Faculty & Staff Directory

BEGAN AT CAIS 1992

Mr. Wright started working at CAIS in 1992. He has been the library media specialist for most of that time. He helps Preschool-5th grade teachers get teaching materials, and meets with K and 1st grade students for classes. He studied Chinese at UC Santa Barbara, Hong Kong Chinese University, and the Normal University language center in Taiwan. He has a BA in Religious Studies from UCSB, and an AA in library science from SF City College. He took all the classes for a BCLAD from SF State. He received an MLIS from San Jose State. He loves to hike in the woods and drink tea at home.

Began at CAIS 2022

While Ms. Reid is on maternity leave through late October, we are so pleased to have Ms. Hu step into the lead teacher role. Following Ms. Reid’s return, Ms. Hu will continue with second grade as English Teaching Associate. A San Francisco native, she graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Business Economics and a minor in Digital Arts. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading with Credential at USF and will be graduating in May 2023. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, biking, and hula hooping.

Began at CAIS 2024

Olivia shares, “I relocated to the US and started my family four years ago. I now live with my husband and two little ones in SF. Prior to that, I studied public health at school and have worked in government settings for several years in Taiwan, gaining expertise in administration, management, and data analysis. After spending lots of time with my little ones, I developed an interest in child development and multilingual education. I am excited to bring my professional skills to CAIS and be part of contributing to the program.

During my leisure time, I like to learn about healthy eating and food nutrition. I am currently researching how to quickly prepare healthy and nutritious meals. I welcome everyone to exchange ideas with me!”

Bilingual in Cantonese and English, Ms. Yan was born in China but raised in New York City from the age of three. Over the course of ten years, she has taught children of various ages, from preschool to fifth grade in New York City and San Francisco. She earned her master’s degree in education from Bank Street College of Education. Ms. Yan believes that every child has the potential to learn beyond expectations when they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. In her free time, she loves to hike, camp, practice yoga, and complete 1000 piece puzzles. Ms. Yan joined the Advancement Team in 2022.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1999

With a wellspring of enthusiasm, Yang Laoshi gets children singing and smiling their way through the day. An alumni parent herself (Aaron ’07), Yang Laoshi has been teaching kindergarten at CAIS since 1999. Originally from Beijing, Yanmei also taught Kindergarten for over ten years in her hometown upon graduation with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She loves singing and dancing, and her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1999

We are celebrating Yang Laoshi’s 22nd year educating and supporting students at CAIS. Prior to joining CAIS, Yang Laoshi served as editor for the Taiwanese National Math Curriculum and as math master teacher and consultant for the Taiwan Province. She continues to bring her expertise not only to her classroom, but to her peers as well.

Began at CAIS 2014

See School Spotlight—Annie Yu

Began at CAIS 2019

Preschool Teaching Associate Daisy Yu speaks fluent Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. She grew up in China, and immigrated to the United States more than a decade ago. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA degree and a major in Early Childhood and Adolescent Development. She joined CAIS in 2019 and worked as an after-school advisor for three years. She then started to work at the lower school front desk in the third year she joined CAIS. After spending much time with children at CAIS, she decided to gain experience and focus on her interest in younger children this year. She loves to see smiles and how children learn while spending time with them. In free time, she loves to make homemade Chinese desserts and Gelato at home.

BEGAN AT CAIS 2020

Zhang Laoshi joined CAIS in 2020 having taught Mandarin and coordinating the Mandarin immersion program for the previous five years at Pacific Beach Middle School. Prior to that she held teaching positions at Harvard University, Columbia University, and Mesa College. Zhang Laoshi holds an M.Ed. from Harvard University, an MA from Peking University, and a BA from Beijing Language and Culture University. In addition, she has presented at numerous conferences and received a number of awards for outstanding teaching.

Began at CAIS 2024

Originally from Guangzhou, China, Bonic Zhang taught in Hong Kong before moving to the Bay Area, where he spent five years teaching at SFUSD. He is also a skilled badminton player, achieving success in tournaments worldwide. Beyond teaching and badminton, he enjoys snowboarding, motorcycling, and car meeting.