Educational Team

Clint brings a wealth of academic expertise to his role, holding two master’s degrees in education. He earned a Master’s in Educational Technology from Moreland University, where he honed his skills in integrating technology into the classroom. Additionally, he obtained a Master’s of Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, enhancing his leadership capabilities within educational settings. Clint also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Winnipeg, providing him with a deep understanding of the social dynamics that shape educational experiences.
Clint’s qualifications extend to specialized educational training, including a TESOL Certificate from the Canadian Global Institute and a TEFL Certificate, equipping him with effective methodologies for supporting language acquisition among diverse student populations. As a Google Certified Educator, Clint expertly utilizes Google’s educational tools to elevate teaching and learning outcomes, reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development and innovative educational practices.

Matt received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University while earning All-American honors on the varsity swim team. He then went on to complete his Postgraduate Certificate in Education while student teaching at the American School in Japan. After teaching for two years at the International School of Ningbo, he moved to Taiwan and worked part-time at both Taipei American and Taipei European Schools. He currently teaches High School Social Studies. His interests include writing, swimming, and travel.

 

Luke Mulders serves as the Elementary School Director at Taoyuan American School, where he brings his commitment to creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nelson Mandela University, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Dedicated to the belief that education empowers students to succeed and achieve their goals, Luke has gained extensive teaching experience since moving to Taiwan in 2015, having taught in language schools, public schools, and international schools. As both Elementary School Director and a homeroom teacher, he is excited to contribute to the Taoyuan American School community by fostering a safe, engaging classroom that supports students’ growth and potential. In his free time, Luke enjoys cycling, working out, and traveling.

Joy Amada holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Batangas State University, and a Master's degree in Education with a major in English and Literature from University of Batangas. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership with a focus on curriculum development. As a licensed teacher, she has extensive experience in education, having served as a university lecturer and pre-service teacher coordinator in the Philippines, as well as high school and elementary teacher in China and Taiwan. She's passionate about nurturing students' potential and equipping them with the essential 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration that they can utilize in real-world settings. In her spare time, she enjoys playing badminton and working out.

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

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

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

 

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

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

Ricardo is an experienced educator with a unique blend of expertise in healthcare and language instruction. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (2017) and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Taipei Medical University (2023). With four years of teaching experience in ESL across various cram schools, Ricardo has effectively taught English while specializing in creative writing, drama, health, and science. His interdisciplinary approach connects language learning with practical knowledge, making complex health and science topics accessible and engaging. Driven by a student-centered teaching philosophy, Ricardo tailors his methods to accommodate diverse learning styles, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application. His classes inspire curiosity and confidence, helping students fully grasp language concepts while empowering them to apply their skills meaningfully.. Outside of work, Rick enjoys watching films, writing and is a big soccer fan.

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

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

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

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

Nathan received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California: Davis and his teaching accreditation from California State University: Bakersfield. He taught World History at Stockdale High School before moving to Taiwan, where he's taught English and Social Studies since. Nathan has 19 years of instruction experience and currently teaches High School English Language Arts and Literature, as well as AP English Composition. He believes in a positive reinforcement approach to teaching, wishing to share the fascination and wonder of the wider world with his students and is intent on providing the language skills needed for such. His interests include music, puzzles, trivia and games.

 

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

Russell Stuart joined the TYAS team in 2022. He is currently an Elementary School STEM and Physical Education Teacher, as well as a HIgh School Health Teacher. He graduated from the University of Otago with a bachelor of Arts Degree, worked at Cuddons LTD. Fabrication, and competed at regional and national level martial arts competitions. Russell has 10 years coaching experience in martial arts, and over 15 years of combined teaching experience in Language and STEM while in Taiwan. His teaching philosophy is that learning is best done through a hands-on approach to gain personal experience, and that mistakes are our greatest teachers. Russell’s long time hobbies include wood and bone carving, crafting, chess, cycling, rock climbing, building items to meet the needs of others, and any strategy-based games.

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

Fine joined TYAS in 2016. He earned a bachelor of Science in Biology from Tunghai University, Taiwan in 1989, a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1996, a Master of Science in Computer Science from University of Dayton, Ohio, in 2001, and a Ph.D. candidacy in Biological Computation from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, in 2005. Fine started his teaching career as a teaching assistant while pursuing his graduate degree in computer science for 2 years. He then served as an adjunct faculty of computer science at Central State University in Ohio, teaching computer literacy, data structure, software engineering, .. etc. He has interests in computer applications and stand alone/web programming, including but not limited to application softwares, Scratch, C++, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Many students joined his coding club, learning Python language on the codeCombat platform, and gained experience and awards on a semi-annually global coding competition called codeQuest. His teaching philosophy is to equip students with critical thinking and problem solving skills through learning computer science and technologies, and be successful in their future with those knowledge and training. At leisure he likes to watch movies and read novels, especially in the science-and-fiction or fantasy genres. He also enjoys many sports in most of the ball games especially volleyball and tennis.

Mr. Sam is a dedicated and versatile physical education teacher with a career spanning 15 years, working accross elementry, middle and high school levles both in and out of Taiwan. He hold a batcheler degree from Ming Chuan university in Taiwan and posseses coaching certificates from FIBA, international basketball federation, which enhence his exertist in sports coaching and athletic developement. in adition to his careen Mr. Sam owne and opperates a sports club in Taiwan where he shares his knoledge and passion in physical education with the wider comminity. His commitment to fitness and healthy lifestyle extends beyond the classroom, creating a healthy lifestyle for students and families alike. Mr. Sam teaching philosophy on inspiring students to embrace active healthy lifestyle and to develope esential life skills such at teamwork, dicipline and persevarence through physical activities. Mr.Sam Passion for working with students comes from witnessing the joy and accomplishment they feel when they overcome challenges and reach new milestone. He enjoys guiding them on their journey to self discovery and personal grouth through sports and fitness. outside of his professional comittment, Mr. Sam enjoys diving in the ocean exploring te underwater world and connecting with nature. He also has a psssion for cooking and baking, finding relaxation and creativity in the kitchen. through his hobbies and professional work, he brings a rich, well-rounded prospective to his role as a physical education teacher

Mr. Edmundo Horna Middle and High School Spanish and PE Teacher Mr. Horna holds a bachelor's degree in Labor Relations and a master's in Foreign Language Teaching and Cultural Industries from Wenzao University of Languages in Taiwan, where he also completed three years of Advanced Chinese studies. Additionally, he pursued five years of Economics studies at college while actively coaching basketball. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he is a certified Spanish teacher and DELE examiner (the most internationally recognized certification of Spanish language proficiency). He also holds a certification in Elementary Education from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence and has credentials as a basketball coach, personal trainer, and advanced nutrition specialist. Throughout his career, Mr. Horna has taught Spanish, Physical Education, and English to students from Pre-K to college level in Spain, Australia, and Taiwan, where he also served as Athletics Director at international schools. He is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences in both languages and Physical Education, fostering healthy habits and instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance through his expertise in nutrition and fitness. An avid learner of new languages, Mr. Horna speaks five languages: Spanish, English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Galician. Awarded a scholarship by Taiwan's Ministry of Education to study Chinese, he enjoys sports and traveling, including organizing trips to Spain and Portugal for students and their parents, providing enriching cultural experiences.

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

Joanne graduated with a Master's in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Chung Yuan Christian University. During her university years, she applied for the Ministry of Education's overseas Chinese teaching assistant program. She served as a Chinese teaching assistant at an immersive language school in St. Louis, Missouri, for one year. After graduating, she worked as a Chinese language teacher at the Mandarin Language Center of Chung Yuan Christian University, with nearly five years of teaching experience. During this time, she taught students from various countries, ages 12 to 40. With her extensive years of experience in teaching Chinese, she possesses a profound understanding of the challenges faced by non-native learners. This enables her to employ a variety of innovative and immersive teaching methods that effectively address these difficulties.

Sylvia has demonstrated a passion for art since high school. She graduated from the Art and Design Department of Taiwan's Fu-Hsing High School and later pursued a degree in Art Education at National Taitung Teachers College, earning a children's art education certification the following year. She further advanced her studies by obtaining a master's degree in Fine Arts from Tunghai University. Sylvia has worked at the Art Museum and art institutions, organizing overseas art exhibitions and gallery art fairs. Her extensive experience in art administration and her deep understanding of contemporary art have profoundly shaped her perspective. In her subsequent career in children's art education, she has devoted herself to integrating her artistic insights into her teaching. She firmly believes that "Art begins with life." In the face of AI's transformative impact on this generation, Sylvia emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity and aesthetic sensitivity in children. She regards the process of artistic practice and creation as invaluable nourishment for their growth. Her ultimate goal is to inspire children to love art, enjoy the creative process, and gain confidence and skills. Her greatest daily motivation is hearing a student say, "I love my art!".

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

As an Emotional Wellbeing Specialist, her role is to support students' emotional wellbeing, fostering their growth in interpersonal development and social engagement throughout their campus experience. Elis is also a socially engaged artist, collaborating with various organizations to enhance emotional intelligence and interpersonal development. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary and inspiring learning, utilizing diverse art forms to deliver soft skills training in areas such as interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and critical thinking. As an emotional wellbeings specialist, and a guest lecturer, she collaborates with universities, social welfare foundations, and corporate organizations across Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany and Finland leveraging her extensive academic and practical expertise. Her interdisciplinary qualifications include a Master’s degree in Digital Health from Finland, alongside specialized training in socially engaged arts, expressive arts in therapeutic settings in Germany, cross-cultural management, arts and dementia, and mental health and crisis nursing in the UK. In 2023, she was awarded a grant from the Taiwan National Culture and Arts Foundation’s "Inclusive Arts Project," a program that addresses aging-related issues and promotes cross-sector integration across the arts, social welfare, and education to enhance artistic engagement and social care. Her work also delves into the interconnectedness between relational health and mental wellbeing, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of emotional health.

 

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

Sofia Khaleel is the current Middle School and High School EAL teacher, as well as Health for grade 11 girls teacher at the Taoyuan American School. After completing her preschool and full 12 year education at the American Community School of Amman, Jordan, she went on to obtain her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from CEU Carenal Herrera University in Valencia, Spain in 2021. Sofia has subsitituted at the American Community School of Amman, Jordan from 2022-2024 for various subjects including Elementary Physical Education, Early Learning Childhood (Preschool) teaching assistant, Grade 5 teaching assistant, Music teacher assistant, and High School Engineering. Her teaching philosphy includes nurturing a holisitic approach towards children, prioritizing safety, confidence, cultural understanding, and a positive environment so students have the ability to express themselves and most importantly want to learn English for themselves.She speaks Russian, English, Spanish (B2 level), and a touch of Arabic. Sofia's mother is Russian, her father is Jordanian, and has lived in Taiwan since relocating with her Taiwanese husband in 2023. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, eating different foods, and going shopping with her husband and in laws.