secondary Ed. Certification from South Dakota State University. Before moving to Jeju, Riley studied French in Québec, Canada, as well as Yaoundé, Cameroon. While in Yaoundé he worked as a sociological intern with the United Nations Development Programme.
Stephanie Mitchell (MYP English Acquisition Teacher)
Stephanie joins us from Canada. Originally from the prairies, she has lived in Montreal for many years where she acquired a B.Ed. specializing in teaching English as a second language as well as a respectable level of spoken French. For the past five years she has taught language acquisition to students aged 11 to 17 at a private high school in Quebec. Living and working at Branksome satisfies multiple interests that are close to her heart: she loves working with young people, believes fiercely in the advancement of girls, and is fascinated with exploring other cultures.
Tara May (MS Drama Teacher)
Tara joined Branksome Hall Asia from January to April of 2019, completing her teaching internship as a part of her university coursework. She is a recent graduate from Western Washington University, where she holds a B.A. in both theater education and secondary education. She possesses over 5 years of experience working with students in grades K-12 in a variety of settings, from assisting directors in productions to teaching various units and workshops. She is excited to be returning to Branksome to share her passion for drama with all of her students.
Tim Armstrong (SS ESS/ BiologyTeacher)
Tim is a senior science teacher with experience teaching DP Biology and MYP science. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Senior Years Science) from the Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Tasmania. He has a background of over 10 years as a clinical pharmacist based in Australia and Ireland. This experience was followed by teaching based in Australia and Korea. Additionally, Tim has supported the Rising Stars Football Academy in Korea as a soccer coach.
Yujia Bai (MS Chinese Teacher)
Yujia joins us from Beijing International Bilingual Academy, Beijing China. She has taught MYP, IGCSE and Chinese ab initio. She holds a Bachelor degree of International Chinese Lnagauge Education from Northwest University and a Master’s degree in Chinese Linguistics and Language Acquisition from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is passionate about Chinese literature and education and strives to help students explore the magic of language and literature.
Stephanie Smith (MS Teacher Intern)
Stephanie has been working at Branksome Hall Asia in the Boarding program as a Teacher Don for the past two years , where she has worked closely with students in Grades 10 - 12 to support both their academic and social needs. She also has experience working as an English Teacher in a Korean school through the EPIK Program. Stephanie holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Zoology and has recently completed her Post-Graduate Certificate of Education with the University of Sunderland. Stephanie is passionate about engaging students in science through inquiry and project-based learning.
Lauren (Kinz) Kinsey (MS Teacher Intern)
Kinz was born in the United States and holds dual citizenship in both Canada and the U.S. Over the past 5 years she has taught MYP Visual Art, Introduction to Engineering Design and metalworking. She holds a B.S. in Art Education P-12 from the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis, Indiana. She enjoys pursuing knowledge of all kinds and is passionate about critical and creative thinking.
Melissa De Sole (JS Teacher Intern)
Melissa has been working at Branksome for two years in the Boarding program and before that spent four years teaching English in public schools for Jeju's Provincial Office of Education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Romance Languages (French, Italian, and Spanish) from Colorado College and a certification to Teach English as a Foreign Language from Cambridge University. Last year, she completed her Post-Graduate Certificate of Education with the University of Sunderland, student-teaching Individuals and Societies lessons in the Middle School.
Yasmin Yavari (JS Teacher Intern)
Yasmin joins us from Vancouver, Canada, where she graduated with Honours from her Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia. She is an IB certified Science teacher and has had experience across the IB continuum. She completed her practicum as a Biology teacher in Vancouver, and as an early childhood educator in Guatemala. She also possesses experience teaching Biology and Outdoor Education in Thailand.
Renee Goodridge (JS Teacher Intern)
Renee joins us from Toronto, Canada where she graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Education concentrating in International Education. During her studies, she specialized in history and studied abroad for a semester at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Renee has gained valuable teaching practicum experiences over the past 5 years at a number of public schools, as well as at an independent school in Barbados. She is a certified primary junior teacher passionate about bringing meaningful learning experiences to the classroom.
Erin Jennings (JS Teacher Intern)
Erin is from Canada and has more than 12 years of experience teaching a variety of age groups in Canada, Argentina, and Korea. She joins us from her previous position at the Kakao Kindergarten in Jeju, which has a play-based English program. Erin holds a Master of Arts degree from Carleton University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. She is interested in language development, multiculturalism, and whole child development.
Michaela McGibbon (JS Teacher Intern)
Michaela is from the United States of America, and possesses over eight years of teaching experience in a formal and informal setting. As a recent university graduate from Saint Martin's University of Washington state, Michaela is certified in K-8 education with an endorsement working with English Language Learner students, as well as a Bachelor of Elementary Education. Michaela joins us from her position as a Senior Instructor in the Education Department at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
Michelle Ko (Boarding Don)
Michelle was born in Hawaii and recently moved to California. She is passionate about language and culture and has taught English in different parts of the world (Korea, Poland, Switzerland and the U.S.). She also possesses experience teaching SAT prep to high school students as well as tutoring them in reading, writing, and essay. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Second Language Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master of Arts in teaching English acquisition from Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Alice Moon (Boarding Don)
Alice was born and raised in Korea but moved to Kingston, Canada to pursue her university education. She graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors). She is interested in teaching and mentoring younger students. As an alumnae of the class of 2015 of Branksome Hall Asia - the first graduating class - she is very excited to return and share her experience. Alice was a student prefect and actively participated in numerous activities including stage band and swimming. She is keen to support students with their academics, extracurriculars and personal concerns.
Jin Kim (Boarding Don)
Jin is originally from South Korea but has been to schools in China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the U.S. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design in the United States. As an alumnae of Branksome Hall Asia, she is passionate about bringing her experience from BHA as well as other countries. She is excited to return to Jeju and join the Branksome Boarding family this year.
Eve Chen (Boarding Don)
Eve was born in Fuzhou, China, but grew up in Toronto, Canada. Her strengths and specialties include rowing, fitness, foreign languages, drawing, playing musical instruments, singing, and rapping. Eve’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Music (University of Toronto), a personal trainer certificate (Canadian Fitness Professionals Organization), TEFL & TESL certificates, and a piano certificate (Royal Conservatory of Music). Eve regularly encourages everyone to take on a variety of extracurriculars and to pursue a healthy active lifestyle.
Evira Marciano (Boarding Don)
Elvira grew up in Guatemala and completed her studies in the United States. She student taught in Belgium and taught English in Spain for a year. She also has experience teaching Spanish at public schools in the United States. Some of her interests are languages and cultures. She holds the belief that speaking multiple languages not only can help open up doors for new opportunities, but can also help with cognitive development.
Ruth Gina Yoo (Boarding Don)
Gina has worked as a "star" teacher teaching test preparation classes in one of the most well-known foreign language institutions in South Korea, teaching over 400 students per class. She brings over 5 years of experience teaching advanced English grammar and English standardized exams, such as: SAT, TOEFL, TOEIC, and more. She also has experience working as a news reporter at The Korea Times and TBS eFM. She holds an English language and literature degree (B.A.) from Yonsei University and English education degree (M.Ed) from Seoul National University. She is in the process of acquiring a teacher license from the United States.