Faculty & Staff Directory

BEGAN AT CAIS: 2014

Ms. Woodman-Russell brings a passion for cultivating “an unflappable love of learning” in students. She has a proven track record of making students feel known and valued, which is especially key for connecting with and motivating middle schoolers. In addition to holding bachelor’s degree in French and psychology from Wesleyan University, Ms. Woodman-Russell has deepened her tools and frameworks with training in Developmental Designs, mindfulness, project-based learning, iPad integration, differentiation and leadership. Ms. Woodman-Russell came to CAIS from San Francisco Day School, where she taught differentiated lessons in reading, writing, social studies, and math. In addition, she designed and taught test preparation courses for eighth grade students.

BEGAN AT CAIS 1992

Mr. Wright started working at CAIS in 1992. For much of that time he worked as the library media specialist helping Preschool-5th grade teachers get teaching materials, and meeting with K and 1st grade students for classes. With the move to our campus on 19th Avenue, he joined the newly formed Facilities Team.

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 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!”

Began at CAIS 2026

Hui Wu has more than nine years of experience in early childhood education and holds a California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University.

She is passionate about creating a warm, engaging, and inclusive classroom where children feel seen, valued, and encouraged to explore. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, she enjoys following children’s interests and learning alongside them through play, art, nature, and meaningful conversations. Outside of school, she loves cooking, painting, practicing calligraphy, playing the piano, staying active, and traveling with her family.

Began at CAIS 2026

Xinyi Xu is a native of Shanghai and a graduate of East China Normal University 华东师范大学. Following her undergraduate education, Xinyi came to the United States where she completed an MA in curriculum and instruction at Michigan State University. Xinyi taught in a public Mandarin immersion school in Michigan for several years before moving to Oakland where she was a founding faculty member at the K-8 Yu Ming Charter School, a Mandarin immersion school with which CAIS has interacted regularly over the years. Xinyi held several roles at Yu Ming during her decade-long tenure there including classroom teacher, Chinese program coordinator, division director, and K-8 director of curriculum and instruction. In the latter role she oversaw the implementation of schoolwide Competency Based Learning (CBL) and project based language learning at the Middle School. Under her leadership, Yu Ming Charter was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2019 and a California Distinguished School in 2020. Since 2021, Xiny has served as Chief Schools Officer for Level Learning where she led national strategy and implementation of a data-driven, skill-based, objective mastery-based language and literacy platform for Spanish, Mandarin, and English language learners, including support for nearly two-thirds of all K-8 Mandarin immersion programs in the US.

In a message to the CAIS community, she shared, “I am incredibly excited and honored to be the next CAIS Middle School Director. I’ve long admired CAIS’s pioneering dual language immersion work and innovative learning. I am eager to leverage my experience to support faculty, students, and families, ensuring CAIS middle schoolers are deeply connected and prepared to make a positive impact.”

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

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.