Elementary School

Sandra Lopez Elementary School Principal

Sandra Lopez will join KAS with over 25 years of experience in international and bilingual education. She is currently the Primary Principal and PYP Coordinator at Springboard International Bilingual School in Beijing, where she oversees learning for more than 300 students from Early Childhood through Grade 5. Sandra has also served as a Curriculum and Academic Programs Coordinator, a Special Needs, EAL, and Early Literacy teacher, an Adjunct Professor, and an elementary classroom teacher. She has worked in the United States and Colombia, and has been based in China since 2019.

She holds a BA in Educational Psychology from Hunter College in New York City, a postgraduate diploma in Mental Health, Children and Adolescents from Universidad CES in Medellín, Colombia, and is currently completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Joining Sandra in Kaohsiung will be her husband, Gustavo, who works as an Art Tech supporting makerspace and creative arts programs. They have three older children living in Florida. She is excited to join the KAS community and support the continued growth of the elementary school.

Jorge Arismendi Elementary Makerspace

A Colombian native, Jorge has previously called Malaysia and the USA home, cultivating a lifelong passion for cultural exchange. A curious and creative learner, he finds joy in music and art, while maintaining balance through road cycling and yoga.
Beyond his civil engineering background with a focus on sustainable design, Jorge brings 16 years of experience teaching languages, math, and science to the KAS community. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Education specializing in math and science, he is happy to share his experiences and co-learn STEAM alongside his students.

Araceli Arismendi Grade 4 Homeroom

Araceli is a dedicated educator with two decades of experience. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of teaching students ranging from Kindergarten to 4th grade in diverse settings, including Houston, San Antonio, and internationally at The International School of Kuala Lumpur, where she dedicated ten years to nurturing young minds. Araceli’s commitment to education is further underscored by her Master’s in Education from the University of Texas.
Beyond the classroom, she is passionate about savoring delicious food, exploring new places, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With two young and energetic boys, Matteo and Sevastian, who keep her on her toes, Araceli’s tries her best to work on her wellbeing as much as she can.

Sarah Buchanan Learning Support Paraprofessional

Sarah grew up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, before beginning her journey abroad and moving to Taiwan in 2019 to teach English. What started as a new adventure quickly became a place she fell in love with, and she has continued to call Taiwan home ever since.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Bishop’s University in Quebec, as well as a teacher certification in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about working with young learners and creating engaging, supportive environments where students can grow and thrive.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys photography, drawing, reading, and traveling. She loves exploring new places, spending time in the ocean, and discovering the unique stories and experiences each place has to offer.

Eileen Chang ES Visual Arts

Eileen Chang is a passionate educator with three years as a TA in the elementary at KAS. She is known for her interdisciplinary approach for blending art, storytelling and environmental themes.
With a background in ecological illustration, she has published numerous artworks and articles. Additionally, she has lectured on ecological illustration for over five years, using visual storytelling to foster environmental awareness. Eileen holds certifications in Elementary, STEM, and Environmental Education and is pursuing her IB (DP) Educator Certificate. She earned a Master’s in Environmental Management from the University of Queensland and previously worked as a researcher and science educator. She received the “EE 30 Under 30” award for leadership in Environmental Education.
Outside the classroom, Eileen enjoys playing guitar, skateboarding, swimming, and horseback riding. She and her husband share a love for animals and care for more than 30 pets—mostly reptiles—at home. Some of those pets have visited our classrooms and joined us at Dragon Camps in the summer!

Emma Chen Grade 5 Teaching Assistant

Emma Chen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from Cheng Shiu University. She has a Level C technician certificate for babysitting and worked in a local kindergarten as a teaching assistant prior to coming to KAS. She lives with her family in Kaohsiung.

Judy Chen Grade 5 Teaching Assistant

Judy Chen is a Kaohsiung native. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from FU-JEN Catholic University in Taiwan, and a teaching credential from Moreland University, USA. She is passionate about Korean Culture and Language. She is a native Taiwanese and Mandarin speaker, fluent in English, and has knowledge of Korean.
Ms. Chen believes in high expectations and love for all students. She spends time with her two sons, extended family, and friends. She loves gourmet food, camping, skateboarding, Karaoke, and Taichung Brothers’ baseball.

Melody Chen Kindergarten Homeroom

Melody Chen has a BA and an MA in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Los Angeles, United States. Melody is a certified Teacher in the state of California, maintains a “Child Development Site Supervisor Permit” credential from the state of California, and has credentials and teaching experience in Montessori schools in the United States. Ms. Melody has experience teaching Prekindergarten and kindergarten in Los Angeles and has been teaching kindergarten at KAS since 2000. She has been trained in and has experience teaching PYP, ELL Vocabulary Practice, Balanced Literacy and Writing Workshop. Melody is impassioned by early childhood education and has been very successful in developing early literacy in kindergarteners. She is committed to providing kindergarten students with a strong base for reading skills and getting children ready for Grade 1. Melody describes KAS as her second home and is proud to be a part of it!

Stella Chen Athletics Director

Stella has a Bachelor of Social Work from Brigham Young University-HawaiI, United States. Stella is currently in the process of obtaining a master’s degree in physical education. She received her lifeguard and CPR/ First Aid certificate from the Chinese Taipei Water Life Saving Federation. Her hobbies include playing volleyball, traveling, cooking and spending time with family. She also enjoys coaching and teaching the varsity boys volleyball team at KAS.

Yu-Min Cheng ES Chinese

Yu-Min joined our KAS team as an ES Chinese teacher Prior to that, she taught Chinese to students from diverse backgrounds in Taiwan, the United States, and Poland. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and English Education from NPU, as well as an MA in Teaching Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language from NKNU. She is certified in elementary school education and TCSFL by the Education Ministry of Taiwan, and holds a certificate of TCFL from Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).
With many years experience teaching Chinese, Yu-Min is an enthusiastic and dedicated educator who incorporates technology and balanced literacy components (BLC) into her teaching. She also utilizes up-to-date and effective language teaching methodologies, including Teaching with Comprehensible Input (TCI), to facilitate language acquisition. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a safe and engaging learning environment that promotes student motivation and caters to individual student needs.
In addition to her extensive teaching experience, Yu-Min actively engages in continuous professional development. She has completed various training programs and has presented and led workshops at several large-scale international school conferences.
In her free time, Yu-Min enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and watching movies. She currently resides in Kaohsiung with her family.

Zoe Chu ES Health & Physical Education

Zoe has been a Pre-Kindergarten teaching assistant at KAS and was a co-teacher for several years before that.
Zoe grew up in Kaohsiung and she graduated from Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages with a major in English. She worked and studied in Australia to help improve her English and meet new friends before moving back to Taiwan.
During her spare time, she enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, going to the beach, traveling, and enjoying food and coffee with her friends.

Pinky Chung Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Pinky Chung joined KAS as a teaching assistant in Grade 4 and now works as a teaching assistant in kindergarten. Pinky graduated from Chinese Cultural University in Taipei. She also studied for a year in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. Ms. Chung loves children and is very patient with students. Pinky enjoys reading and music very much. She also loves to spend time with her family.

Sarah Ducharme Librarian

Sarah taught middle school English for 15 years before stepping into the best job ever: School Librarian of 15 years! Originally from the Boston area, she and her husband took the leap into international waters in 1998, moving to ACS-Beirut along the Mediterranean. Since then, it’s been five other countries, two children (now adults), and one adventure after another.
Sarah has masters degrees in Education & Library Science and is passionate about all things library and literacy. She looks forward to working with students, teachers, and parents in building a culture of reading and research.

Her two 20-something daughters live in Boston and NYC and are doing a fine job of adulting thus far, knock on wood! Christmas and summers are all about them and visits with extended family and their various dogs and cats (Tally, Fig, Goose, and Mister!)
Although the library is her happy place, she also enjoys long walks & low-key hikes, reading (very on-brand), cooking, scouring restaurant reviews, and allll the coffee shops (pic at Andy’s Diner in Cambridge, MA)

Nicholas Felber ES EAL Coordinator

Nicholas is an experienced traveler and teacher who is joining Team Dragon from Cleveland, Ohio. He spent five years working in South Korea and earned a Master of Education with a focus in TESOL before returning to work for three years in New Orleans as part of the TeachNOLA program. Most recently, he has completed a Master of Art in Sociology of Education from NYU and been working in Cleveland’s public schools as a K-8 Multilingual Program Manager where he oversaw ESL programs at over 30 schools.

Nicholas has lived in South Korea, Chile, and Argentina so he speaks Korean and Spanish in addition to his native English. The opportunity to learn a new culture through the language is one of his favorite parts of traveling and living abroad. He loves to share this passion for language and culture with students and fellow teachers.

Other activities Nicholas enjoys are: rock climbing (including setting indoor bouldering routes), surfing, playing or watching soccer, snowboarding, dancing or singing tango, reading, and finding new places to eat. He cannot wait to share his passions with the KAS community!

James Gerber ES Health & Physical Education/Assistant Athletic Director

James Gerber is our Elementary Physical Education Teacher for Kindergarten to Fifth Grade. He also coaches Middle School Basketball and High School basketball at KAS. Before coming to KAS, he has worked in Honolulu, Hawaii USA as an Elementary PE teacher in the Department of Education of Schools in Hawaii, USA. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chaminade University and a Sports Coaching/Physical Education certification from the United States Sports Academy. He is a certified lifeguard and CPR/First Aid from the Chinese Taipei Water Life Saving Federation and Certified Athletic Sports Trainer from the International Sports Science Association. Growing up he lived in Hong Kong, China; Seoul, Korea; Taipei, Taiwan; Manila, Philippines; Shanghai, China; and Honolulu, United States. He attended various American International schools in Asia. His hobbies are playing basketball, watching movies, traveling and spending time with family.

Amy Hiser Grade 5 Homeroom

Amy is very excited to join the Dragon team as a Grade 5 homeroom teacher at Kaohsiung American School. Born and raised in Florida, USA, Amy earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida. She brings 10+ years of teaching experience from schools in the USA, South Korea, and Singapore. Amy is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging student-centered classroom where students feel encouraged to grow both academically and personally.

Outside the classroom, Amy enjoys running, exploring new places, and trying new foods. She is excited to become part of the KAS community!

Hsin-Yi Hsu ES Music/Head of Department: ES Specials

Hsin Yi Hsu earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Tainan Teacher College, Taiwan, and her Master of Arts degree in Music Education with Kodaly Emphasis from Holy Name College in Oakland, California. She teaches elementary classroom music, elementary string orchestra, middle school music, and high school choir. Ms. Hsu is a certified MYP music teacher. Hsin Yi comes to us from another international school in Kaohsiung where she taught for 11 years. She is married and has two sons.

Angela Hsu Aquatics Director

Angela Hsu joined KAS as an Aquatic assistant/lifeguard and is now the Aquatics Director after years of experience in the department. She earned her BA from Kaohsiung Medical University in Sports Medicine and her MA from National Kaohsiung Normal University in Physical Education. She continued to obtain her teaching certificate in the States of Hawaii. Angela is a certified lifeguard and Lifesaving Coach, fitness coach, volleyball referee and coach, and has her EMT license. Angela has experience as an athletic trainer for local, national, and international events, including the National Games in Taiwan and ACAMIS in Hong Kong and China. She also leads the girls’ varsity volleyball team and has taken them to the championship several times. She and her sister live together in Kaohsiung; they enjoy traveling, cooking, swimming, and watching movies.

Naomi Huang Grade 2 Teaching Assistant

Naomi Huang joined as a teaching assistant in Grade 4. She earned her BA in Sports Medicine from Kaohsiung Medical University and worked as a trainer before joining KAS. In her role as an athletics trainer, Naomi has chaperoned ACAMIS soccer teams to Beijing. She is a certificated fitness trainer and has basic life support license. Naomi was born and raised in Kaohsiung where she lives with her family.

Jamie Hughes Grade 3 Homeroom

Jamie was born and raised in Nashville, TN. After getting her Bachelors in Psychology, she worked as a social worker and then as a probation officer before finding her true passion: education. After obtaining her Masters in Education, she taught middle school in Tennessee. She then moved to China, where she taught fifth grade at an international school.

Jamie loves to read and travel.

Dorothy Hung Grade 1 Homeroom

Dorothy joined KAS with extensive experience teaching in elementary school. Working with first graders is very rewarding for her as she enjoys watching her students learn to read and write. Dorothy began her teaching career in Los Angeles as a Grade 3 public school teacher. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Applied Linguistics and a Master of Education degree, both from the University of Southern California. Dorothy holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a BCLAD (bilingual, cross-cultural, language, and academic development) emphasis from the state of California. She is certified to teach elementary level students and ELL. Dorothy also has training and experience in PYP, Balanced Literacy, and Writing Workshop. Dorothy dedicates herself to creating a rich, nurturing learning environment, where she strives to develop confidence and enthusiasm for learning among her students. Dorothy is married with two adult sons who are both graduates of KAS. She is honored to be a part of the KAS family.

Erica Jheng Grade 4 Teaching Assistant

Erica Jheng earned her Associate of Arts degree from Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages in Kaohsiung.

Ms. Jheng is originally from Chiayi and she loves reading, music, and movies so much that she can’t live without them. She also loves to explore the beauty of nature with her family and friends. Erica has a husband, A-Jia, and two sons, Banks and Nick.

Chloé Johnson ES Counselor

Chloé Johnson was born in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been teaching for twelve years between Maine, Kentucky and Taiwan. She lives in Taiwan with her husband and forever puppy. Chloé has experience teaching ELL students from kindergarten up to tenth grade, as well as counseling experience. She has her degree in Special Education, and is passionate in using what she has learned to provide individualized support to the students she teaches. When out of the classroom, Chloé enjoys practicing Ashtanga Yoga, hiking, diving, snorkeling, and learning more about local history and culture. She has traveled to a number of countries in Asia in efforts to learn and experience more, including India, Malaysia, and Japan.

Melvin Johnson ES Counselor & Child Safeguarding Lead

Melvin Johnson is a school counselor and safeguarding leader with experience supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and overall well-being in diverse school settings. He specializes in building comprehensive counseling programs and developing systems that promote student safety, early intervention, and positive school culture.

Melvin has experience providing individual and group counseling, delivering social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction, and collaborating with teachers, families, and leadership teams to support student success. He is particularly skilled in consultation and professional development, helping staff strengthen their ability to respond to student needs and contribute to a supportive learning environment.
In addition to his counseling work, Melvin has a strong interest in child protection and safeguarding practices. He is committed to fostering a proactive safeguarding culture through clear procedures, staff training, and data-informed decision-making. His approach emphasizes prevention, early identification, and consistent response to ensure student well-being remains central to school operations.

Olson Kelly Grade 5 Homeroom

Olson is excited to continue his work at Kaohsiung American School as a Grade 5 Homeroom teacher. Passionate about inquiry-based, student-centered learning, Olson is dedicated to helping students discover and take ownership of their unique identities as learners. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cooking and exploring new places, and has especially enjoyed experiencing the rich culture, food, and natural beauty of Taiwan.

Originally from the US state of California, Olson grew up in Austin, Texas. Before coming to Taiwan, he taught Grades 4 and 5 at IB schools in South Korea and Laos. He holds a Master’s in International Education, specializing in the PYP and MYP, from the University of Melbourne, and an advanced certificate in Teaching and Learning Research from the IB. In addition to his classroom role, Olson serves as an IB Workshop Leader and as a Visiting Team Member for WASC accreditation. His first career was in producing and casting for live theatre.

Kali Knudson Elementary Literacy and Instructional Coach

Originally from Oregon, Kali earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Family Science, with double majors in Human Services and Early Childhood Education from Oregon State University. She then pursued her Master of Arts in Teaching. With many years of teaching experience spanning from pre-K to 6th grade, along with holding various Teacher Leader and Head of Department positions, Kali has developed a deep passion for literacy instruction and collaborative teaching practices. She is particularly enthusiastic about fostering a love for reading and writing in her students. Kali has received training in Reading and Writing Workshop and the Science of Reading. Currently enrolled in a Reading Specialist and Interventionist Graduate program, she is also honing her coaching skills as part of a coaching cohort dedicated to enhancing research-based literacy knowledge and coaching philosophies.

Outside of school, Kali enjoys exploring Kaohsiung with her husband, Jitesh, who is a Middle School science teacher at KAS, and their two young children. They love biking around the city, discovering new playgrounds, hiking, and spending time outdoors as a family. Kali’s personal interests include reading, traveling, and hiking, especially when shared with her loved ones.

Grace Lee Pre-K Teaching Assistant

Grace Lee earned her Bachelor Degree from Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Kaohsiung City. She began at KAS as a teaching assistant for Grade 5, and now she is working with Grade 2 students. She also taught English in Kindergartens for two years in Kaohsiung and Pingtung City. She lives in Pingtung with her husband and an adorable daughter. She enjoys Crossfit Class.

Dana Li Learning Support Teaching Assistant

Dawn Lin ES Chinese Teaching Assistant

MS Paraprofessional

Angela Kuo Grade 5 Homeroom & Grade 5 Head of Department

Angela is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego, where she majored in Visual Arts and minored in Education Studies. She continued to obtain her teaching certificate in multiple subjects as well as a Master’s in Education from the University of California, San Diego. After teaching in the United States, Angela and her family decided to settle in Taiwan. She loves continuing her learning and teaching at KAS, while enjoying the endless adventures and yummy food that Taiwan has to offer. Some of her favorite things to do include water sports, making arts & crafts, and just spending time with loved ones.

Stephanie Kuo Grade 3 Teaching Assistant/Teaching Assistants Teacher Leader

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Literature and Linguistics. She is certified by the ministry of Education of Taiwan as a middle school and secondary school teacher of English. Before joining KAS, she was teaching in Taichung as an ESL teacher. She also has had leadership experience as head of the grade level team.
In her free time, Stephanie enjoys traveling, scuba diving, yoga, the beach and exploring new places.

Thaimma Lariosa PreKindergarten Homeroom

Thaimma, a Filipino-Australian, moved from Australia to Kaohsiung in 2024. She started her teaching career overseas and had the opportunity to work in international and IB schools in Medan and Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as in Suzhou, China. After spending 11 years abroad, Thaimma decided to explore other teaching roles in Australia, focusing on Early Years pedagogy and inclusive education. Over the past decade, she taught in both Early Years and Elementary schools in Queensland and her state, New South Wales.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Thaimma is thrilled to celebrate her journey as an educator with the Dragon team in Kaohsiung. Teaching young children has always been her passion, and she is excited to continue this journey with KAS.
When she’s not at work, Thaimma enjoys gardening, going on nature walks, photographing landscapes and birds, trying different cuisines, and most of all, enjoying bubble tea, which is her favorite drink!

Michael Lavoy Grade 4 Homeroom

Born and raised among the prairies and boreal forests of Saskatchewan, Canada, Michael has spent most of his life being somewhere else. He has lived in England, Scotland, Australia, and now Taiwan, which has been home for the past 23 years.

He is joined by his partner, Sarah, and their two sons, Adrian (12) and Nolan (10).

Michael completed his undergraduate degree in archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan and went on to work in museums and did fieldwork while living in Canterbury in southeast England. Later, in Australia, he worked for Amnesty International. After years in archaeology and NGOs, he decided he needed a great deal more fame and money, so he went into teaching. He later earned his M.Ed. from The College of New Jersey and has been teaching at international schools for the past ten years.

These days, Michael spends his time raising his two boys (of whom he is very proud), traveling, reading actual paper books, and folding laundry with people still in it. He also holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Florence Lee ES Paraprofessional

ES Paraprofessional

Sil Lee ES Learning Support Coordinator

Sil will be joining KAS as a Learning Support Teacher! Originally from South Korea, she earned her master’s degree in special education from Syracuse University in the USA. With 18 years of experience as a learning support teacher, she has had the opportunity to teach in San Francisco and in international schools across Taipei, Shanghai, and Singapore. She is passionate about creating inclusive classrooms where every student is empowered, supported, and set up for success.

In her free time, Sil loves traveling, watching movies, listening to music, exploring new food, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee. She is excited to join the KAS community and can’t wait to explore all the adventures Kaohsiung has to offer!

Amber Lin Library Teaching Assistant

Amber Lin graduated from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. She started at KAS as a Grade 3 teaching assistant, before becoming a teaching assistant in Kindergarten. Amber has previous experience working as an athletic complex assistant. Amber loves cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Charlene Lin ES English Language Acquisition

Charlene loves working with children of all ages. Her excitement for learning is palpable in every classroom that she enters. Students also love learning with her. As an Elementary EAL teacher, Charlene shares her experience and helps children be successful and reach their goals.

Charlene holds a Masters in Special Education from Moreland University and is certified as a K-12 Special Education teacher in the US. She also carries certifications in TESOL and TCAFL, which helps her meet the diverse needs of her students. Previously, Charlene taught Kindergarten and worked in classrooms at I-Shou International School. She has been an integral part of the literacy support program at KAS. Her dedication to student success is evident in her daily interactions.

When she’s not creating engaging lessons for her students, Charlene is a busy mom of four and treasures the time she spends together with her family. As an avid reader and eager jetsetter, her activities provide a rich tapestry that she weaves into her classroom.

Estelle Lin Grade 3 Teaching Assistant

Estelle Lin, an experienced Mandarin teacher, is passionate about teaching the language and culture to students of all levels. With years of IBDP Mandarin/Chinese teaching experience, she has helped diverse students achieve fluency in Mandarin and develop a deep appreciation for Chinese culture.

Born and raised in Kaohsiung, Estelle's early fascination with language and culture led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Soochaw University. Seeking a diverse experience, she embarked on a gap year in Lyon, immersing herself in a distinctive culture and language environment.

Living and studying abroad inspired Estelle to share Taiwanese culture and language with others. After earning a master's in Language Teaching and a credential teaching license from the National Kaohsiung Normal University, she continued teaching Mandarin to local and international students.

Previously teaching at Wells International School in Bangkok, Thailand, Estelle actively engages in the school community, organizing cultural events and workshops. During her work abroad, Estelle got her second master's in international teaching from Framingham State University, also with IBDP teaching qualifications.

Estelle enjoys joining professional gatherings or workshops, reading fun facts, and exploring new tech news or gadgets that could be applied at work; she also likes photography around the city in her leisure time.

Joyce Lin ES Chinese

Joyce Lin is from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and joined the KAS staff as a Chinese Teacher. Joyce earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan, and is certified by the Ministry of Education of Taiwan. Joyce received IB training and certification related to Inquiry-based teaching and assessments. Before coming to KAS, she taught as an MYP teacher for ten years and was the head of the Chinese Department at a Bilingual IB school. Joyce loves traveling, reading, watching movies, and being with family. She lives with her family in Kaohsiung and appreciates their continuous support.

Ellen Liu ES Chinese Teaching Assistant

Ellen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NPUST (National Pingtung University Science of Technology). In her years at KAS she has been a Pre-Kindergarten teaching assistant, a teaching assistant in G4, worked in the library, and now works in ES Chinese. Ellen is married and has a young daughter.

Linda Lorenz ES English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Linda was born and raised in Minnesota, U.S.A., and received all her formal education there. She holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, a M.Ed. in Teaching ESL, and a B.A. in Accounting. She also has current Minnesota education licensure in ESL K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Principal K-12.

Linda has 26 years of comprehensive experience in education that has spanned the globe while focusing on young and multilingual learners. Linda has been an educator in Minnesota, Alaska, and Michigan. She has also spent eleven years abroad as an educator in Turkey, China, Singapore, and Mexico. Most recently, Linda has had the honor of being an English Language Fellow (a U.S. Department of State exchange program) in Mexico for two years. During this time, she focused on curriculum development, curriculum writing, teacher training, and English for Specific Purposes.

Linda is very passionate about her career and enjoys everything from inspiring students to collaborating with colleagues and considers herself to be a lifelong learner. In her free time, Linda loves to adventure out in the world, share beauty through photography, take lovely walks, shop for pretty things, and watch Netflix.

Hannah McIntosh Director of Student Support Services

Originally from the southern United States, Hannah completed her BS in Psychology and MA in Counseling before moving to Taiwan.

In her previous role as School Counselor in Taipei, she implemented and coordinated the Learning Support program for exceptional students. She has many years experience working with children, including former positions as Refugee Program Specialist and Tutor for students with intensive academic, social/emotional, and language needs. Throughout her career, she has worked with students with the most intensive behavioral and academic challenges. She is licensed as an Associate Professional Counselor, School Counselor, and Special Education teacher, all in the United States. Her classroom teaching experience includes AP Psychology, Introductory Psychology, and Life Skills. She is passionate about advocacy, inclusivity, and creating spaces that support all students in accessible education.

A fitness enthusiast, she spends her free time doing CrossFit with her Taiwanese husband. Additionally, she enjoys cooking, traveling, cultural experiences, as well as professional and academic pursuits.

Poppy Morgan Grade 3 Homeroom

Poppy is delighted to be joining the KAS Dragons this year as a Grade 3 homeroom teacher. Having been part of the school community for the past five years as a teacher spouse, parent, and substitute teacher, she is excited to now step back into a full-time teaching role. She is passionate about transdisciplinary learning and enjoys using the arts to enrich understanding, inspire creativity, and support the growth of thoughtful, empathetic, and curious learners.

Originally from the UK, Poppy completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Nottingham and trained as an elementary teacher at the University of Manchester. She brings ten years of teaching experience in the UK, Korea, Qatar, and the Philippines, primarily in upper elementary, as well as volunteer experience in India. Poppy recently completed a master’s degree in Character Education with the University of Birmingham and is eager to apply her newfound insights in the classroom next year.
Outside of school, Poppy enjoys singing, playing musical instruments, spending time in nature, and a good board game- although these days, most of her time at home is spent with her three wonderful young children.

Otis Ndebvu Learning Support Paraprofessional

ES Paraprofessional

Lynn Opitz-Hsiao Grade 2 Homeroom

Born and raised in Texas, Lynn’s journey as an educator has been shaped by a deep-seated love for cultural exchange. This passion first began during her time in the Peace Corps in Central Africa, an experience that transformed her perspective and sparked a lifelong love of travel. Currently, she is a 2nd grade homeroom teacher at the International School of Myanmar.

Her career is anchored in a continuous pursuit of knowledge and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and a Master of Arts in Bilingual Education, both from the University of Texas. She also completed a Post-Graduate Education Program at the University of Phoenix.

On a personal note, she is a proud parent of two Third Culture Kids who were raised in Beijing and now reside in Austin, Texas. She is joined in her adventures by her husband, and together they look forward to their next chapter in Taiwan. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys quilting, cooking, and swimming, and is particularly excited about the prospect of exploring the beautiful beaches of Kenting National Park.

Michelle Sayre ES Learning Support

Michelle is excited to join Kaohsiung American School as an Elementary Learning Support Coordinator. She comes to the KAS community with vast experience, having taught in California, Guatemala, Egypt, Bahrain, and Venezuela. Beginning her career as an elementary classroom teacher and later becoming a Learning Support teacher, Michelle understands the importance of building strong relationships within teaching teams, as well as with students and their families. She is passionate about removing barriers to allow all students to access the curriculum in positive and meaningful ways.

Michelle is originally from Ohio and earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education at The Ohio State University. Outside of teaching, Michelle enjoys being in nature, swimming, reading, attending sporting events and concerts, and traveling to new places to learn about cultures, history, and food.

Vivi Sun Grade 1 Teaching Assistant

Vivi joined the KAS family as a teaching assistant in Grade 1. She earned her MA in IMBA from National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology. She went to Germany as an exchange student when she was studying in graduate school. She worked in cram schools as a teacher, and also worked in an e-commerce company for prior to KAS. She loves to travel, exercise, and climb the mountains in her free time with her family and friends. Vivi is married and lives with her husband in Kaohsiung.

Megan Taylor Kindergarten Homeroom

Megan is excited to join the Dragon team as the kindergarten homeroom teacher at Kaohsiung American School. Having previously lived in Kaohsiung more than 10 years ago, she has always considered the city a second home and is thrilled to return to the community she loves. She is especially looking forward to mornings that begin with a cheese dan bing and bubble tea.

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Megan began her teaching career in Asia after graduating from university in 2011. Over the past 13 years, she has taught kindergarten in international and public school settings across Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, California, and Illinois. Much of her experience has been within IB PYP schools, where she has served as a kindergarten homeroom teacher dedicated to creating joyful, student-centered learning environments that nurture curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.

Outside the classroom, Megan enjoys running, working out, traveling, and spending time outdoors in nature. She also loves relaxing with a good book by the beach and is excited to once again call Kaohsiung home.

Debbie Tsai Pre-K Teaching Assistant

Jenny Tsai ES Chinese

Jenny Tsai is from Kaohsiung, one of a family of seven. She earned her Master of Arts degree from Kaohsiung Normal University in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, and her Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Literature, Certification for Teaching Education program of Elementary school. Jenny has her certification in Elementary Education, Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Before coming to KAS, Jenny taught in Taipei FuHsing(復興) private school (Bilingual Department), at the NSYSU Chinese language center, and at JingXin(靜心) private school as a homeroom teacher. During off-work hours, she likes gardening, reading, and play the guitar.

Liz Tsai Grade 1 Teaching Assistant

Liz grew up in Taiwan before spending 12 formative years living in South Africa, moving back home shortly before COVID. Since 2020, she has been bringing her passion and warmth to the classroom as a kindergarten teacher. Liz genuinely loves working with young learners - the infectious, vibrant energy they bring to school every day constantly sparks her own inner child and makes teaching an absolute joy.

When she isn't inspiring her students, Liz is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves taking full advantage of nature. On weekends, you’ll most likely find her free diving in the clear waters of Xiaoliuqiu or head-first into a camping trip high up in the mountains with her friends.

Katy Tseng ES Chinese

Katy Tseng is from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and joined KAS as a Grade 1 teaching assistant. She earned both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Education in Taiwan. Before coming to KAS, she taught as a PYP teacher at a bilingual school. Katy loves yoga, traveling, and being with her family. She lives in Kaohsiung with her husband and two children.

Samantha Tuan Grade 2 Homeroom

Prior to joining KAS, Samantha served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles in the Bellevue School District located in Washington State. She is a proud multilingual educator who understands the linguistic development of her students and applies research-based strategies to support language growth through vivid content instructions. As an advocate for student well-being, her primary focus is to foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can feel heard and seen.
Samantha was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to the U.S. after graduating from college. After living and working abroad for 16 years, she decided to relocate back to her her home country to be closer to her family. Outside of her professional role, Samantha enjoys traveling to new places, watching movies, observing wildlife, practicing yoga, and meditating.

Christine Wang Grade 5 Teaching Assistant

Alexander Washko Grade 1 Homeroom

Originally from Atlanta, Alexander lived in Korea, Macau, Mexico, and Briazil and worked in international schools for 15 years before returning to the United States to gain some local experience in public schools and plan his next chapter. He joined the KAS community in 2024.
Alex is an elementary teacher with a passion for teaching literacy; he received his Master’s in Elementary Education with a focus on emergent literacy in 2016 and continues his studies to this day. Having spent nearly 11 years in First Grade, Alex is excited to return to his roots and get involved in KAS’s elementary literacy program in a trailblazing way, ensuring student success.
When not in the classroom, Alex is a musician and writer who finds himself happiest walking around a crowded city searching for a good meal and trying out new languages.

Charlotte Wu Grade 4 Teaching Assistant

Denise Wu ES Secretary/Attendance Officer

Denise graduated from Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, majoring in English. Later she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, majoring in Tourism Management. Denise finished her secretary’s training and received her certification from the Chinese Personal Executive Association. Ms. Wu began at KAS as a teacher assistant, before joining the office staff.

Joyce Yang Grade 2 Teaching Assistant

Maggie Yen Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

Maggie holds her Master of Education from Ashland University, Ohio, and also a teaching credential for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Prior to coming to KAS, Maggie worked as an English teacher in local kindergartens for years. She loves to travel and hang out with family and friends. She also loves music and movies.