Meet Our Community

Adam Atkin

Ai Sano

Prior to joining UWC ISAK Japan, Ai worked in the field of marketing and communication strategies for both global organizations and Japanese startups. She studied in the US for her Bachelor’s degree and in France for her Master’s degree and enjoys learning different perspectives of people from different backgrounds. That motivated her to join UWC ISAK Japan and communicate what is unique to this school.

Alastair Wanklyn

Mr. Wanklyn says UWC ISAK Japan is in the perfect location to study the biological and environmental sciences. Succession and zonation are under your feet around this active volcano. He values the school’s support for individual projects, both science and community-focused. A former journalist, he enjoys helping students investigate a story and publish it.

Alfonso Mangubat

Mr. Alfonso Mangubat comes from the Philippines, where he spent ten years teaching and leading schools from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme. Alfonso is passionate about history and the social sciences and enjoys lengthy discussions. He came to Japan to help lead a small international school in the Tokyo Prefecture as its PYP coordinator and Middle School Individuals and Societies teacher. He chose UWC ISAK Japan because of the community, its mission, and the challenge of teaching a dynamic subject. He and his wife are also countrysides and mountain enthusiasts.

Alvaro Lopes Jr.

Amos Irungu Wanjiru

Andrew Boukaseff

Andrew is an experienced Australian IB Economics teacher. He has taught in 4 different states in Australia and been on one overseas posting (Florida, USA). He is currently doing my Masters (IB focus) online from Perth with lots of IB teachers from around the world in his interactive tutorials. 

Arico Bolger

Ms. Bolger started teaching Japanese language and culture as a fellow teacher at a public school in Ontario, Canada. After graduating from university, she taught Japanese at University of Durham, U.K. for 6 years. Also interested in Computer Science, she then worked in the software industry in the U.K. and Japan. Ms Bolger earned a B.A. in Japanese Language and Culture from the University of Tsukuba as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Essex.

Aya Masumoto

Aya studied abroad in Oregon as a Rotary exchange student and later did a college internship program in Bellevue College in Washington, USA, where she gained a deep interest in world cultures and diversity. Prior to joining UWC ISAK Japan, she worked in education for 9 years supporting exchange students at several universities in Japan. Using these experiences, she is excited to support students for their big steps to become catalysts for positive change. 

Blessing Mutiro

Ms. Blessing Mutiro is a proactive counselor eager to help all patients attain exceptional mental and emotional wellness. Born and bred in the Southern region of Africa, in Zimbabwe, Blessing spent the last 14 years away from her home country. She served as a counselor in a non-Governmental Organization in South Africa for two years before moving to the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, where she lived for 12 years. There, she worked as a school counselor for Ubombo Trust Schools and served in different Swaziland communities as a consultant working under the department of Social Welfare. Blessing joined UWC ISAK Japan because she strongly believes in UWC values and admires Japanese culture. She is excited about the beautiful Karuizawa environment and the community.

Brenda Hasham

With twenty years of experience teaching the IB Programme in Curacao and Atlanta, Georgia (US) and thirty years of teaching experience in total, Mrs. Hasham brings considerable expertise and knowledge to ISAK. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She most recently served as CAS Coordinator at Atlanta International School and has broad experience in international education, with her major focus on high school history courses. In 2011, Mrs. Hasham received a Teacher of the Year Award from ECIS, a global organization that promotes best practices in international education.

Catherine Mimuro

Prior to joining the faculty at UWC ISAK Japan, Ms. Mimuro taught science at UWC Maastricht. She brings deep IB experience to UWC ISAK, having previously served as a biology examiner and moderator for the IBDP. She has also served as principal examiner for Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology (A Level) for a leading exam board in the UK. Ms. Mimuro is passionate about Aikido and enjoys participating in the UWC ISAK Japan martial arts activity.

Cathy Banerji

Ms. Banerji has always lived and worked in India in various careers ranging from theatre, education, publishing, and working in the United Nations Volunteers. As a workshop leader for the IB for TOK, English A courses, and Film Studies, she traveled to many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a child, she spent a summer in Tokyo, wandering around the corridors of Sophia University where her father was a Chemistry visiting professor. Her deep connection with Japan began that summer. She became interested in UWC ISAK Japan for its mission and its motto: “One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.” The rest is history. She enjoys living the school philosophy and its community.

Cheikh Badiane

Cheikh joined UWC ISAK Japan with 25 years of experience in English Language Teaching. He holds a doctoral degree in education from SUNY, Binghamton, New York and a master’s degree in ESL from Cheikh A Diop University, Dakar, Senegal. He has taught in Senegal, the USA, and Qatar. Cheikh is returning to the movement after teaching at UWC-USA for ten years. He enjoys the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of the UWC students and the fact that they do not just accept diversity; they celebrate it. The natural landscape of Karuizawa offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, and Cheikh is looking forward to taking part in many outdoor activities with UWC ISAK students. Cheikh enjoys swimming and playing soccer in his free time.

Christina Bonnell

Ms. Bonnell is originally from Miami, Florida, but has spent time living throughout the US and Japan. She visited Akita prefecture in Japan in high school as an exchange student. The experience inspired her to study abroad again in Tokyo and pursue a career in international education. She has since supported international students at Brown University and Millsaps College, has worked with students preparing to study abroad at Lehigh University, and has taught English as a Second Language in Mississippi and Tennessee. At Brown, many of the students with whom Ms. Bonnell worked closely were UWC alumni, and she was struck by their cultural humility and commitment to changing the world. Before joining UWC ISAK Japan, Ms. Bonnell has lived with her husband and two kids for the past three years at a boarding school in Virginia while pursuing her doctorate at the University of Virginia. She loved raising kids in a residential community and is thrilled to be able to move with her family to UWC ISAK Japan. She is excited about Karuizawa’s onsens and teaching her kids to ski in the winter.

Daisuke Masui

Mr. Masui was born and raised in Japan. After attending college, he moved to the United States and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Japanese with an emphasis in language teaching from San Francisco State University. Mr. Masui taught Japanese language and culture at a secondary school (grades 6 through 12) in the San Francisco Area for thirteen years. He enjoys helping students develop a genuine interest and motivation for learning languages. He believes that learning languages is the key to becoming a citizen of the world and hopes to support students in becoming respectful and responsible global citizens. After living in the U.S. for 18 years, Mr. Masui and his dog, J.J., are very excited to return to Japan and to be a part of such an innovative school in a beautiful environment.

Dean Kirkness

After spending nearly a decade in Tokyo managing global communications programs for some of the world’s highest profile businesses, Dean Kirkness moved to Karuizawa with his family to put down roots in the idyllic Japanese countryside. He became interested in working with UWC ISAK Japan after learning about the school’s vision and grasping its potential to be a beacon in education to Japan and the world. Dean is motivated by helping the school and its students discovery their own stories and the means with which to tell them. In his spare time, Dean dabbles in coffee roasting, sake imbibing, and Japanese woodworking, though not necessarily in that order.

Elizabeth Oswald

Ms. Oswald came to Japan as an exchange student in her junior year at Stanford University, enjoying the experience so much that she returned after graduation and has remained here for over 20 years! Ms. Oswald worked in Tokyo as a copywriter for a few years, eventually leaving to become a freelance translator. After meeting Ms. Kobayashi while she was interviewing Stanford alumni in Japan about their views on international schools, Ms. Oswald began working for the school in 2012. Ms. Oswald considers this the best job she has ever had, citing the everyday dynamic pace and the amazing people she works with- staff, faculty and students alike!

Erin Eastern

Florence Larpent

Florence Larpent grew up in France and New Caledonia and completed her Master’s degree at Strasbourg University. She has worked as a French teacher, Outdoor Education coordinator and MYP coordinator in several IB schools around the world including UWC Maastricht and UWC East Africa. She enjoys traveling and discovering new places, especially the outdoors. She is excited to teach and share her passion for nature and outdoor activities while taking students hiking, cycling, rock-climbing, kayaking or skiing to name just a few.

Francis González

Since leaving her picturesque hometown of Málaga, Spain, Mrs. González has worked in the UK, Germany and Japan teaching Spanish to middle school, high school and university students with diverse international backgrounds. She has extensive experience in curriculum design and planning, having implemented new Spanish courses at her last two schools. Mrs. González holds a Law Degree from the University of Málaga; a Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from UNED University in Madrid; and a PGCE in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Málaga. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures, as well as designing jewelry when she finds the time.

Gözde Mediha Kamer İlter

Gözde Kamer İlter has experience teaching IBDP, AP Chemistry and Nanoscience in Turkey since 2010. She completed her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and participated in European Schoolnet projects to implement nanoscience education at the high school level. She is eager to learn more about the educational philosophy and strategy of the UWC movement. The respect she has for Japanese culture and the outdoor program of UWC ISAK brought her to Japan. As a road cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, she is excited to discover the nature of Japan and Karuizawa.

Hiroko Kobayashi

Ms. Kobayashi, a Karuizawa native, has lived and worked all over the world, including Malaysia, Thailand, the US, Mauritius, the Bahamas, Morocco, New Caledonia, the Maldives, France and Egypt. She began working at UWC ISAK in 2014 and wishes she could have attended such a school when she was a student! Ms. Kobayashi is fluent in French, Japanese and English and in her spare time enjoys playing tennis.

Iris van der Heijden

Iris has spent her childhood in Belgium, Singapore, Thailand, and the Netherlands. After graduating from UWC USA, she studied in Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden, where she obtained her dual bachelor’s and dual master’s degrees in International Relations and Economic Development and Growth. Iris has been involved with UWC ISAK Summer School since 2015 and has always been passionate about empowering young adults, providing them with tools to become the truest version of themselves and be confident in their own ability to create positive change. Iris is excited to oversee the Short Programs at the school after having worked in the startup scene in Tokyo. Organizing life-changing programs for a diverse group of students fuels her with energy and confidence for a better future. Meanwhile in her free time she enjoys playing and coaching tennis, hiking, and finding little gems of cafés in all different spots around the world.

Jacob Bonnell

Mr. Bonnell grew up in the US and has worked all over the eastern United States, from Boston, Massachusetts, to Jackson, Mississippi. He, his wife Christina, and their two kids come to Karuizawa from Woodberry Forest School, a boarding school in rural Virginia where he served as a college counselor. Mr. Bonnell ran cross country and track in college and still runs to keep up with his son, who loves racing and playing tag more than anything else. The Bonnell family loves all things outdoors and will find any excuse to go outside and explore. Mr. Bonnell and his family are excited to get to know passionate and thoughtful students from all over the world, to understand their culture, and share a piece of their own.

Jason Underwood

Mr. Underwood has extensive experience in teaching English Literature and English as a Second Language. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales and a Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania. Before coming to UWC ISAK Japan, he taught in rural Western Australia and Hiroshima International School. An enthusiastic writer, Mr. Underwood believes in the value of creativity as a means of self-expression and to make positive change in the world. When not in the classroom, Mr. Underwood enjoys cycling, hiking, and spending time with his three daughters.

Jin-Seok Jeon

Mr. Jeon was born and raised in Korea. As a young student, he became interested in Japanese language and culture and pursued this passion while studying at Hankuk University in Korea, and later at Waseda University. Mr. Jeon is proud to be a member of the staff at UWC ISAK Japan and his goal is to make sure that the campus is clean and safe for everyone who lives and works here.

Jolyon Hinton

Mr. Hinton has taught in schools in Turkey, Italy, Brunei Darussalam, and the UK, where he was Head of Arts. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Cambridge University and has been teaching in an international environment for nearly thirty years. He is a practicing artist, working in oils, watercolor and relief printing, as well as being a professional photographer. He loves the creative spirit the visual arts develops in students..

Jonathan Kerr

Mr. Kerr earned a university degree in broadcasting communications and a master’s degree in community counseling from Georgia State University. His profession has allowed him to serve in leadership in several U.S. state counseling organizations, as a counselor in a college setting, as a team lead in a community mental health setting, and as a counselor training supervisor. His passion is for helping individuals find their best selves. His interests include anything involving the great outdoors, curling up with a good book, and spending time with family.

Judy Kerr

My list of college degrees may be interesting but doesn’t carry the personal importance that my experience inside and outside the classroom of college students, young teens, and young children has brought. If I could condense my learning to one thought or bit of knowledge it would be this, “ALL humans need to know that they are valued and loved.” No matter where I go or where I have been, every experience of teaching and integrating my life with the lives of people, no matter the age, has always brought me back to this point that people need value and love from each other. Consequently, I have learned a lot from my students. What drives my inner engine is an honest interaction. I am an educator, an artist, a musician, a gardener, a mom, and a lover of creation in all of its forms and I will always be passionately curious.

Kaori Hirose

After working for an Australian company for 10 years, Ms. Hirose moved to Karuizawa to raise her three children in the countryside. While bringing up her children, she worked part time as an English teacher and translator. In 2015, Ms. Hirose began doing some translation work for UWC ISAK and became inspired how the school supported motivated students with financial difficulties. She is very happy to join the talented team and is looking forward to seeing the students growing up to be leaders who will improve the world.

Keiko Sato

When she was in elementary school, Ms. Sato moved to the US with her family and spent two years in Colorado. From the experience of being immersed in a totally different culture, she was interested in working as a bridge between Japan and other countries. She went back to the US to attend a graduate school, and after receiving a master’s degree, she returned to Japan and worked for a private school in Tokyo as an International Programs Coordinator. She believes in the power of education, and she really enjoys working at UWC ISAK Japan with people from different countries and backgrounds.   

Kimberlee Pierce

Kyle Morgan Thomas

Mr. Thomas is a South African educational leader. His 12 years journey in education started at home and then propelled him to various leadership positions in South Korea, Lesotho, the Philippines, and finally Vietnam, where he was the Vice-Principal of a multi-campus international school system. UWC ISAK Japan aligns with his educational philosophy grounded in the belief that education is a basic human right and a necessary tool for survival and success. He believes we must empower students with the necessary skills to reach their potential and become transformational leaders who will be catalysts for change. His life-long goal is not only to support students in realizing and achieving their greatest potential but also to support the school community in creating the most optimal environment for teaching and learning.

Kyoko Otake

Ms. Otake attended international schools in Hong Kong and Taiwan and graduated from university in the UK before working as a project manager in international marketing and sales in Stockholm, Sweden, where she lived for over 11 years. She then relocated to Tokyo and worked in quality management before moving with her family to Karuizawa. Ms. Otake is excited to be a part of such a diverse team at ISAK. In her free time she enjoys traveling, organizing outdoor activities, home farming, visiting art museums and attending concerts.

Lorier Reygel

Mr. Reygel is originally from Toronto, Canada, but has not called it home for some time now. For the last fourteen years, he has taught in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and The Netherlands. He recently returned to Japan after eight years of teaching in Europe to serve at Ritsumeikan Junior and Senior High School (just outside of Kyoto) as an English Language and Literature teacher, Extended Essay Coordinator, and Approaches to Learning coordinator. He is excited about joining the UWC movement, specifically UWC ISAK Japan, with its focus on Leadership in a tight-knit community of learners. “So much about Karuizawa appeals to me that I hardly know where to begin. The climate, being surrounded by nature. Introducing my daughters to snow that doesn’t melt before it hits the ground… it reminds me of all the best parts of Canada!”

Luka (Muhtesem Onder)

Before coming to UWC ISAK, Mr. Onder who is a teaching librarian worked in Turkey. He currently teaches information science and theory of knowledge. He earned his MBA through Ozyegin University and his master in Advanced Education in High School through University of the People.  At UWC ISAK, he uses his previous experience to enhance the research and learning abilities of students as well as creating a strong library for UWC ISAK Japan.

Mako Ikeda

Ms. Ikeda worked in the Financial Industry for ten years in series of roles including IR & Corporate Communication, Executive Assistant to the CEO and Government Relations. As a diversity & inclusion specialist, she was responsible for creating a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusion. Working closely with the Japanese government, she positioned a company as diversity global leader focusing on the empowerment of women. She also served as a Vice Chair of Women in Business Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Ms. Ikeda joined UWC ISAK Japan because she resonated with the school’s philosophy on diversity and she feels passionate about supporting student to become catalysts for positive change.

Malcolm McKenzie

I am a South African by birth, and a citizen of many countries by inclination and through lived experience! I have enjoyed a thrilling and, I hope, service-focused career in education, teaching at universities and schools on four continents, and leading a number of fine boarding schools. These schools are in Botswana, the USA, the UK, and China. From 2000 to 2007, I was Principal of UWC Atlantic College in Wales. I love the energy of learning institutions, and the capacity that they have to create and sustain communities that are courteous, collegial, and full of character. In these ways, schools can be emblems of hope for our fractured world. I chose to come to UWC ISAK Japan because it is a new and compelling UWC, with certain distinctive and pioneering aspects to its mission. I look forward to helping to take this lovely school to the next phase of its development, to planning a pathway or ways for the next few years, and to getting to know its people, the students and the adults. They are diverse and purposeful, and full of love for and enjoyment of this magical place.

Marcos Melero

Originally from Spain, Mr. Melero gained valuable business experience in information technology, graphic design and advertising before finding his true calling as a teacher. He has since spent nine years teaching mathematics and computer science in the UK, Spain, Germany and Japan. Mr. Melero has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Málaga and a PGCE in mathematics from the University of Oxford. Inspired by his computer science background, he uses every opportunity to integrate technology and online resources into his mathematics lessons. When not teaching, he enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, cycling, photography, fishing, and scuba diving.

Masako Ogawa

After several years teaching health and physical education at elementary and middle schools in Tokyo, Ms. Ogawa became a scuba diving instructor, teaching scuba diving in Thailand, the Maldives and Canada. She returned to Japan after a period in Germany and became a licensed special education instructor. Ms. Ogawa loves sports of all kinds, and is currently teaching physical education at ISAK.

Matthew Christensen

Mr. Christensen has a Master’s degree in English Literature and a Bachelor’s degree in English Education. For the last ten years he has been teaching English language arts, IB English Language and Literature and IB Film at his previous schools. Mr. Christensen grew up in Minnesota in the United States and has lived in Turkey for the last decade. Living and working abroad has broadened his perspective as a teacher and lifelong learner.

Michelle Rutter

Michelle has been teaching for 18 years. For the past 8 years, she has been teaching IBDP Chemistry and Biology in Germany and Vietnam. She believes school is about more than just the academics and looks forward to being involved in the extended aspects of the curriculum that are a significant part of UWC ISAK Japan. Michelle enjoys being part of UWC ISAK’s incredibly diverse community because it broadens horizons and allows one to better appreciate their own background.

Mineko Kobayashi

Ms. Kobayashi was drawn to UWC ISAK Japan after learning about the leadership education that centers on attaining a peaceful and sustainable future. She is excited to be part of a diverse community and the opportunity to teach young people who will make the world a better place. She enjoys yoga, jogging, traveling, cooking, reading, and watching movies. She is excited by the opportunity at UWC ISAK to learning from each other — students, teachers and the community as a whole.

Mizuho Gorai

Ms. Gorai was born and raised in Tokyo. After receiving a Bachelor of Law degree from Keio University in Tokyo, she worked for more than 20 years at multinational companies, mainly in the finance and corporate sales, customer service, and project management. Ms. Gorai participated in two summer school programs overseas when she was a teenager, which were both eye-opening experiences and influenced her life choices. Naturally she was drawn to the mission and vision of UWC ISAK Japan and is now involved in building and maintaining the relationships with donors, Ms. Gorai enjoys supporting the realization of the world that UWC ISAK believes in.

Naoyuki Nakajima

Before joining UWC ISAK Japan in Fall 2022, Naoko gained valuable experience working as an administrator for a private tutoring school and at a large bus pick-up and drop-off service company in Nagano prefecture. During his tenure, he occasionally drove buses for UWC ISAK, becoming captivated by the school’s distinctive environment and hospitality. To Naoko, it was a “dreamland that cannot be expressed in words,” and he aspired to be a part of this world. Now an essential member of the Facilities Team, Naoko focuses on ensuring student safety, managing the school’s buildings, and providing transportation. His commitment to serving students with the best possible support stems from the profound impact they have on his work.

Nicolas Carter

Mr. Carter is Belgian and British but has spent most of his life abroad. He grew up in Singapore, where he attended UWCSEA for 13 years until graduating in 2011. After a brief return to the UK for university, he started working for a Japanese non-profit as they developed their leadership program for high school graduates on the African continent. After five years of working in various roles in Dakar, Senegal, he moved to Tokyo in 2020 to focus on student recruitment and admissions for the program across the continent. As a UWC Alum with several years of experience supporting young people to have a transformative impact on their communities, he is thrilled to return concretely to the movement with UWC ISAK Japan. The school’s unique approach to helping students realize their potential aligns perfectly with his goals, and he looks forward to playing his part in the school community.

While he has been able to live and work in several different countries, he never lived more than a quick commute away from the center of a major city. Moving to Karuizawa represents a significant change in more ways than one! However, having spent many holidays and weekends hiking and trail running in the mountains, Karuizawa strikes him as the perfect place to take this first big step out of the city.

Olivia Boissel

After a few years working as a freelance consultant in the publishing industry and as a translator and French teacher, Olivia is excited to put her passion for words and images into practice at UWC ISAK Japan. She grew up mostly in rural South of France and studied in Paris at Sciences Po university where she earned a B.A. and a Masters in Cultural Policy and Management. Her education included two study abroad stints in Japan at Waseda University and at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. She also enjoyed a six month work assignment in Beijing, China. After she first supported the UWC ISAK Japan Summer School 2021 program as a staff member before joining full-time. She is thrilled to be part of the UWC ISAK Japan community as well as the local community here in beautiful Karuizawa.

Rie Koido

Ms. Koido brings an extensive background in web content design, marketing and project management to the UWC ISAK technology department. Prior to joining UWC ISAK, Ms. Koido worked for a Japanese general trading company where she spent several years focusing on digital youth culture, including both educational and entertainment content. She has lived abroad in both Canada and Britain. Ms. Koido received her Master’s degree in psychology from a UK university.

Rie Okada

Ms. Okada spent her early childhood in Los Angeles, where she naturally learned to accept diversity, including cultural and racial differences. After moving back to Japan during high school, she experienced a shocking cultural gap in society, which often caused her to ponder why people aren’t simply accepted as they are. Ms. Okada hopes for true positive change in the world, and is supporting UWC ISAK Japan while raising two children. She graduated from Keio University and enjoyed an interesting career in finance and PR/marketing before joining UWC ISAK Japan. She is a self-described foodie, chef and golfer.

Ruben Pinzon

Dr. Pinzon obtained his Ph.D. in neuroscience, robotics, and computer science from Chubu University in Japan, his teaching certification from Sunderland University in the UK, and both MSc/BSc in electronic and electrical engineering in his homeland Colombia. Dr. Pinzon has taught different classes in engineering, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and robotics to varied audiences and age groups in India, Taiwan, and Colombia. He enjoys working in diverse and inclusive settings where he excels at helping his students connect real-life science with the classroom. He is a firm believer in education as a transformational force for a better future. Adventurer, quadrilingual, and avid learner, Dr. Pinzon also likes coffee, bicycles, and the outdoors.

Sakura Ueno

Over my career, I’ve worked closely with top executives at global investment banks. After an 8-year stint in Singapore, where I experienced the value of diversity, I’m happy to be back in Japan supporting the Chair of the Board in her efforts to spread the mission and message of UWC ISAK Japan. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and playing golf.

Sanae Matsuo

Worked in a tourism industry in 6 different countries including a role of Sales & Marketing manager in the international organization for 10 years. Spent 11 years in Indonesia, and loved the local product such as batik, basket, curving..etc then started to own an export project (business? ). All products were her original design. After the all adventures in many different cultures, she is in believe of “There is a genius in every one of us” then wrote a children’s book with this message, also translated a picture book about “ a friendship between 2 different outlook”. Ms. Matsuo joined ISAK because there are so many of she believes in, and enjoying her new adventures with all ISAK family

Satomi Kitazawa

Ms. Kitazawa began her career in accounting before moving on to real estate as an appraisal assistant. She changed careers in 2013, becoming an interpreter at a medical device manufacturing company where she interacted with a predominantly Filipino culture that allowed her to learn much about a different language, customs and culture. She lived in London for one year to study English, and has traveled extensively throughout the U.K. Her hobbies include her cats and hiking, and in particular climbing Mt. Kurofu, which she highly recommends for the magnificent view of nearby Mt. Asama.

Shermeen Ng

I am a Singaporean who loves traveling, food, and adventure. I enjoy learning about cultures that are different from mine and getting to know people from various parts of the world. After graduation, I joined the teaching profession and have enjoyed working with young adults for the last 20 years. I feel lucky that my love for teaching allows me to live in different countries.

Shilpa Gupta

After doing a major in Chemical Engineering from India, Shilpa Gupta started her career in Education as a Math faculty and continued for 12 years. For the last 7 years she has been actively involved as a university and guidance counselor advising, preparing students for their life and education after high school. She has introduced, developed and led college counseling departments at various schools around the world, where she has leveraged her deep understanding of the post-secondary application processes across multiple countries and regions. She currently serves on the Executive Board of International ACAC as a delegate to NACAC Assembly and as a Diversity and Inclusion committee member at the IC3 conference and has completed numerous college advising professional development programs run by Columbia University, Harvard University, 8 International ACAC, 5 NACAC , 1 CIS, and 5 IC3 conferences. Shilpa was motivated to join UWC ISAK Japan to be a part of a challenging, diverse and motivated community and be able to support students from different backgrounds, cultures and circumstances in their university application process and to fulfill their dreams of a successful future ahead.

Taymour Bouran

I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada where my passion for teaching and social sciences began. Before coming to Japan, I taught IB MYP Individuals and Societies for two years in Jordan and started a master’s degree in Modern International and Transnational History at the University of Oslo; which I am in the process of completing. I am constantly driven to discover new perspectives and research topics that connect disciplines across the social sciences. My philosophy in education stems from the crucial foundation of open, honest, and critical discussion. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new places and going on multi-day hikes.

Ya-Ling Chien

Ms. Chien has a Master’s degree in International Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Literature. She has been teaching both Chinese A and Mandarin B in the IB Diploma Programme for 10 years. Ms. Chien was born in Taiwan and has lived in the UK for the last 15 years. Having taught in both Taiwan and UK, she truly enjoys working in an international environment, and believes that the cultural diversity helps enrich the whole learning process.

Yoko Kumagai

Yoko has a bachelor’s degree in finance from a university in the US. After working for an accounting office and real estate company in Tokyo, she moved to Karuizawa with her husband to spend the rest of here life in its beautiful environs. She enjoys supporting future changemakers and is happy to be a member of UWC ISAK Japan.

Yuko Takano

Ms. Takano holds degrees as a registered nurse and public health nurse. She initially worked in a clinical setting, acquiring counseling experience while working with both Japanese and international patients. She later worked as a nurse in the brain surgery department of a major regional hospital. Ms. Takano’s interest in international activities began in high school, when she was an exchange student to the US.Since then, she has been involved in international volunteer and charity activities, with focus on the Philippines and other countries in Asia. The mother of two children, Ms. Takano firmly believes that proper mental and physical health are essential for humans to make the most of their lives. She feels privileged to be working with UWC students, and is excited to help them realize their potential through good health.

Yumiko Okita

Ms. Okita studied intercultural communication at Tsuda College, before working for global companies where she committed to process transformation and project management related to organization and HR. She sympathizes deeply with the UWC ISAK mission/vision. Ms. Okita moved to Karuizawa with her family and wishes to support ISAK’s future change makers! She is looking forward to raising her child in a nature-rich environment. She enjoys violin, reading and Japanese sake when she has time.

Yuri Ishiwa

Through working for a local radio station, FM Karuizawa, where she learned much about ISAK, Ms. Ishiwa was keen to interview founder Ms. Lin Kobayashi for her radio program. However Ms. Ishiwa was so impressed by what she learned that she sought to become involved in the project herself, and Ms. Kobayashi ended up interviewing her! Alongside her work at the radio station for the past 10 years, she has worked as a freelance interpreter, emcee and narrator. In her childhood Ms. Ishiwa lived in Australia, the US and the Republic of Panama. Her interests include attending concerts, musicals, plays and trekking.