Our Team

Andrew has a BA in Economics from Harvard University and two Masters degrees from Stanford University in Computer Science and Management Science & Engineering. He founded Outwhiz, an adaptive online and mobile education platform for K-12 students, with a mission to create math practice programs that both students and parents would love. Andrew is a pioneer in applying technology to improve education. In addition to Outwhiz, he founded Edore, an open, online education platform to help students connect learning with their real lives and interests.

Previously, he was in charge of software performance at Yahoo's homepage and built various software systems at SugarSync. He is currently a Strategic Advisor and Venture Partner of CoCoon, and the Founder and CEO of Delight Global, which focuses on using voice assistant technology to improve business functionality. Andrew is also President of the Stanford Club of Hong Kong and Advisory Council Member of the Stanford Bing Overseas Studies Program.

Peilin Lee has been in the field of language education in Taiwan, Canada, and Hong Kong for more than 25 years. She has a MA in Applied Linguistics from Birmingham University, and a PGCE in Chinese Education from Sunderland University, UK. In 2007 to 2017, Peilin was the managing director of Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre, one of the established Mandarin language centres teaching non-Chinese background children in Hong Kong.

Being a strong believer of Tasked-Based Learning, Peilin always strives to create a hands-on and learner-centred environment based on the students’ needs analysis. She works together with the students in setting the learning outcomes, and facilitates every step on their journey towards the pre-set goals. Peilin has many years of experience in teacher development and curriculum design. Her strengths lie in the ability of combining both the traditional and innovative methods in language teaching and learning.

Prior to joining Bloom KKCA Academy, Peilin worked as the Secondary Chinese Teacher at Victoria Shanghai Academy. She taught IB Chinese Language and Literature to Middle Year students (age 11-15). Peilin is a published and award-winning poet in from Taiwan. She founded the Modern Chinese Poetry Society at Victoria Shanghai Academy, and contributes continuously to various literature journals in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, and Malaysia.

As someone who brings a balanced outlook to life, Joyce appreciates Bloom’s unique bilingual, global, and holistic approach to education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Economics and Management from the University of Oxford. After starting her career as a Management Consultant working with Fortune 500 companies in South East Asia, she was drawn to education and chose to enter the field by working at Battelle for Kids, a US-based non-profit organization that helps education leaders and teachers transform school systems and improve learning outcomes for students. Joyce helped teachers in Hong Kong apply Assessment for Learning strategies to set learning objectives, offer timely feedback and use assessment data to inform instruction in classroom. She worked with over 2,000 teachers and principals from primary, secondary and special education schools in Hong Kong.

Joyce’s passion for working with young people and expanding their opportunities led her to become the Head of University Abroad Programs in EF (Education First). She and her team helped hundreds of students and their families every year from Hong Kong to make decisions about which international pathways were suited for them individually and supported their learning placements overseas.

Joyce later joined Modern Teaching Aids (MTA), a leading Australian educational resource provider, as their sole representative in Hong Kong. Within two years, Joyce helped over 400 local, private and international schools source suitable furniture and resources for their campuses. Joyce worked closely with different principals and curriculum teams to facilitate flexible learning environments and identify educational resources to enable best practices for 21st-century teaching and learning. She then worked for K11 Concepts Limited, a leading conglomerate in Hong Kong, to start an educational resource department with a similar purpose.

Joyce embraces Bloom’s future-centered vision for cultivating positive innovators. She believes Bloom’s creative, bilingual approach is particularly timely for students in this period of rapid change. She hopes to contribute to the community by helping more families learn about Bloom and by adding more like-minded parents who seek sincerity, quality, and innovation in their children’s education.

Outside of work, Joyce loves exercise, travel and sharing her optimistic outlook with her all those around her, including her daughter.

Matthew Gibbs was born and raised in Queensland, Australia, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at Bond University. After gaining his TESOL Accreditation at the American TESOL Institute in Thailand he went on to obtain his Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland in England.

Matt began as an educator at Thewphaingarm Canadian Bilingual School in Bangkok, where he taught English and Social Studies in addition to Drama, Health and Art to Grades 7-12 students. Through teaching there and in Spain, he acquired a genuine understanding of the particular needs and expectations of students in multicultural schools.

It was while leading classroom learning at the Canadian International School after moving to Hong Kong that Matt developed his focus on physical training and the health sciences. As sports coach in rugby, football, and basketball, he led numerous ISSFHK sports teams in Hong Kong, and was heavily involved with Senior rugby and the National Age Group in the Hong Kong Rugby Union. He later served as Head of Physical Education at The Harbour School and also their After-School Activity Director where he taught skill acquisition and organized school-wide event planning and sports coaching.

Matt is a firm believer in a PE curriculum based on the tenets of physical literacy – mens sana in corpore sano (a sound body in a sound mind). He cultivates an enthusiasm for learning, trusting, and trying that helps young minds to search for true value in their personal development and well-being. His curriculum planning and trans-disciplinary teaching methods nurture resilience, compassion, sportsmanship, and collaboration. He succeeds by challenging and making physical health fun ... he’s even a licensed AntiGravity Fitness Instructor!

At Bloom KKCA Academy, Matt will help lay the foundations of a robust P.E. Program and build our inter-school sports teams.

Levent has extensive experience in tech education and digital production which he developed through his previous career working in the Los Angeles film industry and his current career as an educator. As an Apple Distinguished Educator, Levent brings a deep understanding of a multitude of educational technology disciplines into his practice. His primary vision as an educator is to cultivate creativity and innovation within his classes.

In his teaching, Levent emphasises creativity by utilising design and creative processes to engage students in Project-Based Learning. He fosters a learning environment that celebrates failure, mistakes, and reflection as a pathway to success, and encourages students to think outside the box.

Demonstrating exceptional leadership in his field, Levent has led full school technology integration initiatives, as well as developing and leading school-wide professional development, and spearheading the vision for new K-12 technology implementation for faculty and students. He employs the SAMR, TPAC, and Triple E models for technology integration to develop authentic and holistic uses of technology that promote creativity and innovation. Levent shares his knowledge with students and peers alike. He is a firm believer in the power of innovation and creativity to transform the learning experience and he looks forward to empowering his students and colleagues to reach their full potential and succeed in the 21st century as part of the Bloom Community.

Levent holds a Master's Degree in Learning, Design, & Technology, along with a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and numerous teaching qualifications and certifications.

Heather Gibbs, originally from Long Island, New York has called Asia home for the last 14 years.  After graduating with honors from City University of New York, Brooklyn College, she spent 4 years in Thailand teaching primary students before settling in Hong Kong which she has called home for the last decade.  When she is not teaching, Heather can be found disappearing into a good book, eating Thai food, doing yoga or playing at the beach with her husband, her 4 year old daughter and her dog.

Heather believes strongly in being a life-long learner and continues to remain a dedicated student of education in addition to being a teacher. Heather has completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from University of Nottingham, a Post Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education and a Master’s Degree in International Education from the University of Sunderland.

Over the course of her career, she has developed a holistic approach to education which is no doubt a reflection of her experience in the leading curriculums present in Hong Kong and international education.  She has worked and trained as a certified IB teacher within The Carmel School of Hong Kong and the Victoria Educational Organisation, a Common Core teacher within the American Common Core system and trained as a Project Based Learning Leader at the American International School of Hong Kong where she worked as the Early Years and Elementary School Literacy Chair.  Heather believes strongly in a student-centered approach to education which focuses on empowerment, agency and nurturing what intrinsically motivates students so a life-long love of learning can be created.

Heather is thrilled to be joining Bloom Academy as the Literacy Coordinator and cannot wait to share her passion and love of stories, reading and writing with Bloom KKCA Academy.

Sian brings a wealth of educational training and experience to Bloom KKCA Academy. She gained a Bachelor of Education (Honors) degree from The University of Wales, a Certification of Professional Teaching with a major in International Education from British Columbia College of Teachers in Canada, and National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership from Edge Hill University, Liverpool, UK.

Sian has held prominent leadership positions in prestigious international schools, including the Head of the Pre-Prep School at The King's School Canterbury in Shenzhen, China, Head of Prep School at Harrow International School in Shanghai, and Head of Prep School at Epsom College in Malaysia. At each school, she introduced important programs such as Forest School and a literacy program at Kings', and the Years 4 to 6 boarding program and the Intensive English Language Programme at Epsom. At Harrow International, she was also appointed the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Pastoral where she ensured a supportive environment that prioritized student well-being and growth.

Sian demonstrates her passion for creating a holistic learning experience for students by coaching an array of sports and enrichment activities to promote all-rounded development. She has guided teachers through interdisciplinary curriculum coordination and enhancement with the goal of creating more opportunities for students to become discoverers, risk-takers, and grounded individuals with integrity.

Sian embraces an innovative approach to educating our youth and brings her vast experience and dedication to help our students blossom intellectually, physically, and personally to become confident contributors to our community locally and further afield.

Daniel Latham grew up in Manchester, UK, where the city’s landscapes and weather has led him to his passion for geography. Daniel graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geography at Aberystwyth University, located at a lovely university town on the Western coasts of Wales.

It was Daniel’s supportive primary school teachers who filled his childhood with pleasant memories and guided him on his path towards education. Daniel now, in turn, wants to pass the torch of teaching and learning and share the joy of education to all. After completing his undergraduate degree, Daniel spent 12 months volunteering with various children’s charities and primary schools before obtaining his Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Liverpool Hope University.

After teaching at a top UK primary school, Daniel moved to Hong Kong where he taught lower primary students for over five years and became a trained IB Primary Years Programme teacher. As a grade-level coordinator, he had the chance to understand and focus on the importance of inquiry through play to develop a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social skills. Committed to continuous self-improvement, Daniel has recently completed his Master of Education degree from the University of Hong Kong.

Daniel hopes to nurture his students to become life-long learners by instilling a love of learning in them early on. He believes that fostering inquiry-based and self-driven learning is indispensable to their becoming independent learners and encourages his students to be avid learners inside and outside of the classroom. Experience has taught Daniel that different learners have different needs; he strives to provide creatively responsive teaching methods and strategies to keep students engaged in order for them to reach their learning potential and become knowledgeable, balanced, and reflective individuals.

Daniel enjoys practicing wellbeing and mindfulness to be more aware of the present and one’s surroundings. When not in the classroom, Daniel can be found exploring Hong Kong’s many hiking trails as well as its food and culture.

Teresa Lee is a professionally trained counselor who focuses on children and young adolescent development.

Teresa is responsible for the social-emotional development and psychological wellbeing of students. She works closely with the learning support team at Bloom to help students acquire the skills needed to cope with stress and embrace adversity as opportunity for growth, and develop true grit and resilience when navigating an increasingly complex world.

A Singaporean Shanghainese American by birth, Teresa moved to Hong Kong at a young age when her father took up a teaching position as one of the first professors at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Having lived and studied in multiple countries and under different education systems, including American local and Hong Kong international schools, Teresa has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by third culture kids, and appreciates the importance of being able to adapt to and thrive in changes.

Teresa holds two Masters degrees in Counseling and Psychology from Monash University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) respectively. She has experience in working with children with and without special education needs from pre-nursery to primary levels. She graduated from the University of California – Los Angeles with a BA in History, and went on to obtain a Juris Doctor degree from CUHK. Prior to becoming a counselor, she worked in one of the leading matrimonial and family law firms in Hong Kong for seven years.

In her spare time, Teresa enjoys reading, going on trail rides and receiving private therapy from her mini Shiba Inu (dog) named Norii.

Alice grew up in Meizhou, Guangdong Province, and moved to Hong Kong when she was a teenager. She discovered her interest and talent in language at an early age, and has had over a decade of experience in teaching Chinese to primary school students from various cultural and language backgrounds. With a background in translation and early childhood education, Alice brings with her years of Montessori teaching experience, which has helped shape her creative and caring approach towards teaching young children. At Bloom, she will be teaching Chinese as a Main Language (CML) classes across all grades and supporting the Jasmine G2/3 homeroom.

Alice has a sunny and cheerful personality that makes her popular and engaging to young children. Her positive attitude towards life and learning can be seen mirrored by her students. She cares deeply about each child and is a firm believer of personalized learning that encourages holistic development. Her goal is to make Chinese learning accessible and organic at Bloom.

In her spare time, Alice enjoys singing and spends a lot of time playing instruments, including percussion and piano. You can also find her hiking on weekends and scouting for potential field trip routes for Bloom students.

Cara is from mainland China and Mandarin is her first language. She has a genuine passion for teaching Chinese, after she obtained her degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Tianjin University of Science and Technology, she continued to study at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and received her Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. This was followed by a PGDE in ECE from The Education University of Hong Kong.

Cara has been teaching Chinese for seven years and helps students to customize their Mandarin studies in both motive and method. Cara really enjoys teaching and taking care of children. Helping them to achieve their own milestones is one of her personal motivations. She is also able to encourage and guide her students to explore their daily life and cultivate positive values during their learning opportunities and interaction with peers and adults, which she believes is essential for children's development.

Cara likes sports, arts and music, playing drums and learning different instruments is one of her passions, and she goes to the gym everyday!

May Chen was born and raised in Ningbo, Zhejiang, with its lush sceneries and rich cultural heritage framing her interest in Chinese language and literature. She was first awarded a Bachelor of Arts in English followed by a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language with Credit from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She then obtained a Professional Diploma in Teaching Putonghua with Merit from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is qualified professionally with a Certificate of Grade ONE Level B Putonghua Proficiency Test from the State Language Commission, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education from the Open University of Hong Kong. May was also recently selected as one of the judges for the 2nd Chinese Language Festival.

May has over 15 years’ experience teaching Mandarin Chinese to foreign and local students in bilingual kindergartens to international primary schools. She was most recently at Discovery Mind Primary School, where she was the Mandarin Chinese Teacher and Coordinator for Grades 1 to 6. She combines imaginative specialist methodologies with project-based learning in the classroom to enhance interactive teaching and engagement. To May, learning is not about comparing oneself to others, but to be a better version of yourself; even the smallest improvement each day makes a difference, each 1% change adding up to a long-term positive development that will allow students to grow and surpass themselves.

May’s son is starting his university education, while her daughter is entering her final years of secondary school. Besides enjoying quality parent-child time, May enjoys reading, cooking, swimming and traveling.

Monal is a seasoned teacher with experience teaching young children for more than 10 years, in local and international school settings. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with second class honor as well as PGDECE from the Mumbai University. Monal has also recently obtained her certification course in Kindergarten Principal from the Hong Kong Baptist University.

Monal was raised in Mumbai, India and has called Hong Kong home for more than 15 years. Growing up in India, she has developed a long lasting love for music, dance, Bollywood movies and a respect for culture, religion and diversity.

She is passionate about shaping young minds and leaving a positive impact on children to be lifelong learners, and has always enjoyed being around younger children. It is the educator's responsibility to recognise each student's strength and weakness to help them meet their full potential, and Monal is always trying to create a classroom environment conducive for all to grow physically, socially, mentally and emotionally.

Outside the classroom, she is passionate about cooking and is aspiring to be a vegetarian cooking blogger soon. Three years ago, Monal was introduced to meditation, and today, she lives by the strength of meditation and strong positive thinking.

Shu Chen is an expert in several Chinese dialects. A native Mandarin speaker, she is also proficient in Shanghainese and Cantonese as well as English. Her skills and passion in language learning led her to a career in education where she can share the beauty of Chinese culture with non-Chinese as well as Chinese students.

After her Bachelor of Science degree in business at Benedictine College, Shu obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Education and Master of Education from the Hong Kong Baptist University. She taught Mandarin for 8 years in local Hong Kong secondary and international schools, as well as Liberal Studies for secondary students. Well-trained in the IB teaching system, Shu was also a grade-level teacher who incorporated interdisciplinary learning across various subjects. She was most recently Year Level Head at the Singapore International School Hong Kong overseeing curriculum planning, designing assessments, and developing immersion programs in cultural studies.

Over her decade-long teaching career, Shu observed how a student’s l environment can impact their mental development. She believes that successful positive learning is best achieved by teaching students to be self-motivated to pursue knowledge and become inquisitive learners through asking questions. Shu’s students practice learning-by-doing to reinforce active recall of their knowledge and language in real-life situations and to acquire critical thinking skills to analyze different situations they might encounter.

Shu is currently working towards her Doctoral Degree in Education with research on the development of Chinese curriculum. She is excited to join Bloom to share her love for Chinese language, history, and rich cultural heritage.

Lucy was born and raised in Canada but moved to Beijing and Malaysia as a teenager. Growing up in a family of teachers, she became interested in becoming a teacher herself from a young age. She studied at Nottingham University Malaysia where she obtained a First Class Honors in a Bachelor of Education degree.

Lucy believes all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially -- in their own time and through differentiated teaching and learning. While education should be borderless, teaching and learning should not only be confined to the classroom but also involve learning outdoors and within the community. Ideally, students should develop an excitement and purpose for learning. Lucy aims to cultivate this type of atmosphere where students can reach their fullest potential through project-based learning with an opportunity for cross-curricular and deeper learning.

Lucy is committed to caring for students as individuals and inspiring in them the love for learning. She strives to provide a safe environment where students are invited to share their ideas and take risks; where students will learn from mistakes and more importantly, not be afraid to make mistakes but to consider them as steps along the path to learning. She believes in the importance of making every student feel welcomed and secure in her classroom so that they can become their best selves in this inclusive setting.

In her leisure, Lucy is interested in textiles, visual art, cooking and multiple sports – hardly surprising given that she was once the captain for her football first team, and played in the first team for basketball and volleyball!

Joshua grew up in England before moving to Malaysia for university. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing and later obtained his Bachelor of Education at Nottingham University Malaysia.

Joshua understands the importance of foundational skills in learning and teaching. He believes these skills should be taught in a systematic and consistent manner so that students can harness the diverse benefits that different learning opportunities can offer. A strong believer in personalised learning, Joshua does differentiation in his planning, teaching and assessment attuned to the particular needs of each individual student. He also believes in guiding students to discover their own results through trial and error, thereby enhancing their self-motivation, self-discipline, and self-satisfaction and self-confidence when they eventually achieve their goals.

Joshua adopts a varied hands-on, innovative approach to teaching and learning: while he may invite experts for classroom sharing, he often extends his teaching beyond the classroom setting by leading them on various field trips. He is familiar with using project-based learning within a cross-curricular curriculum that allows children to work independently or collaboratively with one another in the classroom.

Joshua is passionate about fostering love and excitement for learning in his students so that they can reach their fullest potential in academics and as human beings.

Malahat grew up in Iran and developed a passion for education through over a decade of diverse teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Guilan, Iran, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of East London. Her educational background is further enhanced by TESOL certifications from both the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKUSPACE) and Trinity College London.

In her extensive teaching career, Malahat has specialized in Mathematics and English as a Second Language. She is well versed in various phonics curricula, including those from Cambridge and Trinity. Malahat has made significant contributions to international kindergartens and primary schools, skillfully implementing the British curriculum in subjects like Math, Literacy, Art, Cooking, Music, and even Yoga.

Malahat's expertise extends to supporting students with diverse learning needs. While at ESF - Bradbury Primary School in Hong Kong, she excelled in providing learning diversity support. Her approach focused on tailored academic, emotional, and social needs education, implementing individual education programs, and assisting students in integrating effectively into mainstream classes.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Malahat has a rich palette of interests. She is an avid fan of music and sports, particularly Yoga and Pilates, and is an accomplished culinary expert. Her literary interests are varied, encompassing history, psychology, education, and novels. Central to Malahat's philosophy of education is creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment, fostering each student's unique strengths and interests, and inspiring a lifelong love for learning.

Yiming Gu grew up in Guangzhou, mainland China. His career in education was inspired by a cartoon about a teacher who guided disappointed students onto the right path to a bright future. Therefore, after completing his undergraduate degree, he chose to further his studies in Hong Kong and obtained his Master's degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at EdUHK. He then spent three years working in a Hong Kong international school, supporting various students as a teaching assistant before advancing himself and obtaining his Postgraduate Diploma in Education at HKU. Next, he became a Chinese teacher and a form teacher in a secondary school, where he found fulfillment in shaping young minds and winning students' affection.

Throughout his teaching career, Yiming encountered a diverse array of students hailing from various cultural and social backgrounds while working in a range of organizations. Yiming believes that each student harbors a unique and captivating spirit within, along with a domain where their brilliance can truly illuminate. He advocates for educators to nurture students, guiding them towards becoming self-motivated lifelong learners through purposeful real-world instruction.

Outside the classroom, Yiming finds joy in travel, photography, and hands-on crafting. This warm and patient individual strives to meet diverse learning needs, encouraging every student to explore the beautiful world, reach their full potential, and grow into knowledgeable, well-rounded, and thoughtful individuals.

Nathan O'Brien is a passionate and versatile educator from Portland, Oregon, USA. After completing his undergraduate studies in Exercise Science, Nathan embarked on a rewarding career that took him around the world, working in sales, marketing, and business development. During this time, he also earned his MBA, further developing his business acumen. However, Nathan always felt a desire to make a more meaningful impact and give back to his community.

Being married to a teacher, Nathan has always been surrounded by education and has been continuously inspired by the joy and wonder he witnessed in her students. This experience helped Nathan discover a passion for working with children. Motivated by this, Nathan made the decision to pursue a career in elementary education. He obtained his teaching certification and embraced the opportunity to mold young minds and instill a lifelong love of learning.

In the classroom, Nathan brings a warm and nurturing presence, thoughtfully supporting students' instructional needs and fostering a positive learning environment. At his core, Nathan believes that cultivating a sense of wonder and curiosity is essential for helping students develop a love of learning. He encourages his students to approach their education with an open mindset, embracing learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond the classroom, Nathan lives an active lifestyle and spends his free time running and exploring local hiking trails. He and his wife enjoy traveling, experiencing new cultures, and trying different cuisines around the world. Nathan is excited to join the Bloom Community and share his genuine enthusiasm for learning and his passion with students.

Yvonne Shen grew up with a deep appreciation for language and culture, leading her to pursue a career in education. Yvonne completed her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language at Sichuan International Studies University. Her passion for bridging cultural gaps through language inspired her to further her studies in the United Kingdom, where she completed her Master’s degree, further strengthening her foundation in education.

Driven by a commitment to nurturing young minds, Yvonne obtained her U.S. Teaching License for Early Childhood and a Montessori Certificate for Early Childhood between 2022 and 2023. These qualifications equipped her with a profound understanding of child development and the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes fostering independence and self-directed learning.

Yvonne recently completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at The University of Hong Kong, where she also earned her IB Certification for Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL). This specialized training allows Yvonne to effectively support students in acquiring Chinese as a second language, focusing on creating an immersive and engaging learning environment.

As a primary Chinese teacher, Yvonne blends her expertise in language teaching with innovative educational practices, encouraging her students to explore their potential in a supportive and inquiry-based learning environment.

Yvonne is passionate about creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity and lifelong learning. She believes in the power of inquiry-based and student-centered education, which aligns with her training in both the Montessori and IB pedagogies. Yvonne's experience has taught her the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of her students, ensuring that each child can reach their full potential.

Outside the classroom, Yvonne is committed to continuous professional development and enjoys exploring new educational philosophies and techniques. She is also an advocate for mindfulness and wellbeing, which she integrates into her teaching to help students develop a balanced approach to life and learning.

Matthew Hong may be new to the Bloom community, but he is no stranger to the world of education. Born and raised in the small city of North Bay, Ontario, Canada, he went on to study English and earn his Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University. After a few years of working, travelling, and volunteering to teach English to newcomers to Canada, he enrolled in Nipissing University to obtain his Bachelor of Education. This paved the way for him to move to Kuwait, where he taught for 3 years. Now, Hong Kong has become his new home away from home, as he enters his 11th year as a teacher in the city.

As an educator, he is committed to helping students grow as compassionate, kind, and creative learners and global citizens. He nurtures students' self-confidence by identifying their individual strengths and ensuring each child's voice is heard and valued. Through engaging, interest-based lessons, Hong gives students agency and choice as he guides them in developing the skills to pursue their academic interests. He encourages creativity and responsibility via project-based learning, empowering students to demonstrate their learning in various ways, such as writing, art, drama, games, or technology. Additionally, he promotes compassion and understanding by connecting personal experiences to global issues and exposing students to multiple perspectives and diverse authors.

Most importantly, he builds strong relationships with his students, fostering an environment of collaboration, trust, and empathy. It is important that students feel safe, confident, and are able to be themselves. It is integral that students respect one another and collaborate to achieve their learning goals.

In his free time, Matthew enjoys a variety of activities. He is an avid reader, with a preference for nonfiction. Travelling to experience new cultures is another passion, as is learning new board games to play with friends. As a die-hard fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors, he also tries to catch a game on the weekend whenever possible. When not watching sports, Matthew and his wife can often be found exploring Hong Kong's art galleries or attending concerts.

Simmran was born in Panama and grew up in Hong Kong. She has always been driven to understand the underpinnings of human behavior and development, in turn leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Exeter in the U.K.

After completing her bachelor's degree, Simmran went on to work at a Children's Therapy Center in Hong Kong, where her passion for supporting diverse kids was further ignited. This experience harnessed her with even more requisite skills for when she started working at Kennedy School, an IB curriculum school for 3 years.

Motivated by her desire to make a greater impact in shaping children's lives, Simmran then went on to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Sunderland.

Today, she brings her unique cultural perspective, psychological expertise, and dedication to empowering children to our school as a compassionate and committed teacher. Simmran adopts an energetic, hands-on, and highly interactive teaching style, placing students at the center of the learning process to maximize their engagement and impact. Outside of the classroom, Simmran loves exploring exquisite restaurants and cafes, in addition to self-care activities, such as walks along the waterfront to maintain regular wellness.

Michael Mccann is a passionate educator with a unique blend of expertise in Engineering and teaching, holding a BEng (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University along with IQTS teacher qualification from TES University.

With experience as a homeroom and math teacher, he fosters an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages students to explore and discover new concepts. He has also taught science to middle schoolers, focusing on project-based learning that enhances creativity and critical thinking while preparing students for IGCSE exams.

Prior to entering education, Michael excelled as a Program Manager and Module Project Engineer, managing critical projects for major automotive companies such as Tesla and Lucid Motors. He is dedicated to empowering young minds and making a meaningful impact through effective mentorship and innovative lesson planning.

More than 12 years ago, Lucy made a decision to embark on a teaching career in special education. She wanted to take her passion in special education to the next level and contribute as an educator.

Over these years, she has continuously strived to improve and challenge herself in various capacities, as a Special Needs Coordinator (SENCo), an educational consultant, teaching team leader, early intervention teacher, and volunteer as an inclusion ambassador.

Lucy believes in the pursuit of knowledge and has completed a Master of Education (Special Education) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. She wanted to complement her practical know-how with knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate evidence-based approaches, discern and apply these approaches in practical teaching.

Currently, as a Learning Support Coordinator, she is driven by her personal conviction and belief in inclusive education where she believes that all children deserve the right to learn, develop, and grow alongside their peers in a general social setting of an inclusive school environment. She endeavours to create and develop provisions for all children to ensure equity, where children who may have additional needs have accommodations and support to maximise their learning.

Nathaniel Manlangit is an early childhood educator with a passion for helping young students develop a love of learning. Born in the Philippines, he grew up in Hong Kong and holds a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education. In his free time, he enjoys singing and dancing, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants.

Prior to his studies, Mr. Manlangit gained valuable teaching experience through various roles. He worked as a NET (Native English Teacher) for Cambridge courses, teaching primary-level students. He also served as an English tutor, creating his own engaging learning materials and facilitating lessons through interactive games and music.

In addition to his teaching experience, Mr. Manlangit completed a teaching practicum at Mills International Preschool, where he assisted with a class of 15 children, focusing on English learning domains. He also worked as a student teacher at Fairchild Kindergarten, where he helped care for the children, organized educational activities, and prepared lesson plans.

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Manlangit has demonstrated strong interpersonal and customer service skills, having worked as a Customer Care Representative at Pure International and an Intern at The Hong Kong Club Fitness Center.

With his well-rounded experience, educational background, and fluency in both English and Tagalog, Mr. Manlangit is well-equipped to provide a nurturing and enriching learning environment for young students. He is dedicated to creating an inclusive classroom where all children can thrive and reach their full potential.

With a deep-rooted passion for music and a wealth of teaching experience, Serena Yip is an esteemed music educator dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians and music enthusiasts. Her journey in the field of education has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students.

Serena obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Hong Kong Baptist University, and her musical accolades include an Associate Diploma in Recital in Piano from Trinity College London and Grade 8 qualifications in both Theory and Vocal from the Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music. She has also completed the Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education Programme for Ages 3-6. This comprehensive academic foundation has enabled her to develop a holistic understanding of the art of music and children's development, which she has seamlessly integrated into her teaching approach.

Serena served as a class teacher and music ensemble instructor in primary school and as a Montessori teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of the unique learning needs and preferences of young students. In these roles, she designed and implemented engaging lesson plans that combined foundational music theory with hands-on, interactive activities, such as ukulele, keyboard, and melodica performance.

In her recent roles at Bloom KKCA Academy and Saint Too Bloom Academy, Serena has been entrusted with delivering exceptional music lessons, emphasizing the creation of a challenging and nurturing learning environment that encourages students to explore their musical talents and unlock their full potential.

Sean Ng, a native of bustling Hong Kong, graduated with an IB diploma from the Canadian International School of Hong Kong before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. His educational journey unveiled a deep-rooted love for the outdoors, sparking his venture into the realm of education. Through outdoor education and experiential learning, Sean collaborated with diverse international schools in Southeast Asia, crafting immersive educational experiences beyond books and classrooms.

In his role as a Physical Education teacher at Bloom Academy, Sean is committed to cultivating a meaningful learning environment where every student is not just included, but also appropriately challenged and given the opportunity to experience success. His ethos centers on the journey of learning itself, emphasizing the process over the outcome as he aspires to instill a profound and holistic approach to learning. His mission transcends conventional teaching methods as he strives to cultivate lifelong healthy habits among his students. By merging his passion for physical wellness with innovative teaching practices, Sean aims to inspire a newfound appreciation for health and well-being in the young minds he nutrues.

Sean’s transition from Hong Kong to Canada and his subsequent work in the outdoors have shaped his unique perspective on education. His dedication to fostering not only physical but also mental and emotional well-being sets him apart as a beacon of inspiration in the educational landscape. Ultimately, Sean’s commitment to holistic education sets the stage for his students to bloom into the future leaders of tomorrow, embodying a lifestyle of wellness, resilience, and continuous development.

Lexa is an exceptional educator who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a teacher of Chinese as an international language. She holds a Bachelor's Degree of Arts in International Chinese Language Education from Southwest University and a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as an International Language from The Education University of Hong Kong, reflecting her strong academic background in the field.

Lexa's teaching journey began at Harbin Shuangcheng District No. 3 Middle School, where she served as a Chinese Teacher Intern for Grade 10. During her time there, she skillfully taught Chinese language and literature to two classes, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the subject among her students. Lexa actively engaged with both students and parents, providing regular updates on their progress and maintaining open lines of communication. Furthermore, she eagerly collaborated with experienced teachers, seizing every opportunity to enhance her pedagogical skills and expand her teaching repertoire.

In addition to her outstanding academic and professional achievements, Lexa demonstrated a passion for extracurricular involvement. She served as a Docent at the University History Museum, where she showcased the campus to visitors during the university's anniversary open house events. Her passion for cultural integration was evident during her time as a Team Leader for social practice activities organized by Southwest University. Leading a diverse team of 20 members, including a Russian student team, she facilitated exploration and exchange between Northeastern China and Russia. Lexa's exceptional leadership skills were praised by the Russian team members, and she presented the activities to other university students, inspiring them to engage in cross-cultural experiences.

Outside the realm of education, Lexa's talent for photography flourished as she assumed the role of Photographer for the Southwest University Student Club. Through her keen eye and creative vision, she played an integral part in various filming projects, including a promotional documentary for Deppon Logistics Co. Ltd., capturing the essence of the Southwest University Graduation Party, and documenting the everyday lives of Shuangcheng No.3 High School students. Her ability to capture meaningful moments and convey compelling narratives through photography further contributes to her multifaceted skill set.

Lexa's unwavering dedication to teaching Chinese as an international language, coupled with her exceptional ability to effectively engage with students, makes her an invaluable addition to Bloom. Her commitment to nurturing a deep understanding of Chinese language and culture among her students ensures a rich and transformative learning experience under her guidance.

In the vast expanse of education, Ms. Wang has become a highly respected educator with her profound professional expertise, unwavering dedication, and rich practical experience. She not only has a solid foundation with a Bachelor's degree in Translation from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, but she has also pursued further studies, obtaining a Master's degree in International Chinese Language Teaching from the Hong Kong Education University. This academic background has laid a solid foundation for her outstanding achievements in language teaching.

Ms. Wang's teaching journey has been multifaceted. She has not only infused her keen journalistic insights into the classroom, but she has also honed her writing skills and sharp social observation through internships at the Three Gorges Times, where she conducted on-site interviews and reporting. Furthermore, she has demonstrated her talent in the translation field, serving as a translation intern at the YGYM Translation Service Company in Shanghai accumulating rich practical experience. Additionally, as a writer for the official account of the City University of Hong Kong on WeChat and Weibo, she has built bridges of communication through her writings, showcasing her strong foundations in cross-cultural communication.

Ms. Wang is not only an exceptional educator but also an active practitioner of social welfare. She enthusiastically participates in volunteer activities, from the Hong Kong New Home Association to online teaching projects around the world, using English as a bridge to illuminate the lighthouse of knowledge for primary school students. As an online teacher, she meticulously designs programs and creates English and Chinese presentation materials contributing her wisdom and efforts to global volunteer initiatives.

Ms. Wang deeply understands the uniqueness of each student. With an open and inclusive mindset, she adapts to diverse learning needs and creates a warm and challenging classroom environment through her excellent communication skills. In her classes, students not only master solid language skills but also gain a profound understanding of the allure of different cultures, developing flexible language skills and cross-cultural communication abilities. Ms. Wang firmly believes that the power of education lies in igniting potential and bestowing students with the courage and wisdom to explore the world. She is putting this educational philosophy into practice through her actions, guiding students towards a broader future.

Wendy is an experienced and amiable teacher. She was born in Shaanxi Province, China, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from Suihua University. She obtained her master's degree in International Chinese Language Education from the Education University of Hong Kong.

With Level 1 (Class B) Mandarin proficiency and over 10 years' teaching experience in mainland China, Wendy's dynamic, engaging style sparks her students' enthusiasm. She has deep expertise in child psychology and extensive experience in class management and supporting special students.

Wendy adheres to the following three key educational principles:

Stimulating students' motivation through engaging teaching. She makes extensive use of interesting and life-related teaching materials and activities, such as multimedia and interactive tools, combined with games and group discussions to help students improve their Chinese learning in a relaxed environment.

Developing students' potential with an open-minded attitude. She respects the individual differences of each student and believes they all have unlimited potential. She organizes activities like debates, speeches, or individual creative competitions, providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents and express their views, and giving them positive feedback and encouragement.

Cultivating students' abilities through diverse activities. In Chinese language teaching, she not only imparts knowledge and skills but also focuses on developing students' innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Through Socratic teaching methods, she guides students to think independently and collaborate in exploration, bringing their imagination into creative practices.

Kiki hails from Sichuan, China, a land whose rich cultural and historical background has profoundly influenced her. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature and obtained her master's degree in International Chinese Education from the Education University of Hong Kong. Throughout her academic journey, her passion for the Chinese language and culture has continually fuelled her pursuit of a career in education, dedicated to spreading Chinese culture through teaching.

During her undergraduate studies, Kiki not only excelled in Chinese language and literature but also achieved outstanding results in educational psychology, literature, and writing courses. Her experience at the Education University of Hong Kong allowed her to engage with scholars and educators from diverse backgrounds, further enriching her teaching methods and philosophies.

Kiki firmly believes that education is not about imparting knowledge, but rather igniting a passion for learning. She is committed to creating interactive and creative learning environments that inspire students' enthusiasm for learning. She emphasises the cultivation of students' humanistic qualities and cross-cultural communication skills, viewing Chinese language learning as a process of exploring a new cultural world. Kiki hopes that students can master language skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Through in-depth study of Chinese culture and literature, students can not only express themselves fluently but also understand and respect the perspectives and values of different cultures.

Jiang XiaoQi's academic journey and educational philosophy reflect her deep passion and persistent pursuit of the Chinese language and education. She will continue to delve deeper into the field of Chinese education, igniting more students' love for the Chinese language and culture.

In her personal life, Kiki is enthusiastic about outdoor activities, particularly hiking. She believes this not only promotes physical and mental health but also allows her to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural environment around her. Additionally, Kiki loves painting and visiting exhibitions. Amidst her busy work schedule, she finds inner peace and balance by immersing herself in artistic creation and appreciation.

Lainey Zhou is from Shanghai, China, where the city's mix of trendy fashion, advanced education, and technology sparked her passion for multiple domains.

During her undergraduate studies at Shanghai Engineering and Technology University, Lainey delved into various aspects of art design. She mastered the techniques of figure sketching and gouache painting and demonstrated remarkable skills in clothing production, matching, and design.

Through her studies of Teaching Chinese as an International Language at the Education University of Hong Kong, she understood the importance of the Chinese language curriculum, textbooks, and instructional design. Lainey believes that in art education, just like in language learning, providing students with the freedom to express themselves is crucial. It allows them to convey their inner world, emotions, and ideas. She also emphasizes that understanding the background and meaning behind different artworks is as important as grasping the cultural and historical context of a language. This helps students develop a deeper appreciation and connection.

She is committed to combining artistic principles with Chinese education to provide students with a broader perspective. With a background in art and further studies in international Chinese language teaching, she aspires to integrate art and Chinese education to create a more enriching and creative learning milieu for students. The diverse hues of the art world are like students with different cultural backgrounds and personalities, each boasting unique charm and expressive capabilities.

Lainey is passionate about traveling, art, photography, and sports. During her leisure time, she enjoys visiting art galleries and going hiking with friends. These travels expose her to diverse cultures, while hikes bring her tranquility and inspiration.

Marcus Man grew up in Essex, UK. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering from South Bank University, London. To further his academic studies, he also earned a Master of Arts in International Business & Management from the University of Westminster, London. Marcus has recently completed his Cert TESOL from Trinity College London.

Marcus believes in the power of education to transform lives and create opportunities for success. He strives to instill a love of learning in his students by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a growth mindset. He encourages them to question, explore, and discover new ideas and perspectives.

Throughout his career, Marcus has had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of countless students, each with their own unique strengths and challenges. He is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young people and to help shape the future generation.

Audrey Wong is an experienced and passionate educator raised in the international, dynamic city of Hong Kong. She holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Sunderland and is also a qualified phonics teacher endorsed by TQUK.

Throughout her career, Audrey has developed a deep love for sharing her knowledge and building strong relationships with her students. Committed to providing interactive and progressive education, she employs a variety of engaging teaching methods, from Socratic discussions to project-based learning. Audrey's approach ensures each student is appropriately challenged and supported, incorporating hands-on, multi-sensory activities designed to inspire and empower their academic, social, and emotional growth.

Dedicated to continuous professional development, Audrey recently completed her Master of Education degree from the University of Sunderland and obtained an accredited 120-hour TESOL certification to further enhance her teaching expertise. She also spent a summer in Canada attending a course at the University of Toronto to immerse herself in the culture and improve her English skills.

Audrey enjoys traveling the world, bringing diverse global perspectives back to enrich the worldviews of her students, and she is passionate about creating a dynamic learning environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.