Our staff
Succeed with the support of people whose focus is you. Our online educators are highly trained, hold a deep understanding of culture and stay committed to your continued growth.
School leadership team
Erika Carlson Ed.D
Head of School
Erika Carlson Ed.D
Head of School
In 2007, I started my teaching career in Wuhan, China with a desire for a bit of new and a curiosity for travel. The city’s tagline, “Different Every Day”, fit my enthusiasm to help build dynamic schools where students from around the world can experience growth and a sense of home in their transitions. I lived in Wuhan for 14 years as a teacher and administrator. Now I live in Chicago, USA. When not at school, I try out new recipes, do CrossFit, or explore trails with the running community.
Location
Chicago, USA
Education
Ed.D School Improvement & Educational Leadership
University of West Georgia, USA
M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
Indiana Wesleyan University, USA
BS English Language Arts Education, English as a Second Language, and Spanish
University of Missouri-Columbia, USA
Eva Liu
Chinese Program Director
Eva Liu
Chinese Program Director
I have dreamed of being a teacher since I was young. After graduating from graduate school in 2007, I was honored to join Wuhan Yangtze International School. My dream came true!
Over the past 15 years, I have worked in a variety of departments. My teaching abilities and administrative skills have greatly improved. My previous roles as a teaching assistant, Chinese teacher, department head, and senior management of the school have fully developed my management and leadership skills.
Since the summer of 2019, I have been part of the online education program focused on the use of language and culture to develop students' learning skills and character. Inspiring students to have a global perspective, explore culture deeply, and impart values is our goal!
From Hunan Province, I love to laugh, imagine, travel, and play sports. A special hobby of mine is to make delicious food and drink for students, such as Chinese/Korean hot pot, ice cream, dumplings, pancakes, spring rolls, moon cakes, preserved pork, braised pork, cakes, cookies, and milk tea.
Location
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Education
M.Ed World History
Huazhong Normal University, China
MA Leadership（Business Stream)
Trinity Western University, Canada
BS Chinese History and Culture
Huazhong Normal University, China
Teaching Certificate in teaching HS
Chinese National Department of Education, China
Teaching Certificate in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language
International Profession Certification Association
Project Management Professional Certificate
American Project Management Institute, USA
Randy Attaway
English Program Director, AP Co-ordinator
Randy Attaway
English Program Director, AP Co-ordinator
When I was in elementary school, I had three dreams: have a family, become a teacher, and travel the world. I know that I am blessed because my childhood dreams are an everyday reality.
My wife, son, and I currently live in South Carolina, USA, which is where my teaching career began at a public high school. Between 2015 and 2020, I had the privilege of serving as teacher, academic service support, and a principal at International School of Qingdao in China, which gave us the opportunity to travel through many countries in Asia as well as a few in Europe.
Since returning to the States in 2020, I have been honored with the opportunity to continue working with curious students and inspiring families throughout the world through online education. I absolutely love the process of learning and believe that everybody is created to be learners. Thankfully, the internet allows us to learn together now more than ever!
Location
South Carolina, USA
Education
MA Educational Leadership
University of Texas, Permian Basin
BA Secondary English Education
Southern Wesleyan University
Christine Wei
Director of Admissions, Human Resources
Christine Wei
Director of Admissions, Human Resources
Christine holds a Master’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Biola University in the United States focusing on the development of young professionals, families and youth. She worked at Chengdu International School in China as a co-teacher, Chinese language teacher and English language support lead teacher. Later she served as the Head Principal’s Assistant, Director of HR and as the Chinese Principal. Christine loves nature, hiking, travelling, photography, drawing and a life in cross-cultural settings. She currently lives in France.
Secondary teachers
Kim McElroy
English Literature
Kim McElroy
English Literature
After years of working as a global project manager implementing computer systems around the world, I became a stay-at-home mom for five years. During that time, I was also a foster mom for 12 children, living with them and my family in a group home setting.
Like you, I have been the one to work hard late into the night to help prepare my kids for school the next day. What a change in direction I found myself in. That was when I made the determination that a career change to education was the correct move for me.
I got busy certifying and preparing to become a teacher at a local school the following year. I would ultimately work primarily as an English teacher, among other subjects in Humanities, in Florida and Tennessee in the USA, Tianjin and Changshu in China, and teach and tutor children virtually from kindergarten to college age in various countries around the world. Though working as a global consultant and in China were life changing experiences, it is teaching children and trying to understand their specific, individual needs that has been my most rewarding work whether in person or virtually, especially when students find success.
Currently, I live in Tennessee with my husband, mother, and new goldendoodle puppy, Macaroni, and near our daughter and other family members. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, researching interesting topics online, playing with my nieces and nephews, chatting with friends, and enjoying my family being close after years of separation. I appreciate the time I spend with the children attending the Academy.
Location
Tennessee, USA
Education
BA English and Political Science
Louisiana State University, USA
Work experience
AP Literature and Composition and Philosophy Teacher
Tianjin International School
9th Grade English Teacher
Silverdale Academy, Chattanooga, USA
IB Diploma English Literature A Teacher
United World College, Changshu, China
Online Personal Humanities Tutor
Private instruction
HS Principal
Tianjin International School
HS English and AP Literature and Composition Teacher
Tianjin International School
MS and HS English Teacher
First Academy, Leesburg, USA
Paul De Mena
Math
Paul De Mena
Math
My family has lived in Wuhan, China for the past 22 years. We have four children, ages 14, 17, 23, and 25, all of whom attended a LifePlus school. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering, and before moving to China I worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute. I try to make learning Calculus practical by asking, “What does a student need to learn to be effective in their profession?” I give mostly open-notes tests because I tell students, “In industry, no boss is ever going to give you an assignment but tell you that you can’t look at your notes!”
Location
New Jersey, USA
Education
M.Div Biblical Theological Seminary
BS Chemical Engineering
New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA
Work experience
Process Development Engineer
Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute
Chairman, Healthy Foundations Consulting Service
Wuhan, China
Amy Phillips
Science
Amy Phillips
Science
Throughout college, I picked up a few tutoring jobs and loved the challenge of finding different ways of explaining how the world works. Upon completion of my biochemistry degree, I taught high school science for a couple local private schools while working on my MEd. When I started developing courses, I found that I loved finding creative ways of making secondary students fall in love with science. I have enjoyed all the nerdy puns, challenging study sessions, and fun adventures I’ve had with my students over the last four years of teaching.
I currently live in Washington state with my husband and large, goofy dog named Dozer. In my free time I love to hike to a gorgeous mountain view!
Location
Washington State, USA
Education
MEd Curriculum and Instruction (Leadership Cognate)
Liberty University, USA
BS Biochemistry
Washington State University, USA
Matias Celi
Computer Science
Matias Celi
Computer Science
I am a 37 year old Argentinian teacher who loves learning new things and helping people to discover and develop their talents. I am passionate about my family, traveling, and anything tech-related that can help the world be a better place. In my free time I enjoy playing sports (paddle is my favorite one lately!). I currently live in Cordoba, Argentina, together with my wife and two kids. In the past we have lived in Cambodia and in Tianjin, China! Asia is in our hearts and in our kids—our oldest boy is a Tianjin-rén :)
Location
Cordoba, Argentina
Education
B.Ed Instructional Technology
National Technological University
Physical Education Teacher
Provincial Institute of Physical Education
Dana Chisholm
Social Studies
Dana Chisholm
Social Studies
Born and raised in California, I spent over 20 years as an advocate for women, children and families and an author and single mom of two boys. In 2010, we moved to Wuxi, China where I taught social studies for junior high and high school and my son attended high school. While living in China we found a puppy on the streets and brought her home with us when we returned.
Back home in Southern California I went back for my doctorate and I am currently in a second doctorate program in the Education Department at the University of Southern California (USC) and I teach as an Adjunct Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Sociology at Vanguard University of Southern California. My boys are now grown and I am a grandma of two granddaughters, and I still have our little China dog.
I’m a Disney fan and I live close enough to Disneyland to hear the fireworks each night. My love of Walt Disney and his ability to overcome adversity led me to design a college course I now get to teach each year, ‘Disney and American Society.’ I truly enjoy exploring and sharing cultures and how we can apply learning about each other to better learn, love, and lead.
Education
PhD (abd) Intercultural Education
Biola University, USA
MA Organizational Leadership
Biola University, USA
California Teaching Credentials Single Subject English and Social Sciences with Authorization to Teach English Language Learners
California State San Marcos, USA
BA Communication Studies
University of California, USA
Irena Sokol
Art
Irena Sokol
Art
After years of running an art business and serving in children’s ministry, I discovered a perfect harmony of talent and calling in teaching art. I began by developing an elementary art program at Community Outreach Academy in Sacramento, California, where I lived most of my life. My husband Dmitri and our three children joined the company in 2016 as we moved to Yantai, China, and later transitioned to Wuhan.
I was born and raised in Ukraine and blessed to do life with a blend of multiple cultures and languages. I am fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and currently exploring Mandarin. During the pandemic challenges, I grew to enjoy online teaching and the possibilities it offers to connect across the globe. We are currently working on establishing a home base in the state of Missouri with the hope of traveling abroad one day. I enjoy time with my family, painting, baking, ice skating, and a good cup of tea.
Location
California, USA
Education
BA Creative Arts, Teaching Certificate
William Jessup University, USA
Work Experience
Secondary Art Teacher
Wuhan Yangtze International School
K12 Art Teacher
Yantai Huasheng International School
Elementary School Teacher
Community Outreach Academy
Matt Howell
Character Formation
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
AP Capstone, Psychology
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
AP Capstone, Psychology
Ciao! Bonjour! Hóla! Hello!
From Europe to the South Pacific to North America, I have lived on several continents and taught multiple languages, from high school classes to college courses on site and online. Most importantly, my husband and I have raised five wonderful adults who have given us seven precious grandchildren. We currently live on the East Coast of the United States, close to Boston, where we enjoy the numerous historical sites of early America. I love to read detective novels and poetry; if I could, however, I’d live on the Italian alpine ski slopes during the winter and on Dana Point Beach in California during the summer! But in the end, I am happiest close to my kids and grandkids.
Location
Boston, USA
Education
Ed.D Organizational Leadership in Higher Education
Abilene Christian University, USA
MA Philosophy and Literature
California State University, USA
BA Journalism
BA French Literature + Philosophy
University of Southern California, USA
Work experience
Director of Student Services
LifePlus Online Academy
Research Fellow, Center for Vocational Formation
Abilene Christian University, USA
Adjunct Professor
Northwest University (onsite + online), USA
Adjunct Professor
Biola University, USA
Curriculum Consultant/Teacher
Chinese program teachers
Ruth Li
Chinese Teacher
Ruth Li
Chinese Teacher
Hello everyone! I am Ruth Li, a Chinese Novice and Interest Club Reading teacher.
I am from Shandong in China, and I currently live with my husband in Qingdao City, Shandong. I am very grateful to join all of you in Chinese teaching work and to accompany the Academy’s children as they grow up.
I graduated from Shandong Normal University as a Chinese Language Literature major, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. I am currently taking online Education Master courses at Columbia International University (CIU).
After seeking my career direction, I became the tenth Living Rock Training (LRT) student. Through this learning, I knew that education should be based on the Bible as a foundation. More affirmed, I took the road of faith education. During my time as a teaching assistant at Shenyang International School, I was directly involved with cross-cultural education and learned classroom management from many excellent teachers, which laid the foundation for my independent teaching in church schools for many years.
In order to become an excellent educator, I have made a lot of efforts, such as pursuing the Mandarin Language Certificate (2008), Certificate of University English (CET, 2008), the Chinese Primary School Language Teacher Certification (2014), and the National Level 2 Psychological Counselor Certificate (2018). Please rest assured—I will do my best to work hard!
Chinese culture is extensive and profound, and Chinese characters are interesting. Let’s fly in Chinese together!
Location
Qingdao, Shandong province, China
Education
BA Chinese Language Literature
Shandong Normal University, China
Yuanjing Liu
Chinese Teacher
Yuanjing Liu
Chinese Teacher
I am a Chinese teacher. Two years ago, I left my hometown Qingdao, and I live with my husband in LianYunGang in Jiangsu Province now. I worked in International School of Qindgao for 15 years, before that I worked in a local school of China for ten years, and this is the third year for my online school teaching. I love children, and I also like teaching. I really enjoy the time with my students.
Location
LianYunGang, Jiangsu Province, China
Education
BA
Qingdao University, China
Elementary Teacher Certificate
Qingdao Municipal Education Bureau, China
Abby Tong
Chinese Teacher
Abby Tong
Chinese Teacher
A graduate from Jilin University, I have taught Chinese as a foreign language for more than 20 years. I’ve been a Chinese teacher for Changchun Ehua Chinese International College, Jilin FAW-Volkswagen ‘German Village’, and the Northeast Normal University. I also have many more years of experience in children’s education.
I consider myself an energetic and fun teacher that deeply loves my students and communicates with them on their level. I can speak Chinese Mandarin, Korean and English.
Location
Jilin, China
Education
Putonghua 2A-level certificate
Tour guide qualification certificates
Tea Culture training certificate
Health Management Certificate
Annie Yin
Chinese Teacher
Annie Yin
Chinese Teacher
Hello everyone! I am Annie Yin. I am currently a Chinese teacher for the 4th grade.
I am from Hubei Province in China and live in Wuhan with my husband. I am grateful to teach Chinese as a foreign language and to take part in the children’s growth. I graduated from Southwest University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I am currently studying online for a master's degree in education and expect to graduate in October 2023. I worked in a primary school for six years, where I became more determined about my career direction and mission.
During my six years working in a primary school, I was privileged to meet many excellent Chinese and foreign teachers, from whom I learned a great deal about classroom management and teaching. In addition, their dedication, sincerity, and selfless love for their students inspired me to become an excellent teacher myself.
Parents, please rest assured that I will guide your children step-by-step to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as stimulate their interest in learning Chinese!
Location
Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
Education
BA Elementary Education
Southwest University, Chongqing
Jill Wu
Chinese Teacher
Jill Wu
Chinese Teacher
Jill was inspired to become a teacher by working with local community members. She received linguistic training from Beijing Language and Culture University and holds an advanced certificate in teaching. She went on to earn degrees in Journalism and Leadership.
Ningning Wu
Chinese Teacher
Ningning Wu
Chinese Teacher
I earned two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree from Nankai University. I have also obtained my teacher’s qualification certificate to teach primary through high school, as well as my IPA Chinese teacher’s qualification certificate. Over the past 15 years, I have taught Chinese as a first and second language to students from kindergarten to 12th grade. During 2005, I co-authored and published a book through Guangming Daily Press entitled The Lost Civilization.
Education
BA World History and International Economics and Trade
MA World History
Support staff
Sunny Zhang
Social Media Manager
Sunny Zhang
Social Media Manager
After graduating from university in 2009, I worked in four cities successively. Although each job seemed to start over, I made many valuable friends and greatly improved my working ability. It’s a great honor to join the Academy in 2019.
Although we are an online school and we can’t meet every day, the distance doesn’t cut us off. Along the way, I really feel that we are a big family, colleagues care for and support each other, parents actively participate in school activities, and the growth of students always surprise me, which gave me many precious experience.
I like music and art. In my spare time, I play the piano and read books about design. Harvesting a little every day make my life beautiful and fully.
Education
BA in Administrative Management
Agricultural University of Hebei, China
HR Management Qualification Certificate
Work experience
Purchaser
Beijing Yongjia Trading Co., Beijing, China
Managing Assistant
Beijing Nuode Xudi Marketing Consulting Co., China
Administrator
Jin Hui You Art Glass Development Department, China
Hope Lu Miltenberger
Registrar, IT Support
Hope Lu Miltenberger
Registrar, IT Support
After graduating from my first university, I taught for two years in Chengdu. Then I came to Germany to study again! I have lived in Germany now for seven years. Before the epidemic I liked to travel; I’ve been to France, Russia, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium and the Netherlands. My husband, three year-old son and I hope to go back to China to visit family after the epidemic. In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, watching movies, playing cards and other board games!
Location
Germany
Education
BA Mission Studies and International Diaconia
University of Applied Sciences for Intercultural Theology, Hermannsburg, Germany
Teaching Certificate
Chinese Educational Department, China
Education Certificate, Living Rock Training Center
Beijing, China
Teaching Chinese As a Foreign Language (TCFL) Certficate
Changchun University of Science and Technology, China
Chinese Language Teacher Certificate of Qualification-Intermediate Level
International Profession Certification Association
Business English Certificate
Jilin Province Economic Management Cadre College, China
Work experience
Internship
Social Services of Catholic Women, Department of Host Families for Underage Refugees, Osnabrück Germany
Internship
Bread for the World, Berlin, Germany
Volunteer
_Albert-Schweitzer-Familienwerk, Hermannsburg, Germany _
Chinese Teacher
Chengdu iSC International School, Chengdu, China
Chinese Tutor, Chinese Language Program
The English Language Institute of China, Northeast Normal University, China
Amanda Yuan
Cashier
Follow your calling
Help us inspire our students to make a life-changing difference for the common good.