1. How does it feel to be a returning teacher at THS?

It feels so great to be back at THS! I missed my students and colleagues, the vibrant learning environment, and the sense of community. It's like coming home.

2 and 3. What places did you visit while away from Hong Kong? What activities have you been doing in these places?

When I left Hong Kong, I had the amazing chance to travel to different countries. In France, I traveled around in a campervan and busked in unexpected places. It was so cool to learn the language and really practice speaking it. Then, I spent a whole year in Diego, Madagascar, living in a kitesurfing hotel. I not only learned how to kitesurf, but I also got to rescue a lemur and meet people from all over the world. After that, I moved to the capital city of Antananarivo and taught fifth grade at the American School there. But then, I got this really exciting offer to run a business in Dakar, Senegal, so I moved there and lived there for six months. It was such an adventure, and I learned so much about the local culture. As time went on, I realized that teaching was my true passion. I looked for teaching jobs and found one here at THS. The rest is history!

4. Do you enjoy teaching at The Harbour School again?

Absolutely! Teaching at THS is a joy for me. I love the innovative approach to education, the emphasis on creativity and critical thinking, and the supportive community of teachers, parents, and students.

5. What has been difficult or enjoyable about your return to Hong Kong?

Returning to Hong Kong after being in more relaxed environments has been a bit of a challenge as I readjust to the fast-paced city life. However, it has also been enjoyable reconnecting with my family and friends, revisiting my favorite places (like Disneyland!), discovering new restaurants, and immersing myself in the vibrant culture of the city.

6. What was one of your favorite memories at THS?

One of the highlights of my time at THS was when I had the opportunity to perform a few songs at the THS fun fair. As someone who loves performing, it was a great experience to sing in front of my students. I also really enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up and having a blast participating in the various activities (the haunted house was cool!). It was a truly memorable and enjoyable event for me.

7. Do you have any plans for the near future?

In the near future, I plan to continue exploring innovative teaching methods and incorporating them into my lessons. I also hope to participate in professional development opportunities to further enhance my skills as a teacher.

8. What is something that you have accomplished while you were away that you are proud of?

During my time away, I had the opportunity to further develop my teaching skills by completing the Trinity Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CertTESOL). I took this course during my first year in Madagascar, despite encountering technical difficulties. I had the chance to teach students online and observe my peers' teaching. I loved the experience and was proud to have successfully completed it! 

9. What was your favorite lesson to teach or learn about at THS?

So far, I’d have to say the history of the Shang Dynasty. This particular topic holds even greater significance for our upcoming field trip to Xi'an in March. By diving into the era of the Shang Dynasty beforehand, we can fully immerse ourselves in the rich historical context and appreciate the extraordinary sites we will encounter during our trip.

10. What activities do you enjoy doing during your free time?

During my free time, I enjoy reading, singing, working out, and exploring new places. I also love spending quality time with my family and friends.

11. What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the festive atmosphere, spending time with loved ones, and the spirit of giving and gratitude.

12. Do you have any role models or people who inspire you?

I don't have a specific role model, but there are a few teachers at THS whom I admire. One of them is Scarlet Lai. During my time as a co-teacher, she served as my mentor, and I gained a wealth of knowledge from her. She taught me the importance of patience, kindness, and how to effectively manage a classroom with a gentle approach. I really appreciate her teaching style, as it has greatly influenced my own.

13. What do you think are your core values?

Some of my core values include empathy, integrity, and fostering a love for learning in my students.

14. If you had to suggest a book to a friend, which book would you choose and why?

If I were to recommend a book to a friend, I would suggest "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. This timeless classic not only delves into themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil but also holds a special place in my heart as one of the first chapter books I read as a child.

15. What is a song that makes you feel happy?

I always find myself smiling whenever I listen to or sing the song "A Million Dreams" from the movie "The Greatest Showman." I like the message of the song. It’s a reminder that no dream is too big and that we can achieve anything if we believe in ourselves.

16. What would you say is your biggest pet peeve?

It frustrates me when people neglect to recognize and honor the contributions and accomplishments of others. I am a firm believer in fostering an environment that embraces diversity and respects differing perspectives.

17. What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

My favorite thing to do with my family is travel. I love exploring new destinations - it allows us to have exciting adventures and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. One of the highlights of our travels is discovering and indulging in a wide array of cuisines. 

18. What do you think is an important life lesson that everyone should learn?

An important life lesson that everyone should learn is the power of perseverance. Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but with determination and resilience, we can overcome them and achieve our goals.

19. Have you ever faced a fear before?

Absolutely! One fear that I personally confronted and successfully overcame was the fear of public speaking. It was a big challenge for me at first, but through practice and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, I was able to conquer this fear and eventually transform into a more confident and capable public speaker.

20. What is the best advice that you have been given?

The best advice I have been given is to always be open to learning and growth. There is always something new to discover and improve upon, both personally and professionally.

1. What did you do before you started teaching at THS?

Before joining THS, I was teaching middle school in the New York City Department of Education for over 10 years. Like working at THS, I taught a diverse population of students from all over the world. 

2. Do you have a hidden talent and/or hobby?

I enjoy reading and I hope to do some more hiking while in Hong Kong.

3. What is your spirit animal?

The spirit animal I most resemble would be the cat. I am curious and have a sense of           adventure. 

4. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?

I  have always loved working with children. I get to have a small part of helping them grow by  instilling knowledge and values upon them. Teaching has always been extremely satisfying for me. 

5. What is a goal you want to achieve for yourself? 

There are many things I would like to do. I have wanted to learn to play the ukulele for some time. 

6. What is your favorite sport?

         My favorite sport to watch is soccer and my favorite sport to play would be basketball. 

7. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I recall wanting to be a lawyer, however in college I studied sociology and education.

8. If I gave you 10 million US dollars, how would you spend it?

I would give some money to organizations that combat world hunger and climate issues.

9. What do you want to do once you retire?

When I retire I would like to continue traveling throughout the world.

10. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Since I love history and learning about the past, it would be really cool to time travel to previous  periods in time. 

11. If you could grow up in a different decade, which decade would you choose?

What a great question! 1920’s New York City. The decade was known as the Roaring Twenties.  There were advancements in technology; automobile, radio; great music (Harlem Renaissance), and literature. I bet these would be exciting times to experience. 

12. What is your dream vacation?

I would love to visit Europe in more detail. As a lover of art and history, there would be plenty to   keep me occupied.

13. What was your favorite subject in school? 

I always loved Social Studies and then American History. History is a great story which we can learn from. 

14. What/who inspired you to be a teacher?

I come from a family of educators. My mother's parents were teachers; grandpa became a principal for many years and even got a citation from the Governor of NYS. My uncle was also a teacher and later became a principal as well. Can something really be “in your blood”?

15. What song do you know all of the lyrics to?

American Pie by Don McLean. It’s an oldie but a goodie!

16. If you weren't a teacher, what other profession/s would you be in?

Another good question. I have been teaching for 15 years or so. I have not thought about this lately because I love what I do. I guess I would have become a comedian!

17. Who is your idol?

I have always admired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since I was a child. He dedicated his life for 

seeking equal rights for African Americans. In the end, he gave his life for this cause. He was 

truly a great man!

18. Do you have any pet/s? If not, what pet/s would you like to have?

I do not have any pets here in Hong Kong. Growing up I have always had cuddly cats.

19. What is your most favorite trait about yourself? What is your least favorite trait?

Favorite trait--humility. Least favorite trait--at times I can be impatient.

20. What do you like about teaching at The Harbour School?

I thoroughly enjoy working at The Harbour School. Teaching in a public school system, at times we were short on resources.  

1

What is your favorite pet and why?

A hamster or gerbil. They are cute, they fit in your palm, and they're really cuddly.

2

What's your favourite font on Google?

Happy Monkey. I think it is quite similar to the way I write, it's quite curly and I just love it.