Faculty Directory

Ms. Paula Castilla

Ms. Paula (Pau) Castilla grew up in a small, colorful, and historical city in Colombia called Cartagena. She has been a teacher for over 9 years. Ms. Pau worked in a Spanish immersion school in Minnesota and the rest of her teaching experience has been in different public, private, and international schools in her hometown. Ms. Pau holds a specialization in TESOL from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Fundación Universitaria Colombo Internacional and was the Head of the Spanish department for 3 years. She is a strong promoter of a safe, fun, and interactive environments in the classroom, and believes in the power of assertive communication. Ms.Pau thinks learning happens when students feel confident in expressing their own ideas, and when they have the guidance and skill set to use learning a language as a way to get to know more about other cultures.

Ms. Daisy Chan

Ms. Daisy Chan ihas rejoining AST as a secondary school science teacher. Being an alumna of AST, she pursued her B.S.in Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC San Diego and her Master's degree in Teaching and Teacher Leadership at Harvard University. Being trained under the NGSS curriculum, Ms. Daisy aims to support student learning through creative teaching methods and exploring project-based learning. She is determined to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to become critical thinkers and empowering them to tackle future challenges.

Ms. Yao-Wei Chang

Ms. Yaowei Chang has been teaching at AST for over 20 years and remains highly enthusiastic about her work. AST allows her to enjoy sharing her knowledge while continuing to nurture her passion for teaching and self-growth. She teaches Mandarin for native speakers in the secondary division and believes language learning should be both fun and practical. She loves to incorporates authentic materials into all of her lessons. In addition to teaching, Ms. Yaowei has been the supervisor of the HS Red Cross Club, guiding students in first aid training, organizing food donations for the Food Bank, and coordinating cultural exchanges with Fazhi and Toda Elementary Schools in rural Nantou County. She als supervises the Write for Delight Club, where she creates opportunities for students to engage in writing and develop their creativity.

Ms. Charlene Chen

Ms. Chen was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and has traveled and worked in the U.S. She completed her M.A. in TESOL at the University of Florida. Ms. Chen has 12 years of teaching experience as a Chinese and English teacher. She has taught dual languages from K- 12 and community college. Ms. Chen's teaching experiences in the U.S. and in Taiwan has allowed her to understand students from different cultural backgrounds. She is excited to teach Chinese non-native speakers at AST for the seventh year! Ms. Chen's goal is to create a safe learning environment and make Chinese learning a life-long journey for her students. She is also looking forward to teaching AP Chinese this school year.

Mr. Stephen Cravak

Mr. Cravak is excited about learning with and from his fellow AST Eagles. He brings twenty years of teaching and leadership experience (America, Japan, and Taiwan), National Board Certification in English Language Arts, a bachelor's in English Education from Boston University, and a master's in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. An active member of the National Council of Teachers of English, Mr. Cravak continually adapts his style of instruction to meet the growing needs of each individual student as he believes the best teachers inspire students to discover the teacher within. Mr. Cravak is an advocate for student voice and leadership through founding and leading co-curricular programs such as National Honor Society, Stand Up Comedy, Cinema Club, Newspaper. He led his Student Government chapter to a gold medal in Florida, and his World Scholar's Cup team to 1st Place in Taiwan. Mr. Cravak also has a passion for reading and writing children's literature, as he was published in LADYBUG magazine, is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and reads over 500 picture books annually.

Dr. Madeline Gonzalez

Dr. Madeline Gonzalez is excited about learning and teaching at AST. Prior to working at AST, Dr. Gonzalez taught mathematics in Shanghai, was a researcher for two years in Estonia, and taught at numerous universities and state colleges in Florida. She earned her BS in Mathematics Education and MA in Applied Mathematics at the University of South Florida and her PhD in Cryptography at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Gonzalez believes in the potential for all students to succeed in math and ensures high expectations combined with lots of support. She finds inspiration in seeing her AST students grow academically and socially.

Ms. Lily Hsu

Ms. Lily Hsu has been with AST for over 19 years. She is originally from Southern California; attended UCLA to get her bachelor of science degree in psycho-biology and her master's of education degree in science instruction. She taught in Los Angeles for three years before moving to Taiwan. Ms. Hsu teaches Chemistry, Biology, and AP biology. She enjoys swimming, playing badminton, baking with her two kids, and traveling.

Ms. Joyce Huang

Ms. Joyce is a dedicated Mandarin Chinese teacher who graduated from Taipei Education School. With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, she brings both expertise and passion to the classroom. She has a strong interest in Chinese history and culture, and she also enjoys reading novels to broaden her perspectives. In her leisure time, Ms. Joyce values traveling with her family, which enriches both her personal and professional life. She is committed to fostering a love of learning in her students through a student-centered approach and is honored to contribute to this vibrant learning community.

Mr. Han Kim

Mr. Han Kim is a dedicated and globally-minded educator with over a decade of teaching experience across diverse international settings. Holding a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University, Mr. Kim seeks to blend academic rigor with a holistic approach to education. With a background that spans the US, China, Honduras, Korea, and Guatemala, he brings a wealth of cross-cultural perspectives to the classroom. While having taught all grade levels from middle to high school, beyond the classroom, Mr. Kim has contributed significantly to education through curriculum planning and design, playing a key role in shaping educational programs in various international schools. As a seasoned department chair, he has led initiatives to create collaborative and growth-oriented cultures within educational communities. A graduate of an international school, his personal connection to international schools informs a deep understanding of their missions and values, shaping a teaching philosophy that prioritizes student well-being, motivations, and growth. Known for creating positive and enriching environments, Mr. Kim stands as a passionate and adaptable educator, dedicated to shaping the future through impactful teaching and leadership.

Mr. Marven Manzano

Mr. Marven Manzano is a passionate mathematics educator with 14 years of teaching experience in both the Philippines and the United States. As a constructivist, he ensures that learning extends beyond direct instruction by engaging students in collaborative activities, encouraging them to use prior knowledge, brainstorm ideas, and develop efficient problem-solving strategies. He creates a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore, take risks, and embrace mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. Mr. Manzano served as a National Mathematics Trainer for the K to 12 Curriculum in the Philippines and a guest speaker for the University of Santo Tomas' Knowledge Exchange Series. Outside the classroom, Mr. Manzano enjoys traveling with his family and exploring web design.

Ms. Laura Moye

Ms. Moye is passionate about global citizenship and helping students develop as critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Ms. Moye grew up in Hong Kong, where she attended British and American schools. She has an M.A. in History with a teaching concentration from George Mason University and participated in a two-year teaching fellowship at Stanford University. After being a student activist for human rights for five years, Ms. Moye developed a fifteen-year advocacy career with Amnesty International USA. She transitioned into teaching, her "college plan A" in Washington, DC, where she taught history and geography for five years. Ms. Moye loves living in Taiwan and helping students make connections and contributions to real-world issues.

Dr. Tina Ngo

Dr. Tina Ngo is originally from the northern part of Vietnam, and has called Taiwan home for over 11 years. Dr. Tina holds a Master's in Computer Science from National Tsing Hua University and a Ph.D. in Bio Mechatronics and Engineering from National Taiwan University. Residing with her husband and two daughters, Dr. Tina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of computer science. Her areas of passion encompass Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI. Dr. Ngo has successfully taught a diverse range of courses, including Math, Java/C++, Networking/Cybersecurity, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and Python/Machine Learning. She is known for implementing multiple projects that engage students in hands-on learning and encourage the application of knowledge to real-world problems. Outside the classroom, Dr. Ngo is actively engaged in coaching students for coding competitions, fostering a spirit of innovation and excellence among her students. Her commitment extends to coaching robotic teams, where she is enthusiastic about inspiring and guiding students in the exciting world of robotics.

Ms. Darlene Quijano

Ms. Darlene Quijano is originally from the Philippines and has 14 years of teaching experience, including 3 years in the United States, where she worked with diverse learners. She holds a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Mathematics, and is currently completing her Master's in Guidance and Counseling. Over the course of her career, Ms. Quijano has taught a wide range of grade levels, from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Her global experience fuels her passion for teaching and helps her adapt to various learning styles and cultural backgrounds. She is dedicated to continue her teaching journey by fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment that promotes student growth and academic success.

Mr. Michael Razzari

Mr. Michael Razzari is a History teacher from the United States. Since 2008, he has lived and worked in South Korea, China, and Taiwan, with the exception of a two year period in 2013 when he returned to the United States to complete his Master of Science in Education. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Michael is passionate about guiding students through the research process and helping them appreciate multiple perspectives so they can develop a balanced and thoughtful understanding of history and the world. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, hiking, weight training, baseball, and gaming.

Mr. Joel Sparks

Mr. Joel Sparks is a high school English teacher from Canada. His journey in international teaching includes South Korea, Canada, Turkey, and China, before arriving here at AST. He has worked with students in English Language Arts, Film Studies, Public Speaking and AP English. Mr. Sparks holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English Literature, as well as a Bachelor of Education. He is passionate about guiding students to explore stories and messages across literature, film, and media while developing their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills. He enjoys bringing energy and curiosity into the classroom and is thrilled to be part of AST’s dynamic learning community.

Mr. Daniel Stanke

Mr. Danny Stanke is a History teacher from Seattle Washington in the United States. He began his teaching career in Guatemala and his passion for teaching has brought him to Taiwan. He earned his Bachelor's degree in history from Washington State University. Danny encourages his students to become lifelong learners and enjoys sharing his historical interests and excitement for global discovery with them. Danny enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and watching sports games in his free time.

Ms. Felicia Ting

Ms. Felicia Ting is ecstatic to be back at AST for a new school year. She has been teaching middle and high school English for over 18 years and holds a Bachelor’s in English and one in Education from Simon Fraser University in Canada. She is extremely passionate about English Language Arts and hopes to instill a love for reading and writing in her students. In the classroom, she strives to make learning fun and practical, while nurturing academic curiosity and problem-solvering skills in her students. She is an avid lifelong learner particularly in the humanities. Ms. Ting and her two children are proud members of the AST community.

Ms. Kennedy Wirth

Ms. Kennedy Wirth is a passionate English Language Arts teacher whose career has taken her from the United States to Guatemala, and now to Taiwan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Journalism, as well as a master’s degree in Secondary Teaching. Kennedy believes in making learning exciting and relevant for her students and fostering a lifelong love for reading and writing. One of her favorite aspects of teaching ELA is discussing current reads with her students and having the honor of reading their writing. In her free time, Kennedy enjoys hiking, reading, writing short stories, crafting, and traveling.

Mr. Charlie Wofford

Mr. Wofford is a passionate science teacher with a Master's degree in Sustainability. He blends his love for the environment with his dedication to education. Previously, he taught in the US and South Korea. Mr. Wofford values curiosity as the driving force behind learning, encouraging his students to question, explore, and discover. He believes in the power of building strong relationships with his students, recognizing that understanding and trust are the foundation for meaningful learning experiences. Beyond academic knowledge, he is committed to fostering life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy. Outside the classroom, Mr. Wofford enjoys traveling to immerse himself in different cultures; finding inspiration in diverse perspectives and practices that he eagerly brings back to share with his students at AST.

Ms. Jenny Chen

Jenny Chen began her career as a certified teacher after graduating from National Taichung Teachers University and later earned her M.A. in School Counseling from The College of New Jersey. Having served as a teacher, administrator, and now counselor across all grade-levels, Jenny has over 25 years of experience in education and guiding students through the college admissions process while also supporting their social-emotional growth. Passionate about language learning, child development, and clinical psychology, she finds her greatest fulfillment in helping secondary students discover their strengths and potential. A third-culture kid who grew up in the Middle East, Jenny values cultural diversity, travel, and lifelong learning. Outside of school, she enjoys Korean dramas and spending time with her Shiba Inu, Black Sugar. She looks forward to another exciting year at AST!

Ms. Rubecca Hou

Ms. Rubecca Hou is excited to serve as the through-school counselor at AST. Before coming to AST, she worked as a whole school counselor at Taipei European School and at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Services. She is a licensed counselor with experience supporting children, teens, and adults in both schools and community settings. Ms. Rubecca earned her B.A. in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and her M.S. in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She also holds counseling certifications in both Taiwan and China. She loves getting to know students and walking alongside them as they grow, and she strongly believes in the unique strengths and potential of every child. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time at cat cafés, relaxing with Netflix, and trying out different restaurants. Ms. Rubecca is grateful to be part of the AST community and looks forward to another wonderful year together.

Ms. Joanna Morgan

Joanna is a Secondary Multilingual Specialist and Professional Development Coordinator from England. She has worked in England, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Joanna is a certified teacher with a Master’s degree in Education, and is currently pursuing a second Master’s. She is passionate about inclusive education, teacher training, and language acquisition in diverse international contexts. Joanna is also deeply interested in the intersection of language, identity, and global citizenship through the arts and storytelling. She is committed to fostering equitable, engaging learning environments that empower both students and educators.

Ms. Catherine Stark

Ms. Catherine Stark started her adventure as an educator over 15 years ago and has since taught English in China, Turkey, South Korea, Spain, and the Czech Republic as well as Spanish in the United States. She holds a master's degree in Spanish and Applied Linguistics and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Ohio University alongside teaching certifications in ESOL and English Language Arts. Most recently, Ms. Stark has been an EAL Specialist for 4 years at an international school in China. She is proud to bring her passion for learning languages and for language learners to her position as the MLL Specialist at AST. When she's not working with her students, she enjoys exploring the world around her - both near and far. Ms. Stark also enjoys quality time hiking, cooking, and taking photos.

Ms. Ellen Sun

Ellen Sun is the Athletic Director and Events Coordinator at AST. She spent most of her childhood growing up in the United States, where she was actively involved in school sports teams and clubs. Her passion for teamwork and collaboration has been a consistent part of her journey. After returning to Taiwan, she earned her degree in translation from Chang Jung Christian University. Ellen has since worked in the education field in various roles, including teacher, teaching assistant, and administrator. She is honored to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and parents to coordinate sports events, clubs, tournaments, and a variety of social activities throughout the school year.

Ms. Carmen Wofford

Ms. Carmen Wofford is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education and a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has taught across multiple states in the US and in South Korea. Her passion lies in fostering connections with her students, understanding their unique needs, and equipping them with essential skills for learning and life beyond the classroom. With extensive training in various research-based reading and instructional programs, Ms. Wofford ensures that every student receives tailored support to reach their full potential. Committed to student success, she actively collaborates with fellow educators and engages parents to create a supportive learning environment. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Wofford enriches her teaching with a global perspective gained through her love for learning new languages and traveling, allowing her to bring diverse experiences back to her students at AST, preparing them to thrive in an interconnected world.

Ms. Kelly Konicki

Ms. Kelly Konicki is a dedicated and experienced school leader from Seattle, Washington, in the United States. She holds a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from Western Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Washington State University. Before joining AST, she served as an Associate Principal at Juanita High School in Washington State and taught high school and middle school science. Throughout her career, Ms. Konicki has been deeply passionate about curriculum design and development, with a strong commitment to ensuring both academic rigor and relevance in every student’s learning experience. Ms. Konicki first joined AST as Secondary Principal in 2022 and, in October 2024, proudly stepped into the role of Head of School. She brings to this position a clear vision for AST: a school where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive both academically and personally. Together with her husband, Ms. Konicki enjoys exploring the rich culture and beauty of Taiwan and Southeast Asia. She considers it a true honor to serve the AST community and is committed to building a school where every member feels valued, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

​Ms. Annie Tung

Ms. Annie Tung has a deep connection to AST, having studied here during her early education. She has lived abroad since she was 12 and holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of California, Irvine, a Master’s Degree in Education from University of Southern California (USC), and a Principal's Certification from the State of Washington. With over sixteen years of teaching experience in the U.S. and leadership roles at AST, Annie is passionate about educating the whole child. She believes that children thrive when they feel supported, heard, and valued, and she strongly believes in partnering with families to support student growth and success. She also enjoys serving on WASC accreditation visits, where she learns from other schools and contributes to strengthening educational communities. A lifelong learner, Annie is excited to continue growing alongside the AST community.

Ms. Sara Hall

Ms. Sara Hall is originally from the greater Seattle area in Washington State, USA. She brings over 21 years of experience in secondary education, including 14 years as a visual arts and student leadership teacher and seven years as Associate Principal at Inglewood Middle School in the Lake Washington School District. Her leadership focuses on inclusive and equitable practices, instructional improvement, and fostering a strong sense of belonging among students. She has supervised school athletics and student government, facilitated professional development on restorative practices and equitable grading, and led initiatives in social-emotional learning and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Ms. Hall holds a Master’s in Instructional Leadership from the University of Washington and a Residency Principal Certification from Western Washington University. She has served on district-level leadership teams and committees focused on instructional strategy and athletics equity. Her passion for global connection and cultural exchange has shaped her educational journey, and she strives to build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families at AST.

Mr. Darian George

Mr. Darian George is a social studies/economics teacher who has worked in Illinois, Indiana, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Colombia. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Illinois State University, Masters of Arts in Teaching from Rockford University (his hometown university) and a Masters of Science in Education Administration from the University of Kansas. He was also a track and field coach for almost a decade in the United States and Honduras. Mr. George conducts research on the science of reading and believes that math and reading are those multiplying skills that impact most aspects of learning and has over 11 years of experience teaching abroad.

Ms. Christine Lin

Ms. Christine Lin is the visual arts teacher at AST. She is an AST alumni and grew up in Taichung, Taiwan. Ms. Lin studied at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia; majored in Art Education and minored in Art History. She moved to Northern Virginia for four years after she graduated and became an art teacher at Freedom Hill Elementary School and Bailey’s Elementary School. Ms. Lin also pursued her early childhood education Master’s degree at Arizona State University while she was working. She enjoys traveling, going to music concerts, food exploring, and painting. She has a passion for art, especially 2D art like painting, graphics, illustration, and drawings. Ms. Lin looks forward to creating with young passionate artists in the classroom.

Ms. Joanna Monfort-Torres

Ms. Joanna Monfort-Torres brings over two decades of experience in the elementary classroom across seven countries, including the USA, Ghana, UAE, Madagascar, and now Taiwan. Her global journey began as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in rural Finland during her final year of high school in Northern California, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for cross-cultural connection. She went on to earn a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy in Madrid, Spain, and an MSc in Elementary Education in New York. Ms. Joanna sees Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) as a powerful form of storytelling. She believes ‘creativity takes courage’ and is more vital than ever in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world. She champions creativity, empathy, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as essential gateways for students to express themselves and navigate the unknown with curiosity and confidence. Her classroom is a dynamic studio where students are encouraged to explore, imagine, collaborate, and reveal their unique talents. She is also a 500 E-RYT certified Yoga teacher, multilingual, and enjoys sailing. She’s passionate about world music, fitness and wellness, and learning through travel. She’s proud to be part of AST’s warm, growing community.

Mr. Tambi Mutharika

Mr. Tambi is proud to continue serving as a Middle and High School Physical Education and Health teacher at AST. He is also passionate about coaching and coaches basketball, soccer, and volleyball. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism and a Teacher Certification from Moreland University. With over 15 years of experience in education, Mr. Tambi is passionate about fostering a positive and active learning environment. He values teamwork, loyalty, and sportsmanship and works to instill these principles in all his students and athletes.

Dr. Yasmin Pakzad-Mayer

Dr. Yasmin Pakzad-Mayer teaches PE and Nutrition at all grade levels. Yasmin brings experience from teaching middle school and high school in Germany and teaching ESOL in an elementary school in Taiwan. After studying at the premium Sports University in Cologne and earning her Master's degree and education degree, she came to Taiwan with her husband, learned Chinese and started a PhD program at the Taiwan National Sport University in Linkou. After taking a break to spend some time with her son, Yasmin finished her PhD in Sport Science (2019). Yasmin has a passion for martial arts and has been practicing since she was a child. She strongly believes being active and eating healthy is key to a healthy lifestyle and models this by actively participating with students in PE classes. She hopes that every student can find enjoyment in one kind of physical activity and thrive and excel at it.

Mr. Godfrey Semwaiko

Mr. Godfrey Semwaiko has taught art and digital media at AST since 2018, blending creativity with technology in the classroom. He is a children’s book illustrator, designer, and animator whose work has been recognized by UNESCO, Heinemann-UK, and other international organizations. Godfrey holds an MSc in Digital Media Design from Asia University, a teaching certificate from Moreland University, and a Diploma in Multimedia and Film Technology from DIT. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Digital Media Design at Asia University. Godfrey looks forward to continuing his journey with the vibrant AST community.

Mr. Anthony Timpano

Mr. Anthony Timpano serves as the G1–12 Makerspace Coordinator and Innovation Coach at AST. Originally from Geelong, a coastal town near Melbourne, Australia, he is currently pursuing a PhD focused on elementary students’ attitudes toward STEM Makerspace learning. He holds a Master’s in Education with a specialization in Digital Technologies from Tabor Adelaide, a Bachelor of Teaching from Deakin University, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management and Biological Resource Management from Federation University. In addition, he is CELTA-certified by Cambridge University and a qualified life coach. Mr. Timpano has over 20 years of teaching experience, spanning 1st grade through senior high school. He taught for 14 years in Australia, 3 years in Japan, and 5 years in Taiwan. Outside the classroom, he enjoys DIY projects, weight training, and traveling. A lifelong learner, he is currently analyzing his PhD research data to refine the Makerspace program based on student feedback, with the goal of creating engaging environments where all learners thrive.

Ms. Tanya Turner

Ms. Tanya Turner is an elementary school teacher from South Africa. She has worked in Taiwan for many years and has taught a variety of subjects to G1-G6 students during her teaching career. Ms. Turner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in English and Classical Civilizations, and a Master's in Education degree with a focus on educational technology, and she has formerly acted as a head teacher, a computer science teacher and course coordinator, and an educational technology coach. She is passionate about teaching computer science and collaborating with various stakeholders to further the usage of multimedia for enhanced cross-curricular technology integration. She believes in getting the most out of every situation to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible, and this is clearly visible in her student-centered style. Ms. Turner is delighted to be working with this amazing learning community!

Dr. Michael Wiles

Dr. Michael Wiles is a secondary school performing arts teacher from the UK. During his teaching career, Dr. Wiles has worked in South Africa and Taiwan, teaching music, drama, and musical theatre to students from Grade 1-12. Dr. Wiles holds a diploma in performance studies from the Royal College of Music, London, and a doctorate of education from the University of Durham where his research focused on creativity in education. Dr. Wiles believes that music and performing arts provide students with a platform to express individuality and experience the transformative power of creativity. Through high standards and meaningful engagement, he strives to inspire confidence, a desire for excellence, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.