About Us
Dominican International School is a Catholic, private, English medium school owned and governed by the Dominican Sisters.
Dominican International School is a Catholic, private, English medium school owned and governed by the Dominican Sisters.
Sr. Jacqueline C. Manuel, OP is the 20th Directress/Principal of the Dominican International School in Taipei. She was previously the Provincial Secretary of the Province of St. Vincent Ferrer of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic. She obtained her Licentiate and Bachelor Degrees in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In 2017, the College of New Jersey in the United States granted her Principal Certification and Qualification for Educational Administration. She holds teaching credentials from the Spanish Universities of Salamanca and Valladolid. She has served in a number of Dominican institutions of learning all over the world in different capacities such as Religious Studies Teacher, Registrar, Treasurer, Vice-Principal, and Directress/Principal. She was a Certified Public Accountant before entering religious life. Sr. Jackie loves to read during her free time.
Sister Lorna P. Alamares, OP graduated from the University of Sto. Tomas, Philippines (formerly known as Aquinas University) with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting. She has been a school treasurer for 27 years. From 1991 to 2016, she was employed by the Congregation of the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic in the Philippines. Since 2018, she has been working at DIS Kaohsiung and DIS Taipei.
Sr. Rosa Dabhi, CCV, (Carmelite Sisters of Charity of Vedruna) is a qualified and certified teacher hailing from India, who has served Dominican International School for over ten years. She taught in both India and Taiwan, teaching both English and Religion.
Ms. Coney Catalan-Pido holds a Master's Degree in Education major in Educational Management. She finished and completed her master's at Atlantic International University. She is also a licensed teacher and has more than ten years of teaching experience in the Philippines, both in local and private elementary schools. She has previously served as the Executive Secretary, Registrar, and Student Affairs Coordinator for The Dominican School of Cebu for five years.
She has been the School Registrar & Admission Officer for DIS-Taipei since 2013 up to the present.
Ms. Iris Chang holds a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, and has been at DIS since 2003. Prior to 2003, she worked as a Librarian in academic libraries in California, Wyoming & New Mexico in the United States and also worked in Human Resources in Silicon Valley, California. Ms. Iris has an interest in business and took business courses while employed by academic libraries in the university setting. She also organized a series of well-received employee benefits workshops while employed by UC-Santa Cruz. Ms Iris is not shy to go the extra mile for teachers and students, especially the Grade 12 students when they do research for their Senior Project. She is very organized and everyone is proud of the efficient DIS Library.
Mr. Ian Crisostomo serves as the Management Information Technology Head and Audio/Visual Supervisor at Dominican International School Taipei, where he has been a dedicated member of the community for over twenty-two years. In addition to his leadership roles, Mr. Crisostomo teaches Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to middle school students, providing them with essential digital skills for the future.
As a key member of the DIS Steering Committee, Mr. Crisostomo is critical in overseeing the implementation of the school-wide Action Plan and all other accreditation-related initiatives. He holds an advanced degree in Computer Technology from the Hagonoy Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from St. Paul’s College of Ilocos Sur, and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from St. Paul University, Philippines. Certifications in web design, multimedia communication, and TESOL certification further enhance his professional credentials.
Mr. Crisostomo is also responsible for the layout and design of the school’s yearbook and the cover design of the school’s accreditation self-study, demonstrating his creative and technical expertise. His outstanding service to the school has been recognized with numerous certificates of appreciation, and in 2019, he was honored with the prestigious D’TORCH award—Mr. Crisostomo’s extensive experience, skills, and dedication.
Janice Doyle, a South African, holds a BSc degree in Home Economics, a post-graduate diploma in Education, and she is a licensed educator. Before coming to Taiwan in 2000, she worked in a museum for 4 years, managed 3 restaurants for a year and then spent 6 years teaching. Subjects included Home Economics to Grade 9-12, Agricultural Science to high school students and Science to Grade 7. Her first 6 years in Taiwan were spent teaching at cram schools. She joined DIS in 2006, where she has taught a variety of subjects. She is currently a facilitator for Senior Project and teaches Family and Consumer Science as well as Middle School Science. She is a member of the DIS Steering Committee, which oversees the execution of the School-wide Action Plan and all other accreditation-related tasks, and she serves as a member of the school’s Recruitment Committee. She received the D’TORCH award for outstanding service to the school in 2017.
Ms Apao Hsu holds an Advanced Diploma in Business. She is a graduate from Blessed Imelda, a DIS sister school. She has been with DIS for the past thirteen years. Prior to working at the school, she worked for a travel agency for ten years, and was in the insurance business for eight.
Ms. Milagrosa “ Agosh” Librea has a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Social Studies, a Bachelor of Theology, and a Certificate in Philosophy. Furthermore she has Master’s degrees in Education (Child Study) and Philosophy. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Philosophy. She attended several Chinese courses and speaks the language fluently. Furthermore, she studied many aspects of Theology at institutions in Rome (Italy), Spain, the Philippines, and India. Ms Agosh is certified to teach from lower school to university level. In spite of her very busy schedule, she also teaches the DIS Community Service Program for Seniors.
Ms. Agosh has 15 years’ teaching experience at all levels both in the Philippines and Taiwan. Apart from teaching students, she also participates in training seminars for teachers covering the subjects of pedagogy and culture.
Ms. Agosh was the first graduate student in the Philippines to present a Master’s Thesis at International level with “A Comparative Study on Preschool Curriculum of Philippines and Taiwan.”
Archie A. Racadio has a Bachelorof Science in Commerce majoring in Information Technology, and a Master’s degree majoring in Information Systems (C). She also holds a post-graduate qualification in Secondary Education, a Certificate in Differentiated Instruction from Harvard University Graduate School of Education and she was trained in Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing & Switching (CCNA). Furthermore she holds a Licensed Professional Secondary ICT Teacher. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a teacher and administrator in an exclusive private school and university both in Manila, Philippines and Taipei, Taiwan. She was the school’s Admissions Officer and Registrar for 13 years and was the former MIS/ MIT Head of the school. Archie’s contributions to DIS Educational and IT System includes designing software to digitize student records, creating the Student Data Base System for DIS ‘s Admission and Registration, the DIS E-Gradebook, introducing the use of Google Suite, and the development of the accounting software for the school.
Joe Schoeman has been the DIS Curriculum and Academic Coordinator since 2008. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, a Master’s degree equivalent in Psychology and a further Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. He is a certified and registered teacher. Before being promoted to his current position, Mr. Joe was a Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher at DIS for three years. He taught in his home country, South Africa, in public schools for three years before coming to Taiwan. Mr. Joe has served on WASC Visiting Committees to schools in Taiwan, China, and Vietnam.
Jacob Springer currently teaches fourth grade EAL. He holds a masters’ degree. in Teaching and Learning (Distinguished Scholar), Professional Teacher's License, and TEFL certification. In addition to these qualifications, he is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Jacob has eight years’ experience teaching students from kindergarten to sixth grade.
Mr. Tank Tien holds a Master’s Degree in Education Policy Making and Leadership. He has been at DIS since 2004 and is currently the Perfect of Discipline and the Chinese Language Subject Leader. He has six years teaching experience in a Vocational High School before coming to DIS.
Ms. Sophie Tsou holds a Bachelor in Finance. She started her career at DIS, and has been here for the past nine years.
Mervin Villaroya is a qualified and licensed teacher who has been teaching for sixteen years. He has two Baccalaureate degrees: one in Secondary Education with specialization in the Filipino Language and one in Computer Management Technology. In addition to his eleven years of ICT teaching expertise, he has held various job positions at Aquinas School in the Philippines, namely, Vice Principal for Discipline and Sports Director. He has finished and completed his Master’s Degree at The National Teachers College in Manila, Philippines. At present, he teaches the lower school students in Information Communications and Technology. He has served as Lower School Prefect of Discipline for Boys since 2020.
Ms. Rebecca Wu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Management and she is qualified as a Nursery Governess. She was appointed as a Librarian at the DIS Library in 2019, where she is in charge of the students' learning resources and facilitates lower school Library Time. In 2017, she was a Teaching Assistant in Grade 2, and in 2018, she assisted in the Kindergarten. She has 15 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language to 5 to 11-year-old children. She has been a Homeroom Teacher, Head Teacher, Supervisor, and Vice-Director of the Elementary English Department at local schools.
Fr. Tomasz Zalewski, OP joined the Dominican Order in 2002. In 2009, he became a priest and obtained a Master's degree in Theology at University of John Paul II in Krakow, Poland. One year later, he arrived in Taiwan to learn Chinese. In 2013 he joined the Taiwan Province of the Dominican Order and became a chaplain of St. Dominic High School in Kaohsiung City. In 2017, he moved to New Taipei City to study Psychology at Fu Jen Catholic University. He has been working in DIS as a chaplain and Middle/High School counselor for boys since 2020.
Samir Eddio is a licensed teacher who is currently pursuing his Doctorate at Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a major in Educational Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with majors in Physical Education, Health and Music (PEHM), minors in History and Biology, and certificates in Mandarin Chinese from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). Over the past 26 years, he has taught General Science, Biology, and Humanities subjects, such as Music and Arts, at Cordillera Career Development College, Philippines. In his early years at DIS, he taught Middle School Social Studies and Ancient History, and he currently teaches Modern History. Mr. Samir is also a dance choreographer, an accomplished singer, and a musician who shares his talents when leading the singing during mass in school and the parish.
John Erick S. Moje serves as the Head of the Religious Studies Department at DIS, in addition to teaching Religious Studies to Grades 10 and 12. He is a member of the ACS WASC Accreditation Steering Committee, the Recruitment Committee, and the House Color Committee, as well as a Professional Learning Community Master Teacher. He completed his Master’s Degree in 2022 and is currently enrolled in a PhD program concentrating in Effective and Efficient Educational Leadership. He is the holder of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Sacred Heart College in Lucena City, Philippines. His additional studies included: Philosophy and Theology from the Dominican Order of Preachers, Philippines; coursework in Religious Education, and; and professional development units in Values Education. He holds a teaching license in Secondary Education from Sacred Heart, Philippines and a Teaching Certificate in Catechism from the Diocese of Manila, Philippines. An active member of REAP (Religious Educators Association of the Philippines), he also helps to facilitate DOMNET (Dominican Network), and Eco-minicans. In his almost two decades of teaching in K-12 schools, he has experience teaching at all grade levels. In 2020, he received the D’TORCH Award, which is given to faculty and staff members for exceptional service and dedication to the school.
Ms. Jenny Pan is a certified teacher with a doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature and TESOL, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Furthermore, she holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland (U.K) and a Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA). She has taught English in Taiwan for over ten years, from elementary school children to corporate classes.
Dr. Edward Solis holds a Doctor of Science (ScD) major in Information Systems. He finished his doctorate at Atlantic International University. He finished his Masters in Education major in School Leadership at De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines. He has twenty-three years of teaching experience before coming to DIS. He taught in numerous colleges and universities. He taught several subjects such as Physics, Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, Geometry, Drafting, Computer, Advertising and Accounting.
He was the Registrar of Aquinas School, an exclusive school for boys owned by the Dominican Fathers in San Juan, Philippines, for 12 years.
Currently, He is responsible in maintaining the school's website, Grading System and Student Attendance System.
Arcel Joseph C. Amoguis holds a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education, majoring in English, from the Holy Cross of Davao College (2005), and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Philippine Dominican Center for Institutional Studies (2011). Currently, he is enrolled in a Master’s Degree program in Teaching English Language and Literature at the Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines. He has been teaching for 12 years in 3 different countries. He taught English Language and Literature at three different schools in the Philippines, as well as at a bilingual school in Thailand. He is presently teaching Religious Studies 6, 7, 8, and 9. He also taught English for Academic Purposes for 2 years. He is currently the homeroom teacher of Grade 7 Bl. Jordan, the Campus Radio Club moderator, and the assistant coach of the girls’ volleyball team.
Stephen Black holds BA Honours and MSc degrees, plus a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education and a Cambridge CELTA. Having initially taught English to students of all ages both at home and abroad, he then taught in primary schools in his home country of Scotland before returning to Taiwan. He has been the Grade 5 St. Martin De Porres homeroom teacher since 2012.
Patrick Dave Q. Bugarin is an educator and researcher who holds a doctorate in Asia-Pacific Studies. He specializes in the areas of non-traditional security, governmentality, and securitization in the context of international relations and security. At DIS, he offers Global Issues 11 and supervises Community Service Project 12. Currently, he is serving as a Member of the Board of Trustees and the Vice-President for Linkages of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He is into fountain pens, photography, and cycling. Patrick is a perpetually professed Lay Dominican.
Jessy Cardenas is in the process of completing her Master’s degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at Universidad Internacional de Valencia in Spain. Her other qualifications are in Computer Science Engineering, from the Central American Technology University in Honduras. She holds a TESOL certificate and a certificate in Catholic Faith and Tradition from University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA. Jessy has 8 years of work experience at Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, Zamorano as an analyst programmer, training end users in programs on different platforms. She has also taught students how to use software development tools designed for university activities. Jessy has been teaching in Taiwan for 3 years, and this is her second year at DIS. She is currently teaching Religious Studies to grades 1 and 2, and Spanish as a Foreign Language to grades 9, 10 and 11.
Ms. Blanca holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education majoring in Teaching the Gifted and a Master’s in International Education. She also obtained 18 units in MA Ed majoring in Guidance and Counselling. Ms. Blanca has been a licensed professional teacher since 1996 and has more than 25 years of teaching experience in different grade levels. She taught Christian Living to the lower schools and Social Studies, World Religion, and Philosophy to high school students. She was part of DIS from 1997 to 2016 and served the school as a homeroom teacher, school activity coordinator, E.L.L., and Christian Living teacher.
Ms. Lillian Chao graduated from the Chinese Culture University with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. She has been teaching Chinese at DIS since 2001. She is serious about action research, and she presented her research at the Conference on Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at Ming Chuan University 2014. She hopes that research could provide a feasible model for teachers of 2nd language in general, and Chinese in particular, to implement differentiated instruction in their classrooms. Ms Lilian is licensed to teach Chinese as a Second Language.
Mr. Jofil holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. He has been teaching Art from 2006 to the present school year and is currently teaching Visual Arts, Sculpture, Design, and AP Art courses. His previous experience includes teaching Visual Arts in a Special Program for the Arts at Iloilo National High School in the Philippines. He was also Coordinator for Visual Arts in the entire province. He participated in and coached various art competitions including a global art competition for which he won the grand prize. Mr. Jofil co-authored an instructional handbook for teachers and students while at university.
Ms. Robeth is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Education in Curriculum Development and holds a Master’s degree of Education in Reading, a Master’s degree in Education in English as a Second Language, as well as a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in English. She is a Licensed Teacher and currently teaches English for Academic Purposes. Her experience includes being a resource person for Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties; Production Adviser for Creative Writing; and an Academic Coordinator teacher for Research, Creative Writing, Academic and Professional Purposes, and general Reading and Writing.
Elaine de Bruyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education. She is a certified and registered teacher. Ms. Elaine is currently the Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher. She has over 15 years of teaching experience in Taiwan, at both public and private elementary schools with students of varying ages. Before coming to Taiwan, she was a homeroom teacher in South Africa.
Mr. Ronaldo holds a Bachelor of Music majoring in Clarinet. His past experience includes being a former music teacher and band conductor of De La Salle Lipa, an instrument’s tutor of Brent International School, a choir/band/orchestra conductor, and a speaker/workshop facilitator for band/orchestra ensembles and soloists. He was also enlisted as personnel of the Philippine Air Force and the Treasurer of PASAMBAP INC. He was a prize winner of NAMCYA (National Music Competition for Young Artist) in 2003 for Clarinet Category A.
Erick Gonzales holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the Philippine Dominican Center of Institutional Studies. He is a former temporary professed brother from the Order of Preachers - Province of the Philippines. He worked at two Dominican Colleges in the Philippines as a Theology Instructor, Campus Ministry Coordinator, and marketing staff member. He has done coursework toward an MBA, and worked in Sales and Marketing in Singapore before coming to Taiwan. Currently, he teaches Religious Studies to grades 3 and 4, as well as ICT and Robotics to grade 6. He is also the Service Learning Program Coordinator, a member of Campus Ministry, and part of the MIT department
Mr. Leon Henrico holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, a Higher Diploma in Education and a TESOL qualification. He is currently teaching Music to Middle and High School students, and Language Arts to Grades 9 and 10. Before coming to DIS, he taught in various other schools in Taiwan and South Africa. He is a choir master who has trained choirs internationally, including opera choirs. He says that his greatest achievement was training a Brass Band that won a national competition in South Africa, which was then invited to perform at an international festival in Nice, France.
James Henselman has an MA in Teaching from City University of Bellevue and a BA in Sociology from Central Washington University. He is certified by the State of Washington in K-8 Elementary Education, 4-12 Psychology, and 4-12 Sociology. At DIS, he is the G4 St. Margaret Homeroom Teacher, teaching Grade 4 Math, English Language Arts and Social Studies. In addition to his 23+ years of teaching experience, James has worked in juvenile corrections for the State of Washington and as a school liaison officer for the Department of the Army, and Child Youth and School Services, under the Department of Defense. James has lived and taught in Taiwan for over 22 years. His father was in the Air Force, which enabled James and his family to live in places such as Italy, Turkey, Texas and California, but Tacoma, Washington has always been his home in the United States.
Michael Hoffmann is a licensed and certified teacher from Ontario, Canada. He has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in Urban Diversity, and is currently completing a Master of Education degree in Curriculum Studies, focusing on Education Technology and Design. He is also TESOL and smartboard certified. With experience teaching AP Physics, Algebra 2, and Middle school Math & Science, Mr. Hoffmann is a welcome addition to the Math and Science Department at DIS. In total, he has been teaching for more than 20 years in Taiwan and defines himself through critical pedagogy, equity and diversity in the classroom. Continually learning, Mr. Hoffmann is currently conducting action research on improving student motivation and reducing anxiety in the math classroom.
Andrew Hogenson has a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California with special certification in educating gifted and talented students. He also holds additional degrees in History, English, and Philosophy. He is fully licenced to teach in the state of California. Andrew has been teaching in Taiwan since 2007 and joined DIS in 2018. He teaches Social Studies, American History, and AP United States History. Andrew is a certified Model United Nations Advisor through Best Delegate and has been an MUN Club Moderator and DISMUN Teacher Director since 2019.
Emily Howe is the drama teacher for Lower Elementary. Before joining DIS, she spent the last 8 years teaching kindergarten to grade 5 in private schools in Taipei. During this time, she has been recognized with the Employee of the Year Award, Outstanding English Competence Competition Coach Award and selected by the New Taipei Education Association for the Excellent Teacher Award. She loves to work with kids of all ages, and teaching theater arts to the next generation is a true passion. Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in Drama from the University of the West of England in Bristol and gained her teacher’s certification through Moreland University.
Ms. Carolyn holds a Master of Education from National Taipei University of Education and is currently a candidate for the PhD program at the University of Taipei. She holds licensure for Teaching Chinese in Middle Education, Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Teaching English as a Second Language, and is a Certified Oral Examiner for Cambridge University. She currently teaches Chinese as a Second Language (CSL). She has 20 years of experience in teaching English as a Second Language to children 3 to 15 years of age. At PCCU, she was voted President of the freshman class because of her dedication to her fellow students and commitment to learning, as well as ranked first position in academic standings and graduated number 1 in the department. For her Master's degree at NTUE, she achieved the top ranking as well and graduated at number 1 in the department. She has studied M-Learning (Mobile Learning), and has been invited to speak at various academic conferences around Taiwan and in Mainland China.
Ms. Samantha Hsu holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. She is the Ministry of Education’s instructor for training overseas Chinese school teachers as well. She has been teaching CSL/CFL for over fifteen years in Canada and Taiwan.
Mr. Jayno Jabonillo teaches Values Education for Grade 5, Philosophy of the Human Person for Grade 9, Sacred Scriptures for Grade 10, and World Religions for Grade 11. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Philosophy. He is a qualified, licensed teacher from the Philippines. He has published numerous papers in the field of philosophy, and he is also the co-author of a book titled “Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person for Senior High School Students” which was published in January 2023 in the Philippines where it is promoted and used nationwide. He is an active member of the Philosophical Association of the Philippines (PAP) and the Philippine National Philosophical Society (PNPRS).
Mr. Patrick Johnson has a Master’s Degree in Education from The College of New Jersey with certification in the subjects of English and History. He has been teaching since 2012 with experience in the United States and Taiwan in both public and private schools. He currently teaches Middle school English Language Arts as well as English as an Additional Language.
Mr. Konraad Kordula is currently a Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Studies with a focus in Political Science, and a Master of International Education. He is a qualified teacher who holds a State of New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. He has more than 20 years of teaching experience, working with students of all ages. In Taiwan, he has taught in public and private schools.
Ms. Emily holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Physical Education, Music, Art and Health as well as a Master of Science in Physical Education. She also holds a teaching license. She teaches physical education She has previously taught at Saint Louis University for almost 7 years and became dance coordinator there. She was also an ESL teacher in Thailand for one year as well as an adviser in middle school for the Department of Education in the Philippines, teaching Physical Education and Research. Aside from being a teacher in the Department of Education, she had the role of being a Physical Education Coordinator, coach, and tournament manager. She has also conducted the first quantitative research (Phenomenology) at the Institute of Kinetics in Benguet State University.
Christine Lai has a Master of Education specialized in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and holds an early Childhood Education License from Ontario, Canada. At DIS, she is the Pre-K homeroom teacher for St. Lawrence Ruiz, teaching Pre-K Math, English Language Arts and Social Studies. She has been a preschool teacher for more than 15 years. Christine is passionate about working with young learners. Seeing and helping them achieve their potential in all areas is a true joy. Though it can be challenging at times, it is a challenge that she graciously accepts.
James “Seb” Langley holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and Post- Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education, including Qualified Teacher Status. Furthermore, he holds a B.A. Honours degree in Art and History. He has ten years’ teaching experience. He received the Duke of Edinburgh Award in March 2017.
Ms Vivian holds an Associate of Arts degree in Commerce and Business Studies from Langara College in Canada as well as a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She has a license to practice in British Columbia with a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She is currently a Grade 2 Homeroom. Ms Vivian has a long association with the school, going back almost a decade, when she came to help out as a substitute teacher in the Kindergarten. She has been a full-time teacher for the past five years. She also taught at a pre-school in Vancouver, Canada.
Ms. Yvonne Lee holds a Bachelor of Science and an ABCTE Certificate in Mathematics (grade 6-12). She is a licensed teacher. Ms. Yvonne has been teaching Mathematics for more than a decade
David Lein has a BA in History/Political Science and an MAT in History from Rutgers University. He is certified by the State of New Jersey in Social Studies Grades 6 to 12 and completed his student teaching in Newark, New Jersey. At DIS, he teaches Grade 6 Social Studies (Geography) and Grade 11 American History. Since 2013, David has been a Social Studies teacher in Taiwan, teaching numerous Social Studies courses, including: Ancient History, World History, American History, AP World History, AP American History, AP Human Geography, and Psychology. He has also founded two Model United Nations’ Programs and served as an AP Coordinator. David enjoys teaching and has chosen to remain in this profession because it has given him the opportunity to have a positive impact on numerous individuals.
Mr. Lewis holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with a TESOL concentration from Columbia University. Furthermore, he holds a B.A. degree in Linguistics with a minor in German Language and Literature from the University of Washington. In addition, Mr. Lewis studied in Germany at the University of Heidelberg. He has a diverse background in education having taught English in Germany, Turkey, the USA, and Taiwan. Mr. Lewis has been teaching since 2005. He has experience teaching at primary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Mr. Lewis has been teaching ELA and EAL at DIS since 2019.
Mr. Paul graduated from National Taipei University with a Master’s Degree in Chinese Literature, specializing in modern literature and Eastern and Western literary theory. In 2020, his article was accepted by – The Journal of Chinese Literature and Culture, published by the Department of Chinese Studies at the University of Malaya. He hopes to use his knowledge of Chinese literature to help students learn and fall in love with the Chinese language.
Ms. Annie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Child Development from Shih Chien University in Taiwan and has Nursery Governess qualifications. She is currently a Lower School Homeroom Assistant in K2 and teaches K1 and K2 Religious Studies at DIS.
Dr. Sophia Lin holds a PhD in Biochemistry from of Oxford University, an MSc in Genetics, and a BSc of Science. She tutored undergraduate courses at Oxford, and the University of Dundee. She also did Postdoctoral cancer research at the University of Dundee, and at Imperial College London. Furthermore, she supervised undergraduate projects and co-supervised master students’ research dissertations at Oxford. When she returned to Taiwan, she was an Assistant Professor in Biology, before joining the DIS faculty in August 2016. She was a Swire Scholar with full sponsorship for Oxford University - only one scholar per year is selected from Taiwan. She published many articles in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Ms. Zoe Lin holds a Master's Degree in Ethnomusicology She has over 15 years’ experience teaching various ensembles, orchestras and other informal music groups. She has experience teaching a large variety of instruments, ranging from woodwinds, strings and brass instruments to percussion and other novelty instruments. She is the founder of the D'TORCH Orchestra and the D'TORCH Junior Orchestra at DIS. Zoe is currently the D'TORCH Junior Orchestra Director. She trained the D'TORCH Orchestra for seven years and performed at numerous conferences, charity events and festivals, locally and internationally. One of the highlights for the D'TORCH Orchestra, was their international tour to Guamin 2015.
Michelle Lopez is currently a kindergarten homeroom teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management. She is a licensed professional teacher with more than 15 years of teaching experience.
Charles Marks is currently a Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in General Studies with a focus in History, and a Master of Elementary Education. He is a qualified teacher who holds a State of New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. He has more than 20 years’ teaching experience, working with students of all ages. In Taiwan and the USA, he has taught in public and private schools. Charles has also co-authored four educational textbooks.
Isaac Matere holds a PhD in Digital Learning and Education from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, a Master’s degree in Optical Fibre Communication, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Science. Isaac has nine years’ teaching experience. At DIS, he teaches Algebra and Geometry. He has also taught Fundamental of Optics and Holography at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, and has published educational and training materials.
John Nguyen is currently a P.E. teacher for lower school and high school students. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, a Master of Education in Sports Coaching Science, and a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Sports. His additional qualifications include being a certified personal trainer, a certified strength and conditioning coach, and a certified elite trainer, as well as being certified in Adult CPR/AED/First Aid. Before joining the DIS family, Dr. John Nguyen had five years of teaching and coaching experience at Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports and spent three years working as a training manager and personal trainer. He also presents his research at international conferences.
Ms. O’Halloran holds a Certificate of Qualification for Teaching Elementary Education and a Master of Education from The College of New Jersey. She achieved a Master's Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, has experience working as a homeroom teacher, and has taught Social Studies, ESL, EAL, and ELA in Taiwan since 2018. Before teaching, she achieved a Bachelor of Social Science focusing on Social Work and majoring in Social Policy from University College Dublin in Ireland. She worked with children in state care in Ireland for a Jesuit organization until 2017. She has volunteered and participated in the Camphill community since the age of 15. During university, she was a coordinator with UCD St. Vincent de Paul, organizing a weekly soup run for the homeless. In her spare time, she likes camping, hiking, and listening to music.
Christopher Pekarik has a B.A. in Fine Arts from Columbia College (1995) and an M.F.A. from the University of Delaware (1997). He holds a teaching certificate from the state of Illinois and has over 20 years of teaching experience at the university, high school, vocational school, and elementary school levels. Before Christopher came to DIS, he spent four years in Taiwan public schools teaching English in grades 1-4. At DIS, he is honored to be the art teacher for the lower and middle school. As an artist, Christopher has held exhibitions in various galleries, has been invited as a guest critic for art classes, and has conducted portfolio review for college and graduate school committees.
Gustl Pido is the Athletic Director. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Education, Health and Sport Science, a Master of Education in Sport Coaching Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a major in Industrial/Organizational and Sport Psychology. He is a licensed teacher in Physical Education, a Registered Athletic Administrator, International Athletic Administrator, Sports Technologist, and an Accredited Interscholastic Coach. He is certified as a K-12 and Tertiary Educator, Interscholastic Coach, Fitness Trainer, Kettlebell Sport Coach, NFHS Coach Level 1, 2, and 3, Sports Performance, and Adult CPR/AED/First Aid. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, the Society of Health and Physical Educators of America, the Global Human Research and Welfare Society, the International Olympic Committee, the National Federation of State High School Associations, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. An accomplished athlete, he is an NCAA 2-time record holder in Javelin Throw. As a member of the national team, he has competed nationally and in international track and field events. The founder of Filipino Sports and Fitness in Taiwan in 2015, Dr. Pido also presents his research at international conferences.
Bing Racadio has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing majoring in Medical Surgical Nursing and specialized in Psychiatric Nursing, a post-graduate qualification in Secondary Education, and a Differentiated Instruction Certificate from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She holds two Professional Licenses: as a Registered Nurse; and as a Professional Secondary Education Teacher in Biology. She also pursued on Master of Arts in Nursing majoring in Global Health and Nursing Administration, and is currently taking up a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching. Ms. Bing is a Founder of a civic Organization, and was affiliated as a Mentor with Johns Hopkins University’s Coursera Course “The Data Scientist’s Toolbox”. She is also a consultant for Nursing Curriculum Development and Mapping for Nursing Colleges in the Philippines. She holds various certificates including, an Advanced Life Support/ CPR/ AED Certificate from the American Heart Association, a photography Specialization Course from the Michigan State University, and more. Ms. Bing has more than 15 years’ teaching experience in various schools and Universities, including Dominican International School.
Mr. Seth Robinson grew up in Massachusetts. He has a BA in Philosophy from the University of Portland. He also has an MEd from Framingham State University and an MBA from National Chengchi University. He is currently preparing for the Praxis exams to become a certified teacher for the District of Columbia. In addition to being the G6 St. Hyacinth Homeroom Teacher, he is teaching G6 English Language Arts and AP Microeconomics. On top of his 21 years of teaching, Mr. Robinson has experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. He currently lives in New Taipei with his wife and two daughters.
Arden Ruttan is currently a Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in psychology with a minor in music technology, and a Master of Elementary Education. He is a qualified teacher who holds a State of New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. He has more than 16 years of teaching experience in Taiwan, working with students of all ages in both public and private schools.
Mr. Tim Sampson has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He brings his wide set of experience and skills crafted in the years before working with DIS. These years include time working with stakeholder groups for the purpose of implementing landscape level forest resource plans, and also hiking to the peaks of British Columbia’s spectacular interior mountains to inventory wildlife, streams and vegetation for local watershed plans. When he first came to Taiwan he worked as an ELL teacher in private schools in Taipei. Most recently, before coming to work at DIS, he was employed with a high tech web design firm in his second home Vancouver. He joined the faculty at DIS in 2013.
Ms. Victoria holds a Master of Science degree in Physics and a Master of Education degree. She currently teaches AP Physics 1, Physics for Grade 11, and Math for Grade 7. Her previous experience includes teaching in India and Singapore. She has been at DIS since 2004.She is also actively involved in the school’s Campus Ministry.
Mr. Zach Tannoia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Historical Studies from Stockton University in New Jersey. He also holds a Post-Graduate certification in ELL Education from Pacific Lutheran University in Washington state, and teaching licenses in both New Jersey and Washington state where he was an elementary school homeroom teacher for six years. Additionally, he has experience teaching in South Korea and in Taiwan. Mr. Tannoia is the homeroom teacher for Grade 5 St. Dominic Ibanez.
Mr. Gerhard Victor holds a Bachelor of Technology majoring in Economic Tourism Management and Marketing. He took Financial Accounting & Auditing at the University of South Africa as a postgraduate course. He has been in the education industry for more than 19 years. A dedicated, and resourceful person, he holds a teaching qualification in TEFL and an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) substitute teaching license. In progress is his Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the South African Council for Educators. He has experience in the corporate world from 35 global international companies as a business/financial instructor. He holds a commercial pilot license.
Mr. Elliott Wakeling is a Middle School Specialist with a BSc Honors degree in Land Management, a Master’s degree in Education specializing in teaching English, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education: International, an Advanced TESOL Teaching License and a Certificate from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in Differentiated Instruction. Mr. Wakeling is the Subject Leader for Middle School Language Arts. He is also an ELL (English Language Learning) teacher and a member of the DIS English Proficiency Testing team. Mr. Wakeling has more than 10 years’ experience teaching English in an international school setting. He has a solid commitment to the social development and the academic growth of his students, and always strives to build students’ self-esteem and encourage their understanding of cultural diversity.
Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania in the USA. He has a Pennsylvania private school teaching license as well as a PGCEi (Post Graduate Certificate of Education.) He is currently a Grade 2 Homeroom Teacher and he is a Professional Learning Community leader (Master Teacher). His previous teaching experience includes 18 years of teaching Grades 1-6.
Bill Wolfe has a Bachelor of Science in Education, in Communication Arts, with specializations in theatre arts and creative writing. He is a member of the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, and was Featured Creative Writer at Shippensburg University in 1998, where he hosted writer's workshops with visiting authors Brad Watson, David Quammen, Anne Beattie, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. For seven years he was assistant coordinator of the Shippensburg University Summer Shakespeare Experience. He holds a teaching certification for Grades 7-12 from the Pennsylvania (USA) Department of Higher Education. He currently teaches Grade 12 Language Arts, Advanced Placement Seminar (Grade 11) and Advanced Placement Research (Grade 12). He occasionally sponsors extracurricular film criticism and acting clubs. Before teaching, Mr. Wolfe was a soldier in the U.S. Army for nine years, earning three battlefield commendations, and a daily newspaper journalist for four years in his native Pennsylvania, where in 2001, he won the Sports Feature Story of the Year, given by the Associated Press Newspaper Editors of Pennsylvania.
Donna Wolfe is a kindergarten teacher and has been at DIS since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Southeast Asian College in Manila, Philippines, and holds certifications in practical nursing and elementary education for grades K-6. She currently teaches at the K2 level (second-year kindergarten). When Ms. Donna is not teaching, she enjoys cooking and creating fun activities that her students will enjoy.
Mafalda Wu has a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education and a TEFL qualification. She is a certified teacher. She is currently teaching Grade 3 EAL and has over 15 years of teaching experience. She is committed to enkindling a love for reading in her students, and creating an inclusive learning environment. Before coming to Taiwan, Mafalda worked as a Homeroom Teacher, English tutor, and Art teacher. She has extensive international experience, teaching students from Pre-K to Grade 6 in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. She is a Professional Learning Community leader, WIDA Testing Coordinator and member of the DIS Steering Committee. Ms. Mafalda was “Teacher of the Year” 2019-2020.
Joanne Ward holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration from National Taiwan University and is an Ed.D. candidate in Learning Design and Leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With over ten years of experience teaching mathematics, she taught Mathematics in Grade 5 and Statistics in Grade 12. Before joining Dominican International School as a Math 6, Algebra 2, and Economics teacher, Joanne taught at Taipei Adventist American School and The Primacy Collegiate Academy. As a National Board Certified Teacher in Mathematics for Adolescent and Young Adulthood, Joanne is a seasoned conference presenter, including at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2021, 2023, 2024), the California Mathematics Council (2018, 2020, 2021), and the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2021, 2023, 2024), where she was also an Ignite speaker in 2023. She serves on the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference committee and has collaborated with educators statewide since 2022.
Jihan Borres is the lower school counselor at DIS. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences with majors in Psychology and Political Science, and a Master’s Degree in Education, majoring in Guidance and Counseling. She teaches Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in the lower school. She has been a counselor for almost 20 years and has worked with students at all stages of development, from lower school to college.
Ms. Greta Chen graduated from Ming Chuan University with a degree in Computer Science. She has worked as a computer engineer, museum tour guide, and government administrator. At DIS, she worked as a receptionist before transferring to the Registrar’s Office. Currently, she processes admission applications and organizes student records. As one of our bilingual staff, she is also responsible for uploading student data to the Taiwan Ministry of Education and for conducting campus tours with prospective students and parents.
May Chiu has worked as the K2J teaching assistant and kindergarten music teacher at DIS for several years. She has been active in the field of early childhood education for nearly 20 years. She holds a Master’s Degree from the Department of Infant and Child Care at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences and received a Division Certificate in Child Development (0-6years) in 2019.
Ms. Mary Grace Crisostomo is a highly skilled and dedicated professional who has been a valued member of Dominican International School Taipei since 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Financial Management from St. Paul University Philippines, and an Advanced Diploma in Computer Programming Technology. In addition to her degrees, Ms. Crisostomo has earned various certificates in computer skills, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
In her role as Bursar, Ms. Crisostomo expertly manages the school's financial operations, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. As an Information and Communications Technology Teacher for the Lower School, she is passionate about introducing young students to the world of technology and helping them build essential digital skills in a rapidly evolving world.
Mr. Noel Fransisco has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Transportation, majoring in Nautical Science. He has worked overseas for over 10 years. He started working at DIS Kaoshiung in 2018 and moved to DIS Taipei in 2020. He is currently the teaching assistant for grade 1.
Ms. Carolyn Chen fondly calls herself Ms. Carol. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later on, a postgraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also a registered and licensed early years teacher and social worker. Previously before coming to DIS, she worked at international schools in Hong Kong for over 13 years as a kindergarten teacher.
Ms. Doris Hsueh holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration from Shih Chien University and a Bachelor Degree of Arts from American Culture University. She has been a DIS librarian for the past thirteen years, providing faculty and staff with outstanding service. Before joining the DIS staff, she taught English at an international educational group for four years and served as an editor for a children’s English magazine for four years.
Mr. Jan Andrew T. Lacangan has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of the Cordilleras in the Philippines and is currently enrolled in a course to obtain a teaching certificate from the College of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Foundation. He has also been trained in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Fire Safety, Standard First Aid, Occupational First Aid, Emergency First Aid and Basic Life Support. At DIS, he works as an assistant teacher in the Lower School. Before coming to DIS, he worked as a safety officer in Qatar. In 2014, he received Employee of the Year award from Shama Cable Inc. in the Philippines.
Ms. Sabrina Liu holds Bachelor’s degrees in Applied Foreign Language and Early Childhood Education. She has over 20 years teaching experience in kindergarten and elementary schools. At DIS, she has been a kindergarten homeroom teacher for ten years. Sabrina is also a co-author of DD Dragon Beginner Books. In 2005, she received a Teaching Award from the Kaohsiung County Cram School Association.
Ms. Jessica Ng is a licensed teacher from the Philippines. She has two Bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance. She has TESOL and IB PYP Category 1 and 2 certifications. She has experience teaching Piano, Music, and Movement for many years in the Philippines. She has several years of experience teaching the early years in international schools in Manila, Taiwan, and China. Jessica is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development.
Mr. Edwin Portillo has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of St. La Salle and has been a development worker for more than 2 decades, both in international non-government and government organizations, implementing and coordinating various child development programs, including children’s rights in the areas of school health and nutrition, formal and non-formal education, and emergency response. He has also contributed to population-health-environment (coastal resource management) integration projects in different parts of the Philippines. For the past five years, he has been working in the MIT Department, providing audio-visual and computer-related support to teachers.
Ms. Anne Portillo holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counselling, and has taken 27 units toward a Doctor of Philosophy in Education in Psychology and Guidance. She has twenty years’ experience as an educator, counselling students of various ages. Ms Anne established the first SAT testing center at DIS during the 2014/15 school year. She also presented and published her own research at various conferences and in publications.
Ms. Gemarie Sheen holds a Bachelor of Hotel and Restaurant Management in Davao City, Philippines. Formerly a teacher and assistant teacher at Tanshi Preschool (天喜幼兒園 ) in Taipei. When Ms. Gemarie is at home she enjoys teaching her two kids. Ms. Gemarie loves dancing and she's in a choir too.
Ms. Nombali Siwa is a Learning Support Specialist with seven and half years of teaching experience in private and public schools in South Africa and Taiwan. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Psychology; and a Master’s degree equivalent in Educational Psychology, She is a qualified learning Support Therapist, and she is a qualified and licensed teacher. In her growing career, she has also obtained a TEFL qualification and completed multiple certifications in Mental Well-being in Children, Child Psychology, Disability, and Diversity. She is also currently completing a Phono-Graphix certification in order to qualify as an independent Reading Therapist.
Mr. David Tu graduated from Huafan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Literature. He is a member of the Management Information Technology team, where he assists the faculty and staff with computer troubleshooting and maintenance, device control and calibration, Microsoft Office applications, and streaming setup. David is also part of the team that is responsible for event photography, videography, and recording. Before coming to DIS, he worked as an Executive Assistant in the Academic Affairs Office, Student Dormitory Manager, and Teaching Assistant at Huafan University He received two commendations from WASC accreditors for his contribution to the accreditation process.
MS & HS Guidance Counselor; P.S.D. Teacher
Takanobu Fukuda has been a teacher at DIS for the past ten years. He has a teaching qualification from the University in Japan specializing in teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language. He also has an MBA from Shih Chien University. Furthermore, Mr Fukuda teaches Japanese in the Department of Applied Foreign Languages, Faculty of Management at Shih Chien University as well.
Karen Lai holds a Ph.D. in Reliability Engineering, a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland (College Park) and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University. She has been a teacher at DIS since 2003, where she has taught all math levels in the Middle and High Schools. She currently teaches AP Calculus AB and BC. Dr. Karen has many engineering research publications, and she was awarded the “Jimmie” Hamilton Award for the Best Original Paper from the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE). Before coming to DIS, Dr. Karen was a senior engineer at China Engineering Consultants, Inc. (CECI), where she was in charge of many projects, including bridge structural design for the superhighway, railroad, and high-speed rail systems, as well as 921 earthquake reconstruction in Taiwan. Among her achievements is winning an Outstanding Young Engineer Award from the Chinese Structural Engineering Society.
