Meet Our Team

Daniel

Music Instructor

(28 years of teaching experience)

Daniel initiated his exploration of music by learning to play the violin and piano at the tender age of 5. Daniel finished all Royal School of Music Exams by the age of 13 and won the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition at the age of 17, before obtaining his Bachelor of Music degree at the Moody Bible Institute and Master of Music at DePaul University. During that time he also performed with the Civic Orchestra Of Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for 3 years. Daniel understands the importance of music education and how it contributes to the improvement of one’s overall learning ability and brain development. He has been teaching private and group lessons at Merit School of Music and his own studio for over 25 years. In addition to this, Daniel has also taught lessons at D70 high schools in the Northern Suburb for more than 12 years. He has been appointed as a Judge for ILMEA Junior and Senior divisions for more than 12 years. Apart from this, Daniel actively freelances with different professional orchestras in the Chicagoland area and has worked with church youth ministries for over 20 years.

Daniel 在 5 歲時開始學習小提琴和鋼琴，開啟了他的音樂之旅。在 13 歲時，他完成了所有英國皇家音樂學院考試，並於 17 歲時贏得了 Fischoff 全國室內樂比賽。隨後，他獲得了音樂學士與碩士學位，並在此期間與芝加哥交響樂團（CSO）旗下的 Civic Orchestra 合作演出長達三年。

擁有超過 25 年的教學經驗，Daniel 深知音樂教育對於提升學習能力與腦部發展的重要性。他在 Merit 音樂學校及個人音樂工作室教授私人和團體課程，並在北郊的 D70 高中任教超過 12 年。此外，他還連續 12 年擔任 ILMEA 初中與高中組比賽的評審。

除了教學工作，Daniel 也是一名活躍的自由音樂人，與芝加哥地區多個專業樂團合作演出。他還投身於教會青少年事工超過 20 年，致力於用音樂啟發並培養年輕音樂人才。

Henry

Lead Tutor

(18 years of teaching experience)

Henry studied biology at University of Illinois at Chicago and obtained master's degree in education at Roosevelt University. He taught Math, Science, Chinese and college prep courses in CPS for four years as ISBE Certified (PEL) tenured teacher before returning to study at Rush University and became a medical staff in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery specializing in cardiovascular perfusion. He was licensed and certified by American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, State of Wisconsin Medical Examining Board, and Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. His training included Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Spectrum Health Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Henry now works for U.S Government as “Service Chief” caring for military veterans at federal healthcare center. He is also a member of United States Coast Guard Aux under the FEMA Framework.

Henry 主修生物學並獲得教育碩士學位。他曾在芝加哥公立學校（CPS）任教四年，教授數學、科學、中文及大學預備課程，並擁有伊利諾伊州教育委員會（ISBE）認證的專業教育許可（PEL），且獲得終身教職資格。

隨後，他重返學校深造，成為心胸外科部門的醫療人員，專攻心血管技術。他獲得了美國心血管灌注委員會（ABCP）、威斯康星州醫學考試委員會及伊利諾伊州財務與專業監管部的執照與認證。他的專業培訓涵蓋Rush大學醫學中心、西北紀念醫院以及密歇根州的 Spectrum Health Meijer 心臟中心。

目前，Henry 在美國政府部門擔任“服務主管”（Service Chief），專門負責聯邦醫療中心的退伍軍人醫療服務。此外，他還是美國海岸警衛隊輔助隊的成員，參與聯邦緊急事務管理署（FEMA）的相關工作。

Pantene

Art Instructor

(26 years of teaching experience)

Pantene, a graduate of South China Normal University and Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, has a rich background in preschool and art education. Holding a Senior Teacher Qualification since 2008 and a Level 2 Mandarin proficiency certificate, Pantene served kindergarten from 1998 to 2018, excelling as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Administrative Director. Pantene's work in music and art education earned multiple awards, including recognition for student achievements in national and international contests. Pantene's dedication to early childhood education is highlighted by a Level 4 Credential in the Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System for Early Childhood Education.

Pantene 在學前教育和藝術教育領域擁有豐富的經驗。自 2008 年起持有高級教師資格證書並獲得二級普通話水平證書。從 1998 年至 2018 年，Pantene 在幼兒園工作，擔任教師、副園長及行政主管，展現出卓越的教育與管理能力。

在音樂與藝術教育方面，Pantene 的工作屢獲殊榮，指導的學生在國內外比賽中取得優異成績，並獲得多項獎項。Pantene 對幼兒教育的熱忱體現在其獲得的伊利諾伊州 “Gateways to Opportunity” 學前教育專業發展系統四級資格認證，進一步彰顯其在學前教育領域的專業與奉獻精神。

Wai Ming (Vera)

Music Instructor

(13 years of teaching experience)

With over a decade of music teaching experience, Vera has nurtured her skills under the guidance of Alan Chu, earning an ATCL Diploma in piano performance. Her teaching philosophy is tailored to the individual needs of students aged 3 to 19, focusing on overcoming learning challenges and fostering a genuine love for music. Vera’s classes emphasize piano techniques like legato, staccato, dynamics, and pedal use, ensuring students can play effortlessly and enjoyably. Her students have achieved notable success, earning Merits in ABRSM Piano Grades 2-8 and Music Theory Grade 5, and winning awards in the Hong Kong Youth Piano Competition and the Hong Kong Cup Arts Festival Music Competition. Vera's approach not only enhances piano skills but also instills a lasting passion for music.

Vera 擁有超過十年的音樂教學經驗，在著名音樂導師Alan Chu的指導下精進技藝，並獲得 ATCL 鋼琴演奏文憑。她的教學理念根據 3 至 19 歲學生的個別需求量身定制，專注於幫助學生克服學習挑戰並培養對音樂的熱愛。

Vera 的課程強調鋼琴技巧，如連奏（legato）、斷奏（staccato）、力度變化（dynamics）和踏板運用（pedal use），確保學生能夠流暢且愉悅地彈奏音樂。她的學生在英國皇家音樂學院（ABRSM）鋼琴 2-8 級及樂理 5 級考試中獲得優異成績，並在香港青少年鋼琴比賽及香港盃藝術節音樂比賽中獲獎。

Vera 的教學不僅提升學生的鋼琴技巧，還培養他們對音樂的持久熱情。

Kirstie (KK)

Tutor

(13 years of teaching experience)

Kirstie is an early childhood educator with 13 years of teaching experience, specializing in curriculum development. She has a passion for working with English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, tailoring her teaching methods to meet their unique needs. Kirstie's expertise lies in creating engaging and inclusive learning environments that foster linguistic and cognitive growth for ESL students. She also dedicates her time to tutoring and mentoring, providing personalized support to help students improve their language proficiency and academic success. Kirstie's commitment to education has made her a valuable asset in the field of early childhood education, inspiring both students and fellow educators alike.

Kirstie是一位擁有 13 年教學經驗的幼兒教育工作者，專注於課程開發。她對教授英語作為第二語言（ESL）的學生充滿熱情，並根據他們的獨特需求調整教學方法。

Kirstie 擅長創造富有吸引力且包容性的學習環境，促進 ESL 學生的語言與認知發展。

此外，她還積極從事輔導與指導工作，為學生提供個性化支持，幫助他們提升語言能力並取得學業成功。

Kirstie 對教育的奉獻使她成為幼兒教育領域的重要人才，激勵著學生與同行教育者

Tiffany

Music Instructor

(4 years of teaching experience)

Meet Tiffany, an ABRSM-certified music instructor with a lifelong passion for music. Starting her musical journey at the age of 3, Tiffany boasts over 15 years of experience in the field. In her youth, she achieved the highest level of piano performance certification from ABRSM, the Licentiate Diploma. Beyond piano, Tiffany has also delved into other musical pursuits such as cello and music theory.
One of Tiffany's greatest joys is teaching young children, guiding them as they discover and develop their love for music. With over a decade of experience as a church choir pianist, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and understanding to her teaching. Tiffany's approach is nurturing and engaging, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive and grow as musicians.

Tiffany，一位擁有 ABRSM 認證的音樂教師，對音樂懷有終生熱情。Tiffany 於 3 歲時開始她的音樂之旅，並擁有超過 15 年的音樂領域經驗。在年輕時，她獲得了 ABRSM 音樂考級最高等級——Licentiate Diploma（鋼琴演奏文憑）。除了鋼琴，Tiffany 還涉獵了大提琴和音樂理論等其他音樂領域。

Tiffany 最大的喜悅之一就是教導年幼的孩子，幫助他們發現並培養對音樂的熱愛。作為一名擁有超過十年經驗的教堂合唱團鋼琴師，她將豐富的實踐知識與理解帶入她的教學中。Tiffany 的教學方法充滿關愛和吸引力，營造一個支持性強的環境，讓學生在其中茁壯成長，發展成為出色的音樂家。

Joshua

Tutor

As a student, Josh had a strong aptitude toward English and language arts during his time spent in academia, thanks to the support of his teachers and tutors. After attending Joliet Junior College, Josh pursued his bachelor's at DePaul University. During his studies, Josh completed additional coursework focused on secondary curriculum, assessment practices, and English pedagogy. He earned his bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Literary Analysis. In the past, Josh has worked collaboratively with students in poetry workshops, volunteering at the nonprofit creative writing and publishing center of 826CHI, and independently editing and revising writing works with his peers. At GoFun Learning Center, Josh seeks to explore active critical thinking, student-driven engagement from a perspective grounded in disciplinary literacy and an academic growth mindset. As a tutor, Josh helps students develop their language skills through an emphasis on analysis and interpretation, reading fluency, and effective writing practices.

Josh 是一位專業的英文語言藝術導師，擁有深厚的學術背景和教學經驗。他在學期間展現出對英語和語言藝術的強烈興趣，並在老師和輔導員的指導下發展出優異的學術能力。Josh 持有英語學士學位，主修文學分析，並深入學習中學課程設計、評估實踐及英語教學法。

作為一名導師，Josh 致力於為學生創建一個激發批判性思維和主動參與的學習環境。他在 GoFun 學習中心專注於學科素養和學術成長心態，促進學生的深入學習。他的教學方法強調語言分析與詮釋、閱讀流利度以及有效的寫作技巧，幫助學生提升語言能力，並在學術上取得長足進步。

Josh 也曾在多個詩歌工作坊中與學生合作，並在非營利創意寫作與出版中心 826CHI 擔任志工，致力於幫助學生提升寫作和語言表達能力。他的教學不僅注重語言技能的提升，更重視學生創意思維和學術潛力的開發。

mmexport1740531695047_edited_edited_edit

Ivy

Tutor

Ivy is a dedicated educator passionate about helping students grow and succeed. With a strong academic background in psychology and commerce, she combines educational theory with practical teaching strategies to support diverse learners effectively.

As someone from an immigrant family, Ivy understands the challenges language and culture can present in education. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin and has worked as a tutor for elementary and middle school students in the Chinese community in Chicago, helping them improve their language skills and academic performance. During college, she also served as a teaching assistant, supporting international students in English writing, reading comprehension, and college readiness.

Ivy excels at creating a positive learning environment and tailoring her teaching methods to meet each student's needs. Her patience and expertise help students build confidence in their abilities and reach their full potential.

Ivy 是一位熱衷於教育並致力於幫助學生成長的優秀教師。她擁有心理學學士學位以及商業碩士學位，具備扎實的教育理論基礎與跨學科知識背景。

作為來自移民家庭的一員，Ivy 深刻理解語言與文化對學習的影響，因此她特別專注於為學生提供細緻且有效的指導。她精通粵語和普通話，曾在芝加哥華人社區擔任小學與初中生的導師，幫助學生提升語言能力與學科表現。此外，在大學期間，她還擔任國際學生的英語寫作、閱讀理解及大學準備課程的助教，積累了豐富的教學經驗。

Ivy 擅長營造積極的學習氛圍，根據不同學生的需求調整教學方法，激發學習興趣並提升學習效率。她的耐心與專業讓學生在學習中建立信心，並充分發揮自身潛力。