High School

Dr. David Butler High School Principal

David Butler will join KAS this year as the new High School Principal for the 2026-27 school year. Originally from Canada, David received both his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of Education degrees from Queen's University and graduated with a Master of Philosophy degree in European History from the University of Cambridge in the UK. He earned a second master's degree and his EdD, both in Educational Leadership, from Western University

David began his career as a high school social studies teacher in Canada before spending thirteen years as a teacher, department head, and Assistant Principal at American School of Dhahran in Saudi Arabia and over ten years as Vice Principal and Principal at Canadian International School of Hong Kong. David’s professional interests include authentic methods of assessing student learning, promoting student agency, and developing leadership amongst the teaching faculty. He is drawn to KAS by the school’s belief in a holistic education that emphasizes academic achievement, personal growth and character and is excited to support its strong IB programs.

Also joining as KAS Dragons will be David’s wife, Kimberly, who will teach in the Middle School, as well as their youngest two children and two housecats. David’s hobbies include cooking (and dining), playing Dungeons and Dragons, and reading history and fiction. He can’t wait to discover all that Kaohsiung and Taiwan have to offer!

Godwin Amedume DP Economics

Godwin comes from Ghana. He has many years of experience teaching economics at the high school level including IGCSE and IBDP Economics (HL/SL). He is certificated as a professional teacher from the University of Cape Coast where he obtained a Bachelor of Education (Social Studies), with a focus in Economics. Godwin incorporates concept-based and inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning into his lessons. He also has significant experience as a DP Economics examiner.

Godwin has a lot of interest in CAS, debating economic issues, and playing tennis during his leisure hours. He is happily married with five (older) children and his family lives in Tema, Ghana.

Prerna Bidalia MYP Language & Literature

Prerna Bidalia is an Indian citizen, born and raised in Delhi, India. In 2015, she moved to Bangalore, which she has proudly called home for the past decade. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Delhi University and a Master's degree from Christ University, graduating with first division honors in both. Currently, she is pursuing an M.Ed from the European International University, Paris.

With six years of experience teaching English Language and Literature, Prerna has worked extensively with the IB-MYP and IGCSE curriculum. She is certified in TEFL and holds an IB-MYP Category 2 certification, which further supports her learner-centered and inquiry-driven teaching philosophy.

In addition to her classroom experience, Prerna has been actively involved in whole-school initiatives such as Design Thinking projects and the curation of interdisciplinary field trips that connect academic learning with real-world experiences. She is passionate about creating culturally responsive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments.

Outside of education, Prerna finds joy in reading and writing poetry, as well as traveling and discovering new perspectives through culture and conversation.

Brian Borgi DP Language and Literature/Head of Department: HS English

Brian Borgi is a graduate of Binghamton University, where he double-majored in English and History. He later earned his teaching license through the University of Colorado Boulder and his Masters of Education at Lehigh University. Having previously taught in the United States, South Korea, the Philippines, and Peru, Mr. Borgi enjoys life in Taiwan with his wife and daughter. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Borgi enjoys hiking, cycling, reading, visiting museums, playing board games, and watching Jeopardy!

Dr. Niocie Browne DP Mathematics/Head of Department: DP Mathematics

Dr. Niocie Browne is originally from Guyana, the only English-speaking country in South America. Her 22-year journey as an educator has taken her to various regions, including the American School in Guyana, Congo Brazzaville, and Burkina Faso. These diverse experiences have enriched her teaching approach, enabling her to connect with students from various cultural backgrounds and fostering a global perspective in her classroom.
Niocie holds both a Master’s (2013) and a Doctorate degree (2023) from Walden University. She is deeply motivated by witnessing her students’ academic and social growth. Every milestone they achieve inspires her to continue her exciting journey as an educator.
Outside the classroom, Niocie enjoys a mix of outdoor and indoor activities, traveling, and exploring new places with her daughter. She believes in the importance of holistic education and strives to create a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Laura Buchan MS/HS Theatre

Laura is very excited to take on the theatre program at KAS! Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, she completed her theatre degree at the University of Victoria and proceeded to perform educational theatre in national parks all over western Canada. She went on to get her Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia, taught in Canadian public schools, and most recently has been teaching drama in Tunis, Tunisia.

With dual passions for both the arts and the outdoors, Laura likes to spend her free time cycling, hiking, and generally exploring the world in active ways. She first visited Taiwan in 2017, when she completed the “Formosa 900” - cycling the coast of the entire island! She is thrilled to be back in a new capacity. As a teacher, Laura is passionate about interdisciplinary learning, using theatre to build lifelong skills, and encouraging students to be creative risk-takers.

The most important thing in Laura’s life is a dog named Theo, and he is excited to move to Taiwan too, although he doesn’t really understand the concept.

Kimberly Butler Music

Kimberly is thrilled to be joining the KAS Middle-School community for the 2026-2027 school year. Originally from Waterloo, Ontario, she studied Music and English at Sir Wilfrid Laurier University before completing her Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University and her Master of Education at the University of Toronto.

She began her teaching career in Pickering, Ontario, working as a Grade 6 homeroom and Instrumental Music teacher. In 2002, Kimberly and her husband packed up for what they thought would be a short, two year adventure in Saudi Arabia. That “short adventure” turned into 23 years of living, learning, and teaching abroad, and she hasn’t stopped exploring since. During her time there, she taught Grade 8 Language Arts and Social Studies and served as the Grade 6–12 Instrumental Music Director.

For the past decade, Kimberly and her family have been living and working in Hong Kong, and they’re excited for their next chapter in Taiwan. Joining KAS with her husband, Dr. David Butler, she’ll also be accompanied by two of their three children: Bryant (13) and Lara (16), who will both be joining the KAS community. Their oldest daughter will continue her studies at the University of Waterloo.

When she’s not in the classroom, Kimberly enjoys going to the theatre, discovering great food spots, baking treats that have a habit of disappearing quickly, crafting (sometimes with glitter-related consequences), reading—especially anything by L. M. Montgomery—and planning future travels.

She is looking forward to meeting her students, building a warm and creative classroom community, and sharing a year full of learning, laughter, and memorable moments.

Rosa Carbajal MYP Mathematics

Rosa, a native of Los Angeles, California, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the classroom. Having spent 15 of those years abroad, she has enriched the lives of students in England, Latvia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Spain, Singapore, Ecuador, and soon Taiwan. She is thrilled to share her passion and curiosity for math with the Dragon community!
When not in the classroom, you’ll find Rosa exploring the great outdoors through running, hiking, and cycling. She relishes seeking new challenges and experiences.

Angeling Chang HS Teaching Assistant

Ling joined the KAS faculty after teaching locally in Tainan for several years. She earned her BA in Spanish from the University of Missouri. Ling is TESOL certified to teach English, Chinese, and Spanish. She also holds a BA in Curriculum Development and Teaching from the University of Michigan. She has worldwide experience teaching various ages and language proficiency levels. Ling was a globetrotter from a young age, having grown up in Ecuador and the United States. In her spare time, Ling enjoys traveling and experiencing cultures around the world.

Rachel Chen HS Secretary/Registrar

Rachel Chen has her BA in Management Science from Gonzaga University, Spokane, in the United State. Rachel is the school registrar and admin assistant to High School and Counseling. She has trained at the PowerSchool University in San Diego and at summer institutes in New York and Washington, D.C. . She is happily married with two children and enjoys reading, movies, yoga and farming at her leisure time.

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.

Kai Wei Chiu Future Leaders Program Coordinator

Kai Wei previously worked as a Chinese language teacher, Student Activities Section Chief, and Student Council Advisor, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with students and provide them with ample support.
As the Future Leader Program Coordinator, Kai Wei combines her pedagogical knowledge with practical management and leadership skills. She is passionate about helping students succeed in exploring various industries and finding their passion for future studies and careers through the vibrant internship program!

Kyle Cripe MYP Health & Physical Education

Kyle Cripe is a K-12 certified Physical Educator. He has taught in Korea, and Bulgaria. Kyle was born and raised in West Papua, Indonesia. His parents work at an International school there. Kyle earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education K-12 from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He went to teach in Korea after graduating from University. He has taught Physical Education and health in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His goal for Physical Education is to provide students a safe environment where they can engage in as many different types of sports and activities as possible in hopes of finding something they enjoy and will engage in for life. He values the development of teamwork, social interaction, and communication skills as these are things that can transfer to all areas of education and life. In his free time Kyle enjoys playing sports, hiking, and traveling.

MacKenzie Daniels MYP Mathematics/Head of Department: MYP Mathematics

MacKenzie Daniels is an experienced and dedicated Mathematics teacher with expertise in both the MYP and DP programs. Originally from Texas, USA, she has been teaching in Taiwan since 2018. Ms. Daniels holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Houston and a Master of Mathematics for Teachers from the University of Waterloo. She is a Google Level 2 Certified Educator and also holds an English as a Second Language Supplemental Certificate. In addition to teaching, she is actively involved in the school community, coaching cross country and basketball, and sponsoring the Math Club.

Nicholas De Dios MYP Design

Nicholas is excited to join KAS this year as the MYP Design teacher! Originally from New York, USA, he has spent the past several years teaching and working in international schools across Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Hungary. With a passion for innovation and creativity, Nicholas is dedicated to helping students develop problem-solving skills and hands-on learning experiences through design and technology.

He holds a Master of Educational Technology from Lamar University and brings a strong background in integrating technology into the classroom. Outside of teaching, Nicholas enjoys traveling, photography, and staying active through fitness. He is looking forward to exploring Kaohsiung and learning more about the local culture, people, and traditions. Nicholas is excited to become part of the KAS community and inspire students to think critically and design with purpose!

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)

Dan Eichblatt DP Language & Literature

Dan is excited to be joining the faculty at KAS this year as a High School Language and Literature teacher. Born in South Africa and raised in New Zealand, his love of teaching began when he worked as a summer camp counselor in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania for five summers while completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland.

Dan has been teaching high school English since 2006, beginning his career at Takapuna Grammar School in Auckland. In 2018, while recovering from turning 40, he moved to Bahrain to begin his international teaching journey, where he had the opportunity to teach the IBDP at the Bahrain Bayan School.

Since July 2025, Dan has been traveling through Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Malta, and Vietnam (to name just a few), catching up with friends, discovering new food, and enjoying a well-earned sabbatical from the classroom. He now arrives refreshed and excited to join the Dragon community.

When not teaching, Dan can often be found in the dark of a cinema or under the unforgiving lights of a gym. He has completed several marathons - from the volcanic hills of Auckland to the driving rain of Queenstown and the dusty heat of the Bahrain desert - and is looking forward to running in Taiwan (albeit a little slower and with slightly more complaining). He also enjoys cooking, reading, hiking, theatre, music, and cats. He is looking forward to exploring life in Kaohsiung, discovering the local food scene, and getting to know the community both inside and outside the classroom.

Gulian Fang MYP and HS Chinese Language Acquisition

Gulian is excited to continue being a member of the KAS community in her new role as MYP and HS Chinese Language Acquisition teacher. She joined the KAS family as a 4th grade TA and has served as a TA leader.

Prior to KAS, Gulian had various experiences in teaching Mandarin. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and worked as the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Western Kentucky University. Gulian also has experience working as a Mandarin teacher in both the Critical Language Scholarship program and the Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters degree in the field of Teaching Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language at National Kaohsiung Normal University and continuing her professional development through the IB program.

Gulian has a great enthusiasm for education, as demonstrated through her various roles in teaching English and Chinese as a Second Language through the years.

Sabrina Fernandes HS Learning Support Coordinator

Sabrina Fernandes is a lifelong learner, jet-setting educator, and unapologetic language nerd. With a suitcase full of degrees (PBDE for Second Language Acquisition and Inclusive Education from Université de Saint-Boniface, and B.Ed, B.A. from the University of Manitoba) and a flirtation with Paris, France at Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle (Advanced Language Certificate in tow), she made French Immersion her playground—from Nursery to Grade 12 and beyond.

Multilingual by design, Sabrina speaks four languages with curiosity as the tour guide, turning every classroom into a passport stamp and every conversation into a doorway to culture. A true educator for all seasons, Sabrina has slid seamlessly between roles: Teacher Librarian championing Inquiry-Based Learning and co-teaching, Inclusion Teacher modeling inclusive strategies, and Counselor soothing academic, career, trauma, and mental-health storms with a steady compass.

Her professional journey began in Manitoba in 1995, teaching French Immersion across rural and suburban schools and wearing many hats—classroom maestro, resourceFUL teammate, grade-level Team Leader, Department Head and Acting Principal. She’s danced with professional organizations (CTF, EFM, GUT, MATF, MTS, RETTA, SLTU,) and even volunteered summers with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, delivering PD to international teachers in the Caribbean and Africa. If there’s a chair to polish or a curriculum to reimagine, she’s already there.

When she isn’t reshaping classrooms, Sabrina devours books, roams new skies (6 continents and 43 countries and counting), learns about new cultures and languages, and fosters animals (152 animals to date). She’s fueled by curiosity, servant leadership, and a conviction that understanding and diversity aren’t optional extras but the main course. Sabrina is looking forward to joining the Kaohsiung Dragons and learning more about Taiwan and what it has to offer.

Claudia Fidalgo DP & CAS Coordinator

Ms Claudia Fidalgo is originally from Santiago, Chile, where she worked at an international school 14 years. Before joining KAS, she taught in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 11 years. She is now a Spanish citizen and considers Barcelona her home. Ms Fidalgo has experienced the Diploma Programme as a Geography & TOK teacher, examiner, CAS coordinator, as well as a parent since both her daughters completed the program, she was the Diploma coordinator in Malaysia. Ms Fidalgo has a bachelor’s degree in History and Geography education, a master’s degree from the State University of New York (SUNY), and a certificate of international school leadership from the Principals’ Training Center. When not at work, Ms Fidalgo enjoys the outdoors, loves hiking, trekking, running, and most recently freediving. She enjoys discovering Taiwan’s trails and beaches. She lives with her 2 furry-kids, Pepper and Olive.

Conor Gannon MYP/DP Physics/Head of Department: DP Science

Connor's background is in physics, with a focus on astrophysics and nuclear physics. He's taught physics in IB schools around the world. He also taught English for a year which helps him with aiming his lessons at the correct level for non-native speakers.
Things I’m most looking forward to about moving to Taiwan:

In Taiwan, Connor enjoys the nature, practicing Chinese, and meeting new people, which he thinks is the best part about being a teacher.

Susy Hernandez Comprehensive Counselor

Susy Hernandez will join the KAS Dragons this year as a Comprehensive Counselor. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Susan brings over a decade of experience in education and student support. She began her career teaching bilingual education in Spanish, including four years in 4th grade Spanish Bilingual and two years teaching Gifted and Talented 2nd grade Spanish Bilingual.

After completing her Master’s degree, Susy transitioned into school counseling at the High School for Law and Justice in Houston, where she has served students for the past eight years. In this role, she has supported students with academic planning, social emotional development, and college and career readiness.

Susy is excited to join an international school community and looks forward to supporting students as they plan their future pathways.
In her free time, Susy enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, staying active, and spending time with her husband.

Dr. Cheng-Wei Hsieh HS/DP Music & Community Engagement Coordinator

Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the versatile musician Cheng-Wei Hsieh is passionate about teaching and coaching chamber music having previously served as a Teacher Assistant for the string area at the University of Houston Moores School of Music from 2016-19. During the assistantship, he taught violin private lessons, group technique class, and chamber music at undergraduate level. Hsieh taught as a string instructor at the Bob Hope School and Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School. He was in charge of group violin lessons, music theory classes, and music appreciation classes. Besides school teaching, Hsieh maintained a private studio in the Houston metropolitan area, working with students of all ages and levels. Hsieh has been invited to teach and perform as a violin faculty in the Encuentro Anual de Cuerdas, a pedagogical outreach program based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Hsieh holds his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan.

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.

Vanessa Hsu Lifeguard

Eugenie Joseph HS Social & Emotional Learning Counselor

Eugenie is excited to be joining KAS as the High School SEL Counselor for the 2026-27 school year. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and is a proud Haitian-American. She later relocated to Connecticut, where she has been living and working in education for the past eight years. Eugenie has also lived in Canada and in several different states across the United States, experiences that have broadened her perspective and appreciation for different communities and cultures.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Communication from St. Francis College and later received her Master’s degree in School Counseling from Long Island University, Brooklyn. Her journey in education began as a substitute teacher before becoming a classroom teacher. After a short time working as a correction officer, she developed a deeper understanding of the challenges many young people face, which inspired her to pursue school counseling. As a school counselor, Eugenie focuses on supporting the whole student while building meaningful partnerships with families and school communities.

Outside of work, Eugenie enjoys traveling with her children. They love trying new foods, learning about different cultures, and baking together often. She will be relocating to Taiwan with her two children, her 4-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, and they are excited to become part of the KAS community.

Gloria Kao MYP Chinese

Gloria Kao is a longtime teacher at KAS. Gloria holds a teaching degree from the ‘Department of Chinese Language and Culture for International Students’ at National Taiwan Normal University. Gloria has been trained in DP Literature, MYP Language & Literature, and CAS. Gloria previously served as the DP CAS Coordinator. Gloria has a strong passion for community outreach and community service and enjoys sharing this with students in her role as High School Community Service Coordinator. In addition, Gloria leads the KAS Community Service Club, Orphanage Club, Red Cross Club, Zonta clubs, Charity Art Club, Food Bank Donation, and Shou-Shan ES Teaching Club. Outside of school, Gloria enjoys listening to classical music and operas, as well as visiting museums.

Sam King MYP Language & Literature

Sam is an educator with nearly two decades of experience in language and literature. Rooted in the theory of composition and the principles of mindfulness, he is certified in English Language Arts, Special Education, and as an RYT 200 yoga instructor. He helps students find their voice, build confidence, and think independently so they can shape their own path and ultimately choose their destiny. He has taught in the United States, Kazakhstan, Shanghai, and now Kaohsiung.

Madison Kittleson DP Chemistry

Madison is excited to join the KAS dragon community. She grew up in Boulder, Colorado, USA where she spent her time playing volleyball and spending as much time as possible outdoors. She stayed in Boulder for college, attending the University of Colorado, where she earned her BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, along with her teacher's certification.

After student teaching, Madison moved to New York City to start her teaching career and spent six years there. While teaching in New York, she also attended the Teacher’s College at Columbia University to earn her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Her first teaching position was at a charter high school in the Bronx where she taught almost every science class offered at the school. Making the move to international schools, Madison first taught MYP and DP Biology and Chemistry in Mexico City for three years. During COVID she moved to Shenzhen where she taught MYP science for the last four years.

When not teaching, Madison loves to spend time in nature, hiking and camping. She also loves traveling, playing board games, and eating delicious food wherever she is.

Kolas MYP & Personal Project Coordinator/MYP Language & Literature

Stephen “Kolas” Yang has been part of the KAS community since 2020 and has served as the MYP Coordinator since 2022. In this role, he has guided the school through IB Middle Years Programme accreditation, curriculum development and documentation, and worked to deepen community understanding of IB principles. He has more than 17 years of teaching experience in English/Language arts, Special Education, and English as a Second Language, including teaching AP English in Boston Public Schools. Currently, Kolas teaches Grade 7 (MYP Y2) Language and Literature at KAS. 
Beyond the classroom, Kolas was a founding member of Envision Formosa, KAS’s outdoor education program launched in 2023. A passionate endurance athlete, he competes in marathons and full-Ironman triathlons across Taiwan, and established both the cycling and triathlon clubs at KAS, mentoring students through regular training sessions. Kolas earned his Master of Education from the University of Massachusetts through the Boston Teacher Residency and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Honors from the University of Rhode Island Honors Program. He is a licensed professional teacher with certifications in English, ESL, and Special Education.

Malcolm Lamprecht MYP/DP History

Malcolm Lamprecht joined KAS as a high school 11th and 12th-grade social studies teacher. He holds two degrees in history and anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds an IB diploma program and training in history and business. Before coming to KAS, he was teaching in Tegucigalpa, Honduras as a DP history teacher. He enjoys a variety of games from video games to sports and loves relaxing by watching movies and salsa dancing.

David Lanza MYP Individuals & Societies

David Lanza will be joining KAS from Beirut, Lebanon where he spent 5 years as an IBDP History, Global Politics, and Theory of Knowledge teacher. Prior to this experience, he began his international teaching career at the American School of Tegucigalpa in Honduras where he spent 4 years.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, USA in a multicultural household, David has always been interested in traveling and learning about the world. As of writing this bio, David has traveled to 54 countries, many of which he’s visited multiple times to explore different regions within the countries. This thirst for cultural learning and experience directly translates to his teaching practice in how he challenges students to expand their worldview, which contributes to their development within the IB Learner Profile.

David holds a Masters of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History; both from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, USA. During these years as a student, David was fortunate to participate in long-term abroad experiences in Spain, Germany, and most importantly Taiwan in 2015 where he was privileged to spend two months as a volunteer English teacher in Nantou County; it was this experience that made him fall in love with Taiwan and the desire to return has been present ever since.

In his free time, he enjoys hiking, scuba diving, bicycling, planning travel adventures, and enjoying local food. He is looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming part of the KAS family.

Alex Lee MYP Biology & Physics

Alex is originally from Calgary, Canada. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology with a Japanese minor, he jumped ship and went to art school before pivoting again, earning his Bachelor of Education. His teaching journey started in Japan with the JET Programme, after which he worked as a secondary science and biology teacher in New Zealand and, most recently, Singapore.

Strong relationships form the basis of his teaching philosophy, and Alex loves utilizing practicals and performing demos to help students grasp abstract scientific concepts. A film nerd, he loves watching movies and then reading up about them immediately after on Wikipedia. Alex also loves playing games (both board and video), cycling, and learning new things. He lives in Taiwan with his wife Ivy, who is a speech-language therapist. Conversant in Cantonese and Japanese, Alex is learning Mandarin so he can start participating in family conversations with his Taiwanese in-laws beyond using random broken vocabulary.

Irene Lee MYP/DP Chinese

Irene Lee joined KAS as a high school Chinese teacher. She holds an M.Ed degree from National Kaohsiung Normal University. She has been trained in DP Literature, Language & Literature, and MYP Language & Literature courses. She has a strong passion for all classical and contemporary literature, and also enjoys sharing this with students in her role. Before coming to KAS, she taught as a DP/MYP teacher for many years. She has two lovely children; an older girl and a younger boy. She loves to travel, reading, watch movies, and be with her family.

Jasmine Lee Lifeguard

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.

Yuri Lin Laboratory Technician

Maria Lopez MYP/DP Spanish

Originally from Spain, Maria began her international journey during her university years, spending several summers in France and the United Kingdom working as an au pair, experiences that sparked a lasting passion for intercultural understanding. Although she initially studied Journalism and began her professional career in the media sector, her strong interest in languages and cultures led her to pursue a degree in Translation and Interpreting and, ultimately, a career in language education.

In 2013, Maria moved with her family to the United States, where she taught Spanish and French for five years in a diverse and multicultural environment. Eager to further expand her international teaching experience, she joined an international school in Mumbai, India, in 2018. By June 2026, she will have completed eight years there, teaching Spanish and French in both the MYP and DP programmes.

Grateful for her life and school community in Mumbai, Maria is excited to begin a new chapter as she joins the KAS family this year.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading and writing, staying active through fitness and running, playing table tennis, hiking, dancing, meeting new people, and exploring local cuisines. She especially looks forward to discovering Taiwan’s rich culinary culture.

Danielle Meehan MYP Chemistry & Forensic Science/Head of Department: MYP Science

The experience Ms Meehan brings to KAS comes from a foundation built over her years as a chemist and biologist in clinical and industrial laboratories, such as Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Rochester Medical Center. During her tenure with URMC, she was the lead technician at the hospital’s HLA lab, which is an essential component of the human organ transplant program. Ms. Meehan earned both her BS in Chemistry and in Biology at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. She has two children and two cats. She enjoys cross-stitch, talking about cinema, sci/fi-fantasy novels, and podcasts. She has been known to drive into work with the Director of Learning Technology, to whom she is married.

Dr. Colin Mitchell DP Business Management

Colin joins the KAS Dragons this year as an Individual and Societies Grade 6 teacher. He has taught in international schools in Europe, Africa, and now Asia. His PhD is specialized in Epidemiology and complemented by an MBA in Marketing. He has taught MS, HS, and University courses and worked with several curricula and frameworks, including DP, MYP, IGCSE, and IMYC.

Prior to teaching, Colin worked in the medical device industry and continues to help organizations with strategic planning. This experience has shaped his teaching philosophy in helping students make connections between the content and real-world applications. Outside the classroom, Colin enjoys reading and traveling with his wife, Jenny, and two children.

Clint Munkholm MYP Math

Clint hails originally from Alberta, Canada. While he graduated with a B.Sc. in Ecology, his career has included a broad array of experience, including Environmental Education, Ecological Design, Electrical Engineering, and the design of green buildings. He has teaching experience in both public and private schools, community colleges, and via his own hands-on maker workshop, working with children to develop the skills needed to design and build their own creations. He is passionate about helping students practically apply their learning.
Clint, a “Tainan son-in-law”, is a longtime member of the KAS family, with two sons who are KAS alumni, and his daughter a student. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, fermenting, rooftop gardening, community composting, and aquaponics.

Dwayne Okpaise Co-Director of College Counseling

Prior to joining KAS, Dwayne spent 9 years in college admissions, including time at Pitzer College, ArtCenter College of Design (ACCD) and St. John’s College. He has been involved with international admissions recruitment for 5 years, working primarily with students from East Asia. Dwayne graduated from Reed College in Portland, Oregon with a degree in art history. Outside of work, he enjoys printmaking and exploring foods from around the world. Dwayne lives in Taiwan with his husband, Brice.

Justin Pilon MYP & DP Computer Science/Head of Department: STEAM Team

Justin Pilon received a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and a Master’s of Education from George Mason University. Mr. Pilon is MYP experienced and qualified. He teaches Elementary Technology, High School Digital Media, and High School Computer Science. He has been responsible for the production of the school yearbook as well as the school media report for many years. He has a strong interest in programming and was employed as a software engineer prior to becoming a teacher. Justin is an Apple certified teacher as well as a member of the Tech Ambassadors program at KAS. He is fluent in English and French, and can also speak conversational Mandarin.

Melanie Sanchez Secondary Instructional Coach

Melanie is an experienced English Language and Literature teacher with a passion for her subject and a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity, gained through her extensive international experience across four continents. She believes that language and critical thinking are fundamental in shaping both individuals and the world, and she fosters a safe and inclusive environment in her classroom where students feel comfortable sharing and exploring diverse perspectives.

Melanie holds a Master of Education from Seattle University, complementing her Degree in German, and speaks fluent German with an Austrian dialect. She believes that effective communication is built on understanding, empathy, and trust.

Melanie has relocated to Kaohsiung with her husband, Martin Machata, and is excited to join the KAS community. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, outdoor activities, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Hanna Shin DP Biology

Hanna was born in South Korea and most of her schooling from grades 1–12 was in Britain. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Life Science and Marketing Management in Korea, then went to Texas to complete her teacher certification course. Ms Shin worked at a public school near Dallas, TX before teaching at an international school in Korea.

Natalie Souchon MYP/DP Art

Natalie returned to Kaohsiung after several years of teaching in Taiwan, China, South Africa and Japan. She hails from South Africa and is a certified Middle and High School Art teacher with a passion for IB Visual Arts education. She also has a strong background in ESL teaching to school students of all ages. Natalie has worked at KAS in the Elementary and Middle Art Department, and in the DP and MYP Art Department. Natalie holds a BA (Honours) in Fine Arts from the University of South Africa, a PGCE from the University of Witwatersrand, and an MA in History from the Open University, UK with a research focus on Japanese art. Natalie is a member of the Botanical Art Association of South Africa. She also has a keen interest in the study and preservation of Thangka painting through her association with Tsering Art School in Kathmandu, Nepal. She enjoys painting and gardening in her free time.

Emma Su Director of Partnerships & Internships

As a Taiwanese who resided in California for almost two decades, Emma was extremely happy to return to her hometown to be part of the KAS community in 2024 as the Director of Partnerships & Internships. Emma has 17 years of experience working as a law office manager and a paralegal. She’s passionate about making connections in the community and beyond, and dedicating her knowledge and skills to help students achieve their goals.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her daughter, gym, outdoor activities, reading, and music.

Jackie Su Co-Director of College Counseling

Jackie Su has worked in higher education for ten years in Maine, Connecticut, and Singapore in a variety of roles, with the last seven years in college admissions. With experience in both international and American higher education and admissions, she is passionate about college access and advising students as they plan their next steps. Jackie obtained her Master’s in Higher Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine.
Jackie was born and raised in New York and has family here in Taiwan, where her parents emigrated from. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.

Marcelo Ventrice MYP/DP Spanish

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marcelo is an international educator with over 15 years of experience within the International Baccalaureate. He holds a Master’s degree in Modern Languages and Literature and began his career teaching Spanish A in Argentina before continuing his professional journey in Paris, and later Barcelona, as well as teaching remotely in Chile and Switzerland. He is also an official IB Spanish A Examiner with more than a decade of experience.

In addition to Spanish A, Marcelo teaches IB Film and has a strong interest in visual storytelling and narrative. Alongside his school work, he supports IB teachers and students through tailored programs, workshops, and mentoring as part of his independent educational project.

Beyond the classroom, Marcelo is a certified yoga teacher, having trained in India, Spain, and Thailand. He brings this reflective and somatic perspective into his teaching philosophy, valuing presence, balance, and thoughtful engagement with learning, and often incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation practices to support students—especially during high-pressure IB periods.

In his free time, Marcelo enjoys traveling, walking, reading, watching films, and exploring the intersections between movement and art.

Aurora Zani HS English Language Acquisition

Born and raised in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Aurora spent most of her time in New England, USA, before finally making her first trip to China in 2014. During that visit, Aurora realized her passion for language learning and returned to the US to pursue a degree and certification in EAL secondary education. After obtaining her Master’s in TESOL, Aurora moved overseas and has worked in China, Taiwan, and South Korea as an EAL teacher for a variety of ages while also being an active member on her school DEIJB team.

In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, working out, learning languages, and performing in theatre.

Aurora is greatly looking forward to meeting her new family at KAS and to making many wonderful memories in Kaohsiung.