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
LifePlus Online Academy Head of School
Erika Carlson, Ed.D
LifePlus Online Academy 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, M.Ed.
LifePlus Online Academy Chinese Program Director
Eva Liu, M.Ed.
LifePlus Online Academy 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 HR and Admissions
Christine Wei
Director of HR and Admissions
My BA was in English Education and I hold a Master’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Biola University in the LA, United States. I worked at Chengdu International School in China as a co-teacher, Chinese language teacher and English language support lead teacher. Later I served as the Head Principal’s Assistant, Director of HR and as the Chinese Principal. I thoroughly believe in the power of education and deeply apprecite the life qualities of LifePlus.
I loves nature, hiking, travelling, photography, drawing and a life in cross-cultural settings. I currently lives in the beautiful Southern France with my family.
Secondary teachers
Kim McElroy
English Language Art Teacher
Kim McElroy
English Language Art Teacher
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
Matias Celi
Computer Science Teacher
Matias Celi
Computer Science Teacher
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 Teacher
Dana Chisholm
Social Studies Teacher
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 just achieved my second doctorate degree 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
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
Capstone and Psychology Teacher
Alessandra Hansen, Ed.D
Capstone and Psychology Teacher
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
Glen Walenda
Science Teacher
Glen Walenda
Science Teacher
Glen Walenda is teaching Physics with the Academy this year. He was born in Louisiana in the United States but moved to Missouri at the age of 6 months. After getting his BSE Degree in Physics from Central Missouri State University, he moved to the Los Angeles area of California. He taught in California for a few years before moving to Chengdu China teaching science and theatre at Chengdu International School for ten years. He really enjoyed watching students win various awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair for many years in a row. He moved back to Missouri in the United States to be closer to family. Glen is excited to return to teaching students living overseas, this time online.
Patty Blanchard
Science Teacher
Patty Blanchard
Science Teacher
Patricia Blanchard has been teaching high school science for more than 20 years. She has worked at international schools in South Korea and China, as well as in the US. Prior to entering teaching, she practiced medicine in the US as a physician assistant, working primarily in general internal medicine and pulmonary/critical care for adults.
She has bachelor’s degrees from Wheaton College and East Carolina University, a Master of Health Science from Duke University, and a post-graduate diploma from the University of Gloucester.
Patricia lives with her husband in Raleigh, North Carolina and continues to enjoy the global classroom by teaching online for LifePlus Academy and NorthStar Academy. She has five grown children who have all lived internationally, and seven TCK grandchildren who supply her with giggles and hugs whenever they are in the same country.
Debbie Sue Blanks
Science Teacher
Debbie Sue Blanks
Science Teacher
I am a South African who has worked for Life Plus schools for more than 20 years, 15 of them in China. I began as a science teacher at ISQ and then became the high school principal. I continued in school leadership taking on the role of Chengdu International School head principal. I returned to South Africa to be with family but remained with Life Plus in various roles as a consultant, interim principal for ISW and Yantai International school, as well as teaching for LifePlus Academy. I currently work for ACSI as the assistant director for the South Africa office. I have a BSc in Chemistry and a masters in educational leadership.
Location
Johannesburg
Education
MA of Education Leadership, Columbia International University
Wendy Poling
Statistics Teacher
Wendy Poling
Statistics Teacher
Wendy Poling lives in Kansas City, USA with her husband and her two daughters. Wendy was a big fan of distance learning before it was cool! Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2001 with her M.S. in Mathematics, she has taught for several high schools and colleges over the years and is thrilled to be joining LifePlus. Wendy also serves in her commmunity in preschool work and works with her daughters' theater company.
Chinese program teachers
Ruth Li
Chinese Language Teacher
Ruth Li
Chinese Language 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 Language Teacher
Yuanjing Liu
Chinese Language 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 Language Teacher
Abby Tong
Chinese Language 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
Mathilda Yin
Chinese Language Teacher
Mathilda Yin
Chinese Language Teacher
Born and raised in Wuhan, after graduating from Hubei University, I was honored to join Wuhan Yangtze International School for four years. The first two years, I was an elementary classroom co-teacher; later I transferred into the Chinese department to be a Chinese teacher.
I enjoy the time with my students while we talking about languages. In 2021, I started my journey of teaching Chinese online for the Academy. I love languages, exercise and music. During my spare time, I like learning other languages such as Japanese and Spanish.
Education
BA Chinese Language and Literature
Hubei University, China
High School Chinese Teaching Certification
Chinese Educational Government, China
Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
Confucius Institute Headquarters, China
High School English Teaching Certification
Chinese Educational Government, China
Ningning Wu
Chinese Language Teacher
Ningning Wu
Chinese Language 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
Hope Lu Miltenberger
Chinese Language Teacher
Hope Lu Miltenberger
Chinese Language Teacher
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
The University of Hermannsburg Germany
Teaching Certificate
Chinese Educational Department, 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
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
Joshua Zhang
Chinese Language Teacher
Joshua Zhang
Chinese Language Teacher
Right after graduating from college in 2012, I joined an international school in Qingdao, starting my career as an educator. I have worked both in international schools and local schools over the past 10 years, which not only enables me to become an experienced teacher, but also deepens my passion for education. I strongly beleive that good education makes tremendous difference in students' lives and it's a great honor for me to play a role in that process.
Support staff
Annie Fan
IT Support and Registrar
Annie Fan
IT Support and Registrar
I hold both BA and MA from Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications. I have worked for IBM for 16 years in the field of IT, project management as well as customer communication. I am good at effective communication and trouble-shooting.
My husand and I have two lovely daughters and we live in Chengdu. I am highly interested in education and echo with the learning approach of LifePlus. I look forward to serving with you!
Hazel Bartlett
Social Media Manager
Hazel Bartlett
Social Media Manager
I live in Wuhan with my husband and our two-year-old daughter.
I pursued my passion for Graphic Design in university. After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer at IKEA for 6 years. In 2019, I embarked on an exciting journey at WYIS as a Brand, Graphic & Media Specialist, where I continue to thrive.
Beyond the professional realm, I find joy in exploring new places through travel. Additionally, I am a big fan of F1 and tennis, finding great delight in watching thrilling sports events. It's a pleasure to share a bit about myself with you!
Follow your calling
Help us inspire our students to make a life-changing difference for the common good.