Instructors and Advisors
Our Teachers
Literacy Instructors
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Rosa Lenihan
M.A.
Director and English Instructor
With a Master’s degree in Communication and twenty years of experience in teaching English, Rosa is an effective educator who has helped guide students to strengthen their writing and analysis capabilities.
Rosa recognizes that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere to mature intellectually and cognitively. It is her desire as an educator to help students meet their potential by providing an environment that is fun, creative, and encourages risk-taking and a sharing of ideas. Her goal is to help each student to see the impact of their contributions in the world.
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Lusheen Beaumont
B.A., TESL, IB Certificate
English Instructor
With over 11 years of full-time classroom experience, internationally-educated British teacher Lusheen delivers interesting academic workshops for the IB, SAT exam prep, English, and ESL curriculums.
Lusheen is an experienced curriculum expert who specializes in creating educational programs for high school students. His educational philosophy centres around developing his students’ understanding of language, literature, and writing to empower their own learning, as well as develop an appreciation for the beauty of words.
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Jonas Salzberg
B.A., M.Ed., TESL
English Instructor
For over 10 years, Jonas taught students with a variety of proficiencies in the English language. He has taught students who have just begun to read, students who are developing a passion for writing, as well as students studying for the TOEFL, Cambridge and IELTS English Exams.
Jonas is an empathetic instructor who adapts his teaching style to fit students learning goals. While creating English courses, Jonas has always put himself into the “shoes” of his students, to create a curriculum that captures the attention of his students. He believes that the perspectives of his students have led him to become mindful teacher.
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Casey Elliot
B.A., TEFL
English Instructor
Casey Elliott completed her Bachelor of Arts at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a major in linguistics and a minor in psychology. She has a passion for the English language, and hopes to spread that passion to her students.
Casey has several years of experience working in multiple roles to help children explore new discoveries. She has worked as an ESL teacher, private tutor, and camp counsellor to children aged four to fifteen. She believes that learning should be exciting, and strives to create an environment that is both educational and fun, while also catering to the needs of each student.
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Diane Olemann
B.A., B.A.Ed.
English Instructor
Diane received her Bachelor of Arts in French Literature from University of Montreal and her Bachelor of Educator from St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College. She also has a DELF Junior Scolaire A2 diploma.
She is a passionate teacher who strives to create a cooperative community in the classroom that demonstrates the importance of mutual respect She has successfully assisted a few of her students in preparation for entry to Ivy League colleges in the USA and universities in England. .
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Daphne McMahol
B.Ed
English Instructor
With 10 years of full-time classroom experience, as well as experience in both private and public education systems, Daphne is an enthusiastic educator who is interested in helping students explore their learning interests. Daphne is experienced in large classroom settings as well as 1-1 learning through tutoring, ESL and learning assistance programs. She also has experience working with special needs students due to her involvement with relief agencies inside and outside the classroom. Her education philosophy centres around fostering a confidence for English language and literature in students, and guiding them to become critical thinkers and life-long learners.
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Sophie Thien
B.A
English Instructor
Sophie is a teacher who always makes time for her students and is eager to encourage learning in fun and new ways.
Sophie is a well-versed teacher in English, History, Geography and Law and is additionally passionate about Tennis. Her knowledge in both sports and academics has allowed her to become a well-rounded teacher.
She is currently studying political science at the University of British Columbia. Sophie works with students who want to improve their reading and writing skills so that they can take what they learn and apply it in their personal lives.
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Elizabeth Semenoff-Grenon
M.A.Ed.
English Instructor
Elizabeth is a certified TESL instructor with a background in psychology. After returning from teaching English in China, she received her Master of Education from UBC and began teaching in Vancouver. Her experiences give her a unique insight into the challenges faced by language learners. Elizabeth is practised in working with children of various backgrounds and unique learning styles. She has taught academic English to students preparing for university and has helped tutor international students who need support. .
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Miguel Soler
B.B.A, TEFL
English Instructor
Miguel graduated from Simon Fraser University with Honours and has experience in editing, writing, and helping students improve their English.
Miguel takes a systematic approach to language learning. He understands the importance of discipline, self-confidence, and consistency in developing strong language skills. He has a strong grasp of language structures and essay organization – both of which are crucial for standardized testing and university admissions. Miguel helps his students to empower their own learning.
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Liane Tang
B.Kin.
English Instructor
Liane is a Math and English tutor with over 7 years of experience working with children from ages 5 to 18. Completing her high school education at Little Flower Academy and graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC, Liane is knowledgeable in all subjects. Her primary focus is working with elementary school grade students in both Math and English; moreover, she has many experiences working with secondary school students. Liane's goal is to help her students overcome any struggles they may have and to understand what they are learning so that they grow confident in their skills and aim for success in their academic careers.
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Julie Wantanabe
English Instructor
Julie Wantanabe teaches ELL (English Language Learners) and English 8-12 (BC Curriculum) at Quantum, and she holds a BC Teaching Certificate. She has taught middle school English and ELL at both public and private schools in Vancouver.
Julie has extensive teaching experience, and her teaching style is catered to students individualized needs. She is skilled at incorporating students' learning habits and psychological development stages, helping them overcome language learning obstacles, strengthening their English learning foundations, and enhancing their overall grammar, vocabulary, literary appreciation, and writing skills.
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Pamela Viswasam
English Instructor
After teaching for nearly ten years, Pam has gathered a thorough understanding of BC’s education system, as well as the ELL courses that pertain to elementary and middle-aged children. She believes in cultivating a lively and comfortable atmosphere in the classroom, where students can feel supported and achieve their best results.
To improve her students’ English skills, Pam often has them take part in a variety of classroom activities and games, effectively giving play and learning the opportunity to work in tandem. She also has past experience teaching at St. John’s and St. George’s, two well-known private schools in Vancouver. . .
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Natalie Wong
English Instructor
Miss Natalie is a primary English teacher with +6 years of professional teaching experience in private schools. She is passionate and is deeply committed to creating a challenging yet nurturing learning environment.
She is a warm and caring teacher who wants all her students to be successful learners and works to create a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating, encouraging and adaptive to the varied needs of students.
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Shirley Wong
B.A.
English Instructor
Shirley Wong boasts over two decades of experience as a seasoned English educator with a proven track record in different educational environments. She is a personable teacher who has catered to learners from various backgrounds, age groups, and those with special needs. Shirley's language abilities extend to Cantonese fluency, as well as proficiency in Mandarin, Japanese, and French.
At Quantum Academy, Shirley teaches reading, academic writing, and private school interview skills to students from kindergarten through grade seven. Additionally, she spearheads the Young Writers, and Public Speaking Camps.
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Sally Kim
B.A.,
English Instructor
Sally Kim is an educator with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in English from the University of Victoria. She has extensive experience working with children as a Head Supervisor for Tomorrow's TopKids Child Care Society and as a Summer Camp Leader for West Shore Parks & Recreation, ensuring their safety and enjoyment while adhering to safety standards.
At Quantum Academy, Sally is a beloved teacher of English and Humanities who teaches students of all levels. Her teaching style reflects her passion for creativity, which inspires her students to develop a love for learning.
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Sam Klein-Laufer
B.A.,
English Instructor
Sam Klein-Laufer holds a bachelor's degree in education, a TESL certificate, and a bachelor's degree in history. Despite being new to the teaching profession, Sam brings valuable experience from working in both ELL/ESL and mainstream classrooms in BC public schools.
Sam recognizes the challenges that language learners face in BC public schools, particularly international students and new immigrants who often lack adequate support. He is committed to creating personalized plans that address students' language needs while fostering creativity. Sam is passionate about helping students improve their literacy.
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Cristy Watson
B.Ed.
English Instructor
Cristy has pursued her passion for education and writing for over two decades, beginning with her Bachelor of Education in English from the University of Calgary in 1987.
Cristy's experience as a child care and support teacher has given her a deep understanding of emotional learning. She has facilitated numerous creative writing workshops for adults and youth, including those with special needs.
Cristy is also the author of several books for young readers, including Room 555, Living Rough and Benched. She has been an editor for various authors of different genres.
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Martin Pi
B.A.
Economics Instructor
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Eli Landa
Eli works for the Extraordinary English Teaching Department and serves as a teacher for English language learning, academic writing, and research guidance. He is passionate about teaching and committed to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in academia and beyond.
Eli's teaching methods are highly personalized, tailored to the unique needs and learning styles of each student. For English language learners, he utilizes his extensive experience as an English teacher and employs various teaching methods to help students develop language skills and achieve their academic goals. Eli's teaching style is highly interactive and engaging, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive language learning experience.
STEM Instructors
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Gary Lenihan
B.Sc.
Director and Science Instructor
Gary has almost twenty years of experience in IT education, as well as a degree in Chemistry from Dalhousie University and a diploma in Information Technology. He has partaken in the establishment of five independent IT schools across North America. He also has over a decade of teaching experience in programming, math, physics and chemistry. He understands and values the importance of post-secondary and adult education.
Gary has been awarded the best teacher for many years at ITI for his dedication and excellence in delivering challenging curriculum. He is well-known for his strong logic and reasoning skills; his way of explaining and teaching has effectively helped many students reach their goals and gain confidence. Gary looks forward to continuing to facilitate students in discovering their passion on which they will thrive.
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Dawn Shum
B.Sc, M.Ed.
Math & Science Instructor
Dawn obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Nutritional Science from UBC. In her first year at UBC, she was granted the International Major Entrance Scholarship because of her exceptional performance. Her past experience as an international student has allowed her to identify what kinds of struggles are being encountered by international students nowadays, and she wants to use what she has learned to provide guidance to these students, enabling them to achieve their goals.
Dawn enjoys working with different age groups, which has inspired her to pursue the path of becoming a teacher. She believes that educators play a critical role in helping students discover their unique talents, and she hopes that by creating effective strategies around different learning capabilities, her students can grow independently and maturely through self-reflection and improvement.
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Robert Ruan
Ph.D.
STEM Instructor
Dr.Robert obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta. Not only does he have more than a decade of experience in the field of spatial statistics, but he also has an extensive background in computer programming and analysis, simulation work, and scientific research. He has been a professor at UBC and SFU.
When it comes to helping high school students understand statistics, Robert believes in using real life examples to explain problems. He compiles his own AP statistics teaching materials, which include course handouts, review materials, and problem sets. Robert can guide students who are looking to add some college-level statistics courses to their workload in order to improve their AP test scores.
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Lala Wang
B.Sc., M.Sc
Science Instructor
Lala received her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Chemistry, then went on to obtain her Master’s Degree in Polymer Chemistry and Physics at her university. She began her career in 2004, teaching science at different educational institutions in China, before moving to Vancouver and working with students from level K to Grade 12 in Chinese, English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Science.
Lala believes that the key to teaching is patience, and that building a strong connection with students is all about getting to know their interests and figuring out what makes them excited to learn. She makes sure to create lesson plans that are specifically tailored to suit a student’s needs, personality, and interests. She hopes that by building an individualized classroom environment, students will be inspired to pursue their goals as they continue on their journeys through education.
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Thomas Cui
B.Sc.
Science Instructor
Thomas graduated from UBC with a Biology degree and currently has 6 years of experience tutoring K-12 years. He specializes in high school math, biology, physics, and chemistry, although this extends to customizable programs, such as AP and IB curriculums, or math challenges and contests as well.
He believes that the best way to learn is to build high-efficiency study habits that will stick with students for life and help them apply their critical thinking skills to different problems. Thomas also wants to teach his students how to utilize their knowledge—along with their own unique perspectives—to their highest potential, so that they will be prepared for any number of situations down the road.
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Alex Pi
B.Sc, M.Sc
Math & Science Instructor
With a solid educational foundation in chemistry, completing both his bachelor's and master's degrees at UBC, Alex has developed a deep passion for science and research. Motivated by his dedication to scientific approaches in patient care, he is currently pursuing dental studies at Western University. Education has always played a pivotal role in his life, and for over a decade, he has been devoted to assisting students.
Alex goes beyond simply improving students' scores; he strives to shape their attitudes, motivation, and confidence towards learning. Specializing in high school and university math and science courses, he devotes his time to helping students become the best versions of themselves in their everyday studies.
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Mason Song
B.Sc., B.M., M.A.,
STEM Instructor
Mason Song graduated from a top science and engineering university with a double major in computer science and management, and a master's degree in economics. He served as a science teacher in a private high school in Canada for several years. Mason was a science prodigy during his student days, scoring close to perfect in his physics and mathematics college entrance examinations.
He is skilled at teaching according to students' abilities and understanding, explaining complex concepts in simple terms, and adjusting his teaching pace based on students' comprehension and learning styles. He helps students solidify their mathematical foundations, by gradually increase the difficulty of course content as students’ confidence builds over time. At Quantum, Mason serves as a high school science, AP Calculus, AP Physics, IB Math, computer programming, SAT, and competition instructor.
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Nick Cui
B.SC
STEM Instructor
Yuning Cui, also known as Nick, is a dedicated educator and engineering technology specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Education with a minor in Design Innovation from Purdue University. Nick received his Indiana teaching licence.
Throughout his time at Purdue University, Nick has gained extensive experience in the education field. He has worked as a teaching assistant at William Henry Harrison High School and Klondike Middle School, where he provided academic support to students and assisted teachers in classroom management.
In addition to his proficiency in English, Nick is also fluent in Chinese. With his diverse skills and experiences, Nick is poised to make a positive impact in the education field and inspire the next generation of learners.
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Benjamin Axford
B.Sc
STEM Instructor
Benjamin Axford is a passionate teacher with a strong focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) system. As an IB graduate student himself, he has a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by IB students and is dedicated to providing exceptional support. With his teaching experience as a physics teaching assistant at the University of British Columbia, Benjamin supervised labs and tutorials, and helped students understand complex physics concepts.
Benjamin has strong research experience, having worked as a research assistant, and developed expert skills in data analysis and system modeling using Python and Matlab. He is proficient in a variety of computer languages and software, including Java, C, Assembly, Lua, Git, COMSOL, and SolidWorks.
At Quantum, Benjamin specializes in providing tailored support to help IB students achieve their learning goals.
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Josephine Chiang
B.A
MPM Instructor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Tang Ji
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Math Instructor
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Josh Yang
B.Sc.
Science Instructor
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Carina
B.A.
MPM Teacher
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Our Advisors
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Rosa Lenihan
M.A.
Director and English Instructor
With a Master’s degree in Communication and twenty years of experience in teaching English, Rosa is an effective educator who has helped guide students to strengthen their writing and analysis capabilities.
Rosa recognizes that each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere to mature intellectually and cognitively. It is her desire as an educator to help students meet their potential by providing an environment that is fun, creative, and encourages risk-taking and a sharing of ideas. Her goal is to help each student to see the impact of their contributions in the world.
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Cindy Lin
B.A., MM.
Director, Marketing and Strategy
Cindy has both a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Management from UBC. Once an international student herself, she understands the experiences international students may encounter during their university applications.
Not only has she guided many students through course selection and the sign-up process of volunteer programs, but she has also encouraged students to enter competitions based on their individual skills, allowing them to step outside of their comfort zones and grow as learners. With her eye for detail, she is one of our trusted counsellors.
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Evelyn Chang
MBA
Evelyn has an MBA from the UBC Sauder School of Business. She has worked at one of the world’s top 100 corporations as a manager in the logistics department for the past 10 years. Her previous work and leadership experience help her provide effective business school application consulting and interview coaching.
With an extensive history of professional training and advising, she works closely with students to understand their needs in order to successfully admit them to the most appropriate schools and programs. She has assisted countless students in applying to their dream business schools, internships, and jobs.
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Gary Lenihan
BSc.
Director and Advisor
Gary has almost twenty years of experience in IT education, a degree in Chemistry from Dalhousie University as well as a diploma in Information Technology. He has partaken in the establishment of five independent IT schools across North America. He also has over a decade of teaching experience in programming, math, physics and chemistry. He values the importance of post-secondary and adult education. Gary has been awarded the best teacher for many years at ITI for his dedication in delivering challenging curriculum. With his logic and reasoning skills, Gary has helped many students reach their goals.
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Lusheen Beaumont
B.A., TESL, IB Certificate
English Instructor
With over 11 years of full-time classroom experience, internationally-educated British teacher Lusheen delivers interesting academic workshops for the IB, SAT exam prep, English, and ESL curriculums.
Lusheen is an experienced curriculum expert who specializes in creating educational programs for high school students. His educational philosophy centres around developing his students’ understanding of language, literature, and writing to empower their own learning, as well as develop an appreciation for the beauty of words.
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Sophia Zhao
B.Com., MBA.
Mentor
Sophia completed a post-MBA, Master of Advanced Management degree at the Yale School of Management with a focus on Innovation and Strategy. During her journey at Yale, she was further challenged to think creatively by understanding diverse problem-solving perspectives.
Her career path has led her to work with public, private, and startup clients in achieving strategic initiatives in a cross-border context (North America and Asia). She is a strategic thinker, who looks forward to with analyzing and crafting proposals and building relationships.
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James Chang
B.A., M.A.
Mentor
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Shirley Wong
B.A.
Advisor
Shirley Wong boasts over two decades of experience as a seasoned English educator with a proven track record in different educational environments. She is a personable teacher who has catered to learners from various backgrounds, age groups, and those with special needs. Shirley's language abilities extend to Cantonese fluency, as well as proficiency in Mandarin, Japanese, and French.
At Quantum Academy, Shirley teaches reading, academic writing, and private school interview skills to students from kindergarten through grade seven. Additionally, she spearheads the Young Writers, and Public Speaking Camps.
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Grace Liu
B.A.
Advisor
Grace Liu is an exceptional addition to Quantum's university and private school application teams. As a native English speaker who is also fluent in Mandarin and has basic knowledge of French, Grace is uniquely equipped to connect with her students.
Before joining Quantum, Grace served as a TESOL Executive Activities Coordinator and Branch Leader, and designed lessons for children as an intern at the Migrant Children Foundation. Grace has demonstrated outstanding communication as an editor at Campus Nutrition, and the 2022 TEDxUBC Conference Co-Coordinator.
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David Wang
BSBA., MBA.
Mentor
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Jeanne Lee
B.A., CFA
Mentor
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Dennis Hsu
B.Sc.
Mentor
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Jason Chien
B.Sc.
Mentor
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Alvin Lin
B.I.E
Mentor
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Instructors vs. Application Advisors
Instructors
Quantum instructors bring their expertise and extensive experiences to enlighten and guide students through their journey of knowledge exploration. Through connecting with instructors of various career and academic backgrounds, students will be able to investigate various perspectives. Our teachers are their every step of the way as students become enthusiastic learners who can achieve their goals.
Advisors
Quantum advisors share their vast industry experiences as well as their professional networking backgrounds, offering students a glimpse of what the future holds for them. While learning about different career paths and projects they make work towards in the future, students will attain a realistic view of different fields, helping them embark on a journey where their strengths will be explored and built upon.
Our Advisory Board
Joy Lin Salzberg
B.A., M.A.,TESOL
Advisor, Academic English, Academic English Assessment, University English Preparation, IELTS, Career English
Joy Lin Salzberg, M.A. (TESOL) is a long-serving, dedicated and passionate professional in the national and international TESOL field. As a senior English language teaching faculty member at the English Language Institute, University of British Columbia, her expertise has included positions as an ESOL teacher trainer, academic assessment head instructor, UBC support language coach, business English instructor and curriculum developer for over 32 years. She was the former president of TESL Canada and served on the TESL Canada national board for over 9 years. She was the chair of the TESL Canada Testing Committee which produced the English Language Proficiency (ELP) webpages on TESL Canada’s website. She is currently involved in the TESL Canadian Educational Foundation (TCEF), a charitable association providing professional development grants to TESL teachers.
As a keen multicultural and multilingual community volunteer, Joy is currently the fundraising chair of UBC Faculty Women’s Club working to support UBC student scholarships and bursaries. She was a past-president of the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society, a long-time advisor in the immigrant and multicultural community organisations SUCCESS, Japanese Canadian Volunteers Association, Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society, the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra and the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra.