Teachers and Staff

Preschool/Kindergarten Director

Chris

Hello everyone. I’m Mr. Harper. I was born and raised in Kansas City in the United States and have about ten years of teaching experience. I have a Bachelor degree in Health Science and Sport Fitness from the Texas State University in San Marcos. I have taught all ages from toddlers to adults. I spent 2 years teaching in Korea before moving to Japan to teach. For myself, teaching is more than just fun. I look at every child as a competent learner and consider teaching as a new and exciting way of discovering the world. It’s exciting and truly rewarding when you see a student understand what is being taught. It is one of the greatest aspects of being a teacher. I like to motivate all students by making the classroom an exciting and fun environment that is both stimulating, engaging and a place to keep students both challenged and interested.

Primary School Director & Head of Shukugawa Campus

Richard

Hello everyone! I’m Mr. Vidal. I was born and bred in Birmingham, UK. I graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. I also hold a Master’s level International Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I have been teaching now for close to a decade. I have experience teaching in London, Taiwan, China and Japan. During this time I have taught a wide range of learners. I taught students of all ages in Arida, Wakayama for one year. Following that experience I moved to Osaka to teach kindergarten, elementary school and high school students for five years. Teaching for me is more than just a career. We provide a safe environment for our students to express themselves and learn about the world around them. When I was a child, I was the one who always asked ‘why’. As a teacher I always aim to provide a fulfilling answer to students who ask me who, what, where, when or why something happens. I’m very passionate about learning and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with my students. Teaching young learners is not only about the subjects. We are raising the future generation, so it is our responsibility to ensure we pass on good manners and a thoughtful, respectful attitude.

Primary School Head Teacher

Mark

Hello everyone,
My name is Teacher Mark. I was born and raised in Costa Rica. I went to an international school myself since the age of 6, so I can understand what it is like to study and learn English as a second language. That experience created in me a passion for teaching and helping others develop their academic and social skills, not only for school, but also for life.
I majored in Teaching of English as a Second Language and I have been a teacher for 21 years now. I strongly believe in the power of education to change and improve people's lives and to open the doors for a brighter future.
In my free time, I love to study Japanese, play and listen to music, and travel to places with beautiful nature. Besides English, I can also speak Japanese and Spanish. If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know.

Primary School Teacher

Yvette

Hi, I’m Miss Yvette but my friends and colleagues call me Vee. I was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. I got my Bachelor’s degree in education at Cebu Normal University, one of the leading state research universities in the Philippines. I passed and got my teaching license right after graduation and worked as a grade school homeroom teacher and faculty member for two years. (2016-2018)

After which I became an English Instructor for foreign nationals at an English Proficiency Academy where I taught general to business English subjects to mixed level learners of different nationalities from Asia to Europe.

Nine months later (March 2019), I came to Japan to work as an assistant language teacher of English for the Japanese public school system. Alongside this I taught part time for an after school program, a conversation school and an international school. I also teach some of my former Taiwanese and Japanese students online as well.

Growing up, teaching wasn’t my first choice for I have always wanted to become a surgeon. It was only during my internship that I realized I was bound to be a teacher. I feel so connected to the kids and I am so drawn to help and see them become the best version of themselves.

Fun fact about me:
I’m learning violin as a hobby since I was 11 years old.

Primary School Teacher

Mateus

Hello, I'm Mateus, a Brazilian with an Italian twist! I'm a ball of energy, always ready to have fun, and explore the world with curiosity.

My journey into teaching started when I got involved with a speech therapy clinic. They provided services to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, and more. It was an eye-opening experience!

Inspired by that, I decided to combine my passion for the English language with teaching. So, I started my career as an English teacher, working with students of all ages. I truly believe that embracing cultural differences and sharing different perspectives can pave the way for a brighter future that benefits us all.

Let's make the world a better place together! I hope to see you soon.

Japanese Teacher

Yu

私は神奈川県横浜市で生まれ育ちました。趣味は畑で野菜を作ることと料理です。特技は誰とでも分け隔てなく話すことです。人と話すことは簡単なようで実はとっても複雑な行為です。相手を喜ばせることもできるが、言葉を誤ってしまうと相手を気付つけてしまう可能性があります。だからこそ、言葉を上手に使えるようになることは生きていくうえで重要であると私は考えます。そこで、日本語のクラスでは、相手の気持ちを考え、自分の意思をはっきり伝えることができるようになることを目標とします。そのほかにも漢字や文章の作成、日本の文化などを幅広く取り入れた授業を展開していきたいと思います。よろしくお願いいたします。

Art Teacher

Naoki

I believe art is a divine force for critical, creative action for life. Our class expects students to question without expecting an answer. Questioning in itself is the answer to it all. We will be experimenting with a variety of subjects within art making, from drawing to sculpture, creative writing to performance. Assignments in class will introduce basic knowledge of each field of art that is uniquely selected for the personality of the class. Most importantly, I expect the class to provide a safe environment for students to confidently question and share their interests regardless of the form of art in which each student creates. My professional research is on the ontology of Art, An intertwinement of Art and Everyday. I want to provide Art learning experience in motion with our current social, political and cultural background. I want students to take a closer look to the public, surroundings and find freedom within confinements. Creativity is not only to be completely free, but to work within rules at times.

Kindergarten Teacher

Allison

Hello
I am Allison. I am from Texas, USA. I graduated with my bachelors in Japanese studies. I also received my master degree in international relations from Ritsumeikan University where I studied the working conditions of Japanese teachers. I have an always wanted to be a teacher so after getting my teaching certification, I pursued that passion. I have over 5 years of experience teaching in preschool/kindergarten in Japan. I am a highly motivated person who has a great enthusiasm and passion for teaching. I believe that everyone is full of unlimited possibilities and if given the right tools and support, can do anything. My goal is to encourage growth, independence, and confidence through positivity, creativity and fun!

Preschool Teacher

Yuka

Hello. I am Yuka. I was born and raised in Okinawa. I studied early childhood education and English in college, and obtained a kindergarten and nursery teacher license. After graduating, I worked as an aupair and learned English in the United States for two years. What I value most in early childhood education is give children lots of opportunities to think, and develop their creativity. Also, I always want to be the person who understands them and give them love. I will do my best to make sure that your child is happy and safe every day. Thank you.

Preschool Teacher

Reychel

Hello. I'm Reychel from the Philippines. I have a Bachelor degree in Psychology. I am an energetic and enthusiastic professional with over four years of proven teaching experience in Japan. In my career, I had the opportunity to work with people of different ages and backgrounds. My passion for teaching, together with my creativity, helped me build a great bond with all the students I met over the years. My goal is for every child to be able to be more open and confident and help them develop their potential.

Preschool Teacher

Yurie

Hello, my name is Yurie.
I was a preschool teacher for seven years.
When I was little, I always dreamed of being a preschool teacher. I am happy to have fulfilled that dream and become a preschool teacher. I am happy to be able to watch them grow up and share their growth with their parents. I look forward to working with your children this year!

Admin Head

Dianne

Hi there! I’m Teacher Dianne! I was born in the Philippines and raised in Japan. I have a Bachelor degree in Science in Tourism from the University of Santo Tomas and have attended Professional Teacher Training Program; TAIP 2017~2019 Workshop; IB Online Workshop Leading early years in PYP schools Primary Years Programme; Reggio Emilia Approach seminar; Emergency Child Care First-aid and CPR. I have been an Early Education Teacher for six years. I love to provide guidance and mentorship to students to stimulate their proactive attitude towards life. I like to share my wisdom with a gentle passion and inspire students to search for true happiness beyond laughter. I believe that the most important thing to do is to love and care and be more kind to the people in your life. That is why while maintaining a fun and nurturing environment, I treat the students like my own and love them the way that you parents want for your child.

Primary School Teacher

Meghan

Hello, I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Meghan Carroll. I am originally from Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada. I came to Japan 15 years ago to teach English, and have fallen in love with living here. Over the past 15 years of my teaching career, I have had many wonderful opportunities to work with all kinds of students and educational institutions. I am passionate about education, and consider myself a lifelong learner. I’m especially enthusiastic about teaching children. Their bright spirit cheers me up, and their curiosity inspires me to grow and and become the best teacher I can be. I am strongly committed to providing my students with the right educational as well as social tools, so that they can grow into their dreams and achieve their potential. I consider it a privilege to be a part of your child’s education and am so excited to be on this journey together!

Gymnastics/P.E. Teacher

Coach Yu

Hello. I am Coach Yu. I was born and raised in Ibaraki Prefecture. I hold a Bachelor in Physical Education from Tokai University. After finishing my athlete’s adventure in 2010, I became a gymnastic coach successfully bringing young athletes from various gymnastic schools. I believe that the learning process should be fun and is committed to building students confidence and self-esteem through discipline in sport. Most gym routines are boring while repeating the same uninspiring exercises day in and day out. I deliver inspiring and exciting training, where every session feels like play. Life’s too short not to find out the potential of the body!

Primary School Teacher

Yumiko

皆様、こんにちは。私、谷口由美子と申します。2月よりマリーインターナショナルスクールのメンバーとして、明るく元気な子供たちと日々頑張っています。出身地は神戸です、西宮は30年程住んでいます。私はこれまで、未来につながる子供達との関りと能力開発に大変興味があり様々な角度から子供たちと接し、チャレンジして参りました。

 スタートは、小学校教諭として、それから、日本語教師、その後、自身の子供の成長に合わせて、私自身の興味関心からモンテッソーリ教育、ギルフォードの120の知能因子論による教育等・・を体験してまいりました。又、塾講師、家庭教師、大阪、神戸、西宮でプレクラス、JSL日本語教師、専科教師等も経験して参りました。

 こうした経験から、子供の能力が最も伸びるのは子供自身が真の自信を持ち、主体的になった時であることを何度も体験し確信して参りました。子供たちは教師の想像以上の伸びを見せてくれます。とても楽しみです。

 そして、そのことが教育理念となっているマリーインターナショナルスクールで、明るく元気な子供たちと日々学びを共にすることをとてもうれしく思ております。日々の子供たちの様子を見ながら、子供たちがより主体的に活動できる教授法、必要な環境は何かを探求してまいります。

 保護者様のご協力もお願いすることもあるかもしれませんが、ご協力いただけると助かります。子供たちと教師たちと保護者様の皆様とチームで素晴らしい未来につながる子供たちのために精一杯頑張らせていただきたいと思っています。何卒よろしくお願いいたします。

Kindergarten Teacher

Aaron

G’day mates! How’s it goin? I am Teacher Aaron. I was born in Esperance, Australia, I moved to Japan in my mid twenties. I have worked in many fields growing up and I use that knowledge in teaching. I have completed courses in Information Technology as well as teaching English as a second language. I have been teaching in Japan for more than a decade, I like to encourage independent thinking and creativity in my students. I want them to enjoy learning English while they are still young and able to gain the ability to use both their native language as well as English.

Kindergarten Teacher

Toshie

Hello everyone! My name is Toshie. 

It is my pleasure to work for children at MIS. I feel so blessed to have an opportunity to watch them grow every day.

I graduated from University with a Degree in Foreign Studies. After working as a banker, I got a licence as a Nursery School Teacher and made my dream come true to work for children. I also stayed in the US with my family for a couple of years and experienced raising a child there.

I believe that all children have unlimited potential and learning English is one of the best ways to broaden their possibilities. MIS will be their “home away from home”, I would like to make our school life more fruitful together. Please feel free to ask me anything.

Kindergarten Teacher

Meredith

Hi there! My name is Meredith and I’m from Australia. I moved to Japan after doing a Bachelors degree in Japanese and have lived here for 25 years now.
In my time in Japan, I focused on teaching young children and found it to be my passion!
Raising 2 children here, I have learnt many aspects about Japanese schooling and life in Japan as well.
I thoroughly enjoy constantly learning new ways to teach, so I can provide my students with a style that is inclusive of all abilities in an environment built for fun learning.

Kindergarten Teacher

Rechie

Good day everyone! I am Teacher Rechie and I am from the Philippines. I have a degree in Psychology and worked for 5 years as an HR- Human Resources professional. I have been teaching English for two years to different age groups here in Japan. As an educator, I aim to create an ideal, positive and comfortable environment for learning, safety, understanding and fun. I like to make my lessons where every student will be inspired to learn and encouraged to share their individual interests.

Kindergarten Teacher

Sara

こんにちは。私は野崎さらと申します。 私は甲南大学で、英語英米文学科を卒業しました。 英語を学ぶこと、子供と過ごすことがとても好きです。 私は、子供達が何かを学ぶ時に最も大切なことは、 楽しんで取り組むことだと考えています。 毎日を楽しみながら、 英語や、また英語以外の沢山のことを共に学んでいけたらと思います。 子供たちの、かけがえのない子供時代が素晴らしいものになるように、 楽しく、安心して過ごせるような環境づくりに取り組みたいです。 また保護者の皆様もサポートできたらと思います。 何かご相談などあれば、お気軽にお声掛けください。

Preschool Teacher

Akari

Hi there! I’m Teacher Akari. 

I was raised in Nishinomiya and now I’m a mother of two boys. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in English from University. After graduation I attained the J-shine qualification in Vancouver. 

After I came back to Japan I worked for an international school for about 10 years. This job is full of joy and happiness for me. I'm so honored to be engaged in the growth of children. 

I always try to make them feel safe, comfortable and beloved. I hope our kids enjoy learning English and enter into a wider world in their future!

Preschool Teacher

Janeen

Hi everyone! I am Ms Janeen, a licensed teacher, born in Bicol Region, Philippines. I hold a degree of Bachelor of Elementary Education from Bicol University, Legazpi City and Post Diploma of Early Childhood Education at the Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City, Camarines Sur. For two years, I have been a school teacher in our hometown. Searching for a greener pasture, I was fortunate to teach in an International School for pre school age children in Singapore and for four years now, I continue to teach preschool children in Japan.

Photography, is one of my big passion. I love capturing nature, life and the genuine smiles of the people around me.

I am enthusiastic and dedicated in providing the best learning experience for my students. I do believe that every student is unique and watching them grow is a special experience. Being able to provide them with a strong foundation to pursue on their studies and continue to achieve their life goals means a lot to me.

Teaching is a lifelong love of learning and to be a good and efficient teacher, we must have the quality of being patient, having constant communication and love for young children.

Preschool Teacher

Saya Ota

Hello all, I am Teacher Saya. I was born and raised in Okayama prefecture. I graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Otani University in Osaka. It has been my dream since I was a child to become a nursery teacher, and I am very happy to be involved with children every day. I believe that play provides children with the opportunity to gain social skills by interacting, collaborating and negotiating with others. By learning about the natural environment, they gain knowledge and appreciation for the world and find joy in seeing new things. I would like to grow together with the children. I do believe that every moment, and every new experience that I am exposed to, will have an impact on the rest of life.

Preschool Teacher

Akane

私はOide Akaneと言います。私は大学を卒業して幼稚園の先生と保育士をしていました。今は女の子2人のママで、子どもと遊ぶことが大好きです。日々の保育では、子どもたち一人ひとりの個性を大切にし、一緒に笑ったり喜んだり、気持ちを共有しながら、笑顔のあふれる毎日を送りたいと思っています。保育園のことや子育てのことなど、何か気になることがありましたら、ぜひ遠慮なくお声がけください。

Preschool Teacher

Anne

Hello everyone. I am Teacher Anne and I am from the Philippines. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. I also studied Japanese for two years at Ehle Institute in Osaka. I have been teaching for more than 7 years here in Japan and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.I have worked as a Preschool teacher, Assistant Language Teacher and Primary Afterschool Teacher as well. Being a teacher is really rewarding. It’s satisfying to see children learning from me and enjoying my company. 

I hope to help more children achieve important milestones, to make them happy while learning and to ensure their safety during all routines and activities.

Admin

Inna

MIS夙川でAdminの仕事をしているイナです。
MISのチームの一員であることを楽しんでいます。毎朝、学校に戻り、生徒や先生たちの笑顔を見るのがとても楽しみで、そのうちに同僚から大切な友人になりました。学校に入った瞬間から、愛と笑いに満ちた温かい雰囲気が伝わってきます。 これらは、幸せな人間を育てるために最も重要な要素であると確信しています。私たちは、生徒たちに知識を与えるだけでなく、自分自身を自由に表現する可能性を与えています。私たち自身が模範となることで、彼らの小さな心を育むことができるのです。感謝すること、愛すること、楽しむことがいかに大切かを教えています。私たちは皆、子どもたちが成長した暁には成功することを望んでいますが、それよりももっと大切なことがあることを忘れています。幼い頃から幸せや充足感に触れることで、成功に対する真の感謝が自然に身につきます。 この貴重な贈り物を手にした子どもたちは、どこに行こうが、何になろうが、自分の可能性を最大限に生かした人生を経験することができるのです。 このような思いから、私は先生方と保護者の方とのコミュニケーション作りのお手伝いをさせていただいています。私たちの学校が日々直面している組織的なプロセスを円滑かつ効率的に維持するために。 何かご希望やご心配なことがありましたら、いつでもご相談ください。
成長するMIS夙川ファミリーへようこそ。

Admin/Japanese Teacher

Akiko

みなさん、こんにちは。MIS夙川で日本語の先生とadminをしています、Akikoです。私は、大学時代に教員の免許を取得し、その後、作文の添削など様々な形で教育に携わってきました。言葉とは、自分の想いや考えを伝えることのできる素晴らしいコミュニケーションの道具だと思っています。子供たちの興味・想像力を大切にしながら、一緒に学んでいきたいと思います。

Bus Driver

Kazu

Hello. My name is Kazutaka Minami. I was born in Japan and grew up in Hyogo Prefecture.
After graduating from high school, I went to study in the United States.
I majored in Business, Accounting and Computers. During that time, I was in Seattle and Los Angeles. At first, I could not speak English at all, but in between classes, I enjoyed surfing, basketball, and soccer with people from various countries. We became good friends and communicated well. After graduation, I worked as a system engineer and in education, and I believe that MIS students are blessed with these opportunities. I would like to create an environment for students to achieve their potential.

I usually drive a bus, work as a child care assistant, help with accounting, and carry lunches to all schools.