TAS Early Childhood & Elementary School Teachers
Ms. Lovely Coloma
ECC Teacher
Ms. Lovely Joy A. Coloma is a TAS Early Childhood Center teacher since 2014. With over 9 years of experience, she’s passionate about teaching young children, having worked in both primary and preschool settings in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Besides her love for education, Ms. Coloma is an adventurer who enjoys exploring new countries and beautiful beaches. When she’s not teaching, you might find her indulging in her hobbies like reading, painting, playing music, or enjoying a delicious meal at a cafe.
- BA Elementary Education, University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
- MA Early Childhood Education, Philippine Normal University, Philippines
- Professional Teacher License issued by the Republic of the Philippines
- 9+ years of teaching experience in Philippines and Vietnam
ECC Teacher
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Philippine Normal University
Ms. Ana Lee
ES EAL Teacher
Driven by a belief in equal learning opportunities, Ms. Lee uses personalized support to empower students to reach their full potential. She sees this potential as the key to tackling challenges, becoming independent learners, and achieving future success.
- BA Japanese Language, California State University Long Beach
- Master鈥檚 in Education with a focus on Teaching Multilingual Learners, Moreland University
- Washington DC Standard Teaching License in English as a Second Language PreK-12 Grade Level听
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate (TEFL)
- Qualified Teacher Status from the United Kingdom Department for Education (UK)
ECC Teacher
Master鈥檚 in Education on Teaching Multilingual Learners, Moreland University
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Ms. Jessica Makona
Grade 1A Teacher
Ms. Jessica Makona is a Grade 1 Elementary School Teacher since 2023, with 13 years of teaching experience across various age groups (preschool to high school) and subjects (including ESL).听She is passionate about student-centered learning and encouraging all of her听students to see themselves as capable and worthy.听
鈼� BA in English Literature, Teacher Education Concentration – Washington and Lee University, Virginia, USA
鈼� MS in Early Childhood Education – Northwest Missouri State, Missouri, USA
鈼� Certification in TEFL/TESOL, 120 hrs – Ninja Teacher TEFL Academy
Grade 1 Teacher
Master of Science in Early Childhood Education 鈥� Northwest Missouri State University
Ms. Tiffany Garris
Grade 2A Teacher
Ms. Tiffany Garris has dedicated over 15 years to working with children, including 10 years of teaching experience in Lebanon, Honduras, Thailand, and Vietnam.
She thrived in classrooms from Kindergarten to Middle School. Her primary focus is to inspire students to excel not only academically but also as individuals, both within and beyond the classroom.
- Bachelor of Arts, Boston College, English
- Masters of Arts, University of Wisconsin, Afro-American Studies
Grade 2 Teacher
Masters of Arts in Afro-American Studies, University of Wisconsin
Ms. Hinda Khogali
Grade 3A Teacher
My name is Hinda Khogali and I am from Scotland. I have taught primary school for the past 6 years in South Korea, Scotland and now Vietnam. Before I discovered my love of teaching, I was a Sound Engineer at an independent recording studio and I worked at the Apple Store Genius Bar as a Trainer, both in my hometown of Glasgow. I love learning and discovering new challenges. I have completed online courses in Child Psychology and Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND) and I have also been involved in many summer and winter camp programs that help to introduce children to technology, filmmaking and the sciences.
Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching philosophy leads towards creating a safe and happy environment where children are encouraged, challenged and motivated to achieve their full potential, feel confident and included in their education and believe they are in a protected and caring environment. I try to motivate my students through humour, common interests, and a passion to learn. I wish for students to want to share with each other and encourage them to band together to solve problems through creativity, innovation and teamwork and never be afraid to ask one another for help.
Qualifications:
- BA Film and Media Studies, University of Stirling
- PGDE Primary, University of Aberdeen
- TEFL, 120 hrs, The TEFL Academy
- Sound and Audio Engineering Diploma, SAE Institute
Interests:
Traveling is my passion and I have been to over 40 countries. My favourite destinations so far have been Indonesia, Argentina and Vietnam! I have been a keen swimmer since my childhood, and I am grateful that living in Vietnam allows me to visit the pool frequently. Although I grew up in Scotland, I can鈥檛 stand the cold! My favourite activities are going to restaurants with my friends, devouring books by the pool, kickboxing or watching an endless stream of movies.
Grade 3 Teacher
Professional Graduate Diploma in Primary Education, University of Aberdeen
Mr. Justin Hurst
Grade 4 Teacher
Mr. Justin Hurst has been named Fourth Grade Homeroom teacher beginning August 1st, 2023. Originally from Palo Alto, California, Mr. Justin moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to teach English in 2011. He immediately fell in love with Vietnam and taught ESL at various language centers and public schools throughout the city until 2014. In 2015 he became an Elementary Homeroom teacher at The Korean International School where he taught 4th and 5th grade until he became the homeroom teacher for Class 5B at 万奶园 for the 2021-2022 school year. After an amazing year at TAS, Mr. Justin went back to his hometown in California and taught 5th Grade at KIPP Valiant Community Prep. Feeling that his true home was back in Vietnam, he is coming back to 万奶园 to teach 4th grade!
Mr. Justin holds the following degrees:
- BS from University of Oregon with a double major in History and Political Science
- Postgraduate teaching certificate program through Moreland University
- Washington DC Teaching License in Multiple Subjects Grades 1-6
- California Teaching License in Multiple Subjects K-12
Mr. Justin married his best friend Mara in 2018, who just gave birth to their second child, Malaya, in June. Their first child, PJ, will be rejoining TAS in ECC. In his free time, Mr. Justin loves to spend time with his family, play Zelda on his Switch, play basketball, and listen to his old funk records.
Grade 4 Teacher
Bachelor of Science with a double major in History and Political Science, University of Oregon
Mr. Kasey O'Brien
Grade 5B Teacher
Mr. Kasey O鈥橞rien 鈥� Spencer, Wisconsin, has been named TAS Elementary School Teacher beginning in August 2018. Since 2007, Mr. Kasey has been working in the TESOL field. He has done everything from teaching, teacher training, and managing English language centers. For the past 10 years, he has worked for a large English language school in Ho Chi Minh City, ILA Vietnam. Before teaching in Vietnam, he worked as a TESOL teacher in Prague, Czech Republic. He has taught a variety of ages, from elementary school to high school.
Mr. Kasey enjoys spending time with his family, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, reading about health and fitness, cooking, traveling, and drinking coffee.
- BA in Psychology from University of Wisconsin鈥揈au Claire
- Trinity Cert TESOL Certification
- Young Learner Extension to the CELTA (YLE CELTA)
- Diploma of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (DELTA) 鈥� all three modules.
- 6+ years of teaching experience in Vietnam and Czech Republic
Grade 5 Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Wisconsin鈥揈au Claire
Mr. Michael Santiago
Grade 4A Teacher
- Bachelors Degree, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Concordia University Irvine
WHO AM I?
My name is Michael Santiago and I am from a small city in North West Pennsylvania (USA). I have been teaching in Vietnam for over the past 5 years and my wife and I have recently welcomed our first child into the world. Prior to coming to Vietnam, I have worked in a variety of different countries and settings in Central and South East Asia. I have also served with the U.S. Peace Corps as an educational specialist in the Kyrgyz Republic. In my free time, while I am not taking care of the baby, I enjoy reading, writing, cooking, playing with my dog and making new friends.
MY EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:
My philosophy regarding education is that all students have the innate ability/potential to be whoever they want to be and accomplish anything they can imagine. I believe the role of an educator is to serve as a guide, helping students to understand not only who they are, but what they want to become one day. I believe that by helping each student find their path and by helping them attain the skills necessary to succeed upon this path will allow them to thrive in life. I employ this through my teaching by constructing classes that make students critically think and ask the question of why. I believe that having a friendly and understanding rapport with students helps them to feel more comfortable in class thus making them more open to ask questions, participate and learn.
FUN FACT:
I am an avid ice hockey fan and have played ice hockey since I was a child. My favorite ice hockey team is the Pittsburgh Penguins and I was lucky enough to meet a few of the players.
EAL Teacher
Bachelors Degree, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Mr. Jared Lucow
ECC & ES Music Teacher
- Bachelor of Jazz Guitar Performance at Humber College in Toronto, Canada
- Masters in Teaching Elementary Education, from City University of Seattle. This degree included a Washington State teacher educator certification.
Jared is a Canadian/American who comes from a musical family. By age 4 he was a roadie for his parents traveling musical stage show. Following high school he completed his Bachelor of Jazz Guitar Performance at Humber College in Toronto, Canada. During this time he also began teaching music.
The guitar has taken Jared around the world. He has performed in Spain, Italy, France, Cuba, South Korea, Canada, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, New York City and the Canary Islands.
Between 2009-2017, Jared was primarily stationed in Phuket, Thailand performing in boutique resort hotels and the Hard Rock Cafe. He also taught music at International Schools. Teaching has always played a vital role in his musical balance and joy. During this time he was also writing and recording his first three albums of original music.
In 2020, he seized the opportunity to return to his studies and earned his Masters in Teaching Elementary Education, from City University of Seattle. This degree included a Washington State teacher educator certification.
As an instructor Jared prides himself on inspiring each and every student. To help them foster their own creativity and sense of self. Through sharing, experimenting, and musical discovery. Most of all to have fun and experience the joy of making music. His combination of performance and teaching experience allows him to create individualized plans to help each student grow and succeed in their own way. Jared is thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the students and faculty at TAS.
ECC & ES Music Teacher
Masters in Teaching Elementary Education, City University of Seattle
Mr. Bryan Turner
ECC & ES Art Teacher
Mr. Bryan Turner has been named Elementary Art teacher beginning August 3, 2023. After growing up in North Carolina, USA, Mr. Turner began his teaching career in South Korea teaching ESL. After teaching in all grade levels for 10 years, he went back to the states and obtained his Master鈥檚 Degree of Arts in Teaching and obtained a teaching license for Elementary Education. After teaching in North Carolina, he went back overseas to Taiwan and taught ESL once more. However, his Bachelor鈥檚 degree was in Art and he always wanted to get back to his real passion of working in the arts. Having incorporated many project-based learning activities in his teaching career, he is excited to engage in this new adventure and share his passion of art with his students at TAS. He hopes to promote a creative and imaginative classroom environment where students can express themselves visually
through the projects throughout the year.
Mr. Turner holds the following degrees and license:
- BA in Art from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Master鈥檚 Degree of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- State of North Carolina teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6)
Mr. Turner enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures, and tasting delicious food from around the world. In addition to exploring new places, his main hobby is woodburning popular animation characters and reading graphic novels.
ECC & ES Art Teacher
Master鈥檚 Degree of Arts in Teaching, University of North Carolina听
Ms. Dianne Buisan
ECC & ES PE Teacher
Mrs. Dianne E. Buisan has been named TAS Early Childhood and Elementary School Physical Education & Health teacher since August 2015. She has been teaching for 10 years here in Vietnam and in the Philippines. She went to the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines for her undergraduate studies and Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State University, Tacurong City, Philippines for her graduate studies.
When Mrs. Buisan is not teaching, she enjoys dancing and playing with her hyperactive kids, biking, doing outdoor activities that strengthens both body and mind. Her family loves to explore and travel together, since this brings them together with uninterrupted quality time.
- MA Teaching Physical Education, Sultan Kudarat State University, Tacurong City, Philippines
- BA Secondary Education major in Physical Education, Health and Music, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato, Philippines
- Teaching License Certificate 鈥� Professional Regulation Commission, Philippines – License #0825251
- 10+ years of teaching experience in the Philippines and Vietnam
ECC & ES PE Teacher
Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education, Sultan Kudarat State University
Mr. Ken Calipjo
Lead of Library
The one who will be leading our school libraries at 万奶园 of Vietnam, starting August 2023, is none other than Ken Mervin T. Calipjo, our new Librarian.
Ken is a passionate advocate for information literacy and a dedicated lifelong learner. With a proven track record in developing impactful library programs within international schools in the Philippines and Qatar, Ken is well-equipped to foster student engagement and promote a love for reading among our students.
During his tenure as a Librarian in Qatar and Philippines, Ken spearheaded innovative library events, igniting a passion for books and learning among the students. As a one-man Librarian, he skillfully revamped library spaces, streamlined services, and enhanced cataloging and acquisitions to meet the diverse needs of the school community.
Ken holds the following degrees and certifications:
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science, University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies
- Registered Librarian, Professional Regulation Commission, Philippines
- ECIS Level 1 Certificate in Child Protection
- Google Certified Educator Level 1
His commitment to supporting the school’s mission of educating the whole child is unparalleled. Together with Ken, we aim to create a thriving and dynamic library that fosters a love for reading and lifelong learning. In addition, he loves to travel and do Karaoke.
School Librarian
Bachelor of Library and Information Science, University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies
Ms. Tam Ngo
Vietnamese Studies Teacher & Vietnamese Studies Department Head
Ms. Tam Ngo has been named the TAS Elementary Vietnamese Studies Teacher since March 2013. In her professional career, Ms. Tam Ngo has taught Vietnamese Studies and was support for elementary ESL teachers for ten years in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Ms. Tam is an active teacher who enjoys everything especially singing and dancing with her students. She also likes to spend her free time teaching for the disadvantaged children, translating, traveling and learning new cultures.
- BA Elementary Education, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) certificate
- 10+ years teaching experience in Vietnam
Vietnamese Studies Teacher &听Vietnamese Department Head
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, Saigon University
Vietnamese Studies Teacher
Mr. Loc Do
Vietnamese Studies Teacher