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.

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.

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.

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.

Kirstie (KK)

Tutor

(13 years of teaching experience)

Kirstie Kwong 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.

Tiffany

Music Instructor

(4 years of teaching experience)

Meet Tiffany Kwong, 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.

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.