Faculty & Staff Directory

Began at CAIS 2026

Sarah Affolter is a literacy specialist, instructional coach, and learning support educator who believes that every student deserves access to meaningful, inclusive learning—and that strong school communities are built through collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to equity. She comes to CAIS with experience spanning classroom teaching, teacher education, and systems-level literacy leadership, most recently serving at the International School of Beijing and previously with San Francisco Unified School District as an instructional coach and reading specialist.

Sarah is passionate about supporting diverse learners and empowering educators with research-based practices—from the science of reading to culturally responsive teaching. She is especially committed to helping students find confidence in their voices and identities through literacy. She looks forward to joining the CAIS community, partnering with colleagues and families, and supporting students to thrive as joyful, capable learners.

Began at CAIS in 2011

In the outskirts of Taipei, Taiwan, Ena was raised in a family of four. In her childhood, she liked hanging out at bookstores with her dad, building and taking LEGOs apart with her brother, exploring traditional markets with her mom, and reading (her favorite hobby). After earning a degree in language education from Taipei University of Education, she moved and eventually settled in San Francisco. Her passion and profession led her to several jobs and volunteer opportunities in adult education and K-5 schools. Since joining CAIS in 2011, she has been and continues to advancing in her role of support and enhance students’ Chinese learning experiences.

Began at CAIS in 2013

Originally from the Midwest, Ms. Clark graduated from Cal with a B.A. in Anthropology. After working in China as a tour guide for American medical professionals, she returned to Berkeley and pursued a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology. Before joining CAIS, she was the learning center director at Immaculate Conception High School in the Mission. Ms. Clark lives in San Francisco with her son and husband, and her beloved, ancient chocolate lab!

Favorite quote (Victor Hugo): “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”

Began at CAIS 2024

K-4th Grade Counselor Ginger Harper holds an M.Ed. in International School Counseling from Lehigh University and comes to us from Shanghai American School – Puxi, where she was an Early Childhood Counselor.

Ms. Harper is thrilled to return to the US after 14 amazing years abroad, where she and her husband had the pleasure of living in vibrant cities like Seoul, Bangalore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and Beijing. China holds a special place in their hearts as it’s where their son was born and where their daughter fondly calls “home”. Her partner, Joshua Brinn, will be joining the middle school as a math and science teacher, while their son begins 3rd grade and their daughter embarks on her Kindergarten journey.

BEGAN AT CAIS 2011

Lower School veteran Ms. Reid holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA in Education from Seattle Pacific University. A skilled literacy teacher, she also attended the Reading Institute at Teachers College at Columbia University. She believes that the first step to student achievement is making all children feel comfortable in the classroom, and this is palpable in her kind, calm tone with the children.

BEGAN AT CAIS 2011

A certified Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) assessor, Wang Laoshi graduated from Taiyuan Normal University with a BA in Education and began her career in a Montessori preschool before joining CAIS in 2011. Wang Laoshi is passionate about her career in education and finds her work incredibly meaningful. She believes in creating a welcoming environment, continually focusing on meeting the varied needs of the children in her care, and on finding exciting ways to integrate technology.