Yashar Karamati has worked for Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2009. He has served in many different roles such as Teacher, Department Head, Educational Coordinator, Vice-Principal, and now Principal. He has a M.Ed. from the University of British Columbia as well as a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics and B.Ed both from the University of Victoria. His ethnicity is Iranian; however, he was born in Afghanistan, raised in Denmark, lives in Canada, and works in China. He loves solving problems, playing soccer, and exploring the world.

Email: yasharkaramati@mapleleafedu.com

Daniel Cotton is a Canadian who has worked for Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2017. He is the Business Department Head, and teaches Economics, Marketing & E-Commerce, Accounting, and Personal & Global Leadership. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, as well as an Independent School Teaching Certificate from the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Daniel embodies the values of Hard-work, Excellence, Achievement, and Teamwork, and consistently challenges his students to raise their standards of performance and stretch to their fullest potential. “Bring the HEAT!”

Erica Penny is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with her BSc in Biology from Mount Allison University in 2004 and her BEd in Secondary Biological Sciences in 2011 from UBC. She has been teaching since 2006, starting as an assistant English teacher in Japan before getting her BEd. She moved to Haikou in 2011, where she has taught math and sciences at the high school level, followed by a few years as an elementary school teacher. Erica is very happy to be teaching high school again, sharing her passion for science with the students. “My goal is to ignite students’ curiosity and create scientifically literate, life-long learners.”

Inge Adendorff comes from South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Fashion Technology, PGCE in Visual Arts & Design and a TEFL certificate. She has been living in Haikou since 2019. She brings a lot of industry experience and know-how from the roles she served as a Production Manager and Luxury Goods Designer. She loves nature, hiking and exploring and anything to do with dancing.

Kiki Yu joined Maple Leaf International School - Hainan in 2020. She graduated with a bachelor degree and majored in Business English. She is the WS program secretary. She has travelled to 72 countries during her time working with Princess Cruises. Therefore, she has a better understanding of different cultures. Now she is part of the Maple Leaf family assisting with the operations of the school and helping students to be a better version of themselves.

Ryan Meraw began his career in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for 5 years and then decided to move across the world to Malaysia which eventually led him to sunny Hainan. He has a B.Ed from The University of Alberta and he is looking to begin his Masters degree in counselling. He loves all things music and has been an avid guitar player since he was eight years old. Along with music he has a strong passion for athletics and learning new skills as he believes you are never done learning.

Shiying Liu is from China. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2021 and Bachelor of Education in 2022 from TRU. She obtained a High School Teacher Qualification Certificate from BC, Canada, and a Montessori Early Education Certificate from the Chinese Montessori Association. As a Maple Leaf alumni, she is very happy to come back with a new role. Her teaching philosophy is to guide students and create a student-centered classroom.

Joon Park was born in Korea, and grew up in Canada. He has a BEd and a PhD in Political Science. His teaching experiences range from K12 to college. His educational philosophy is centred on an ethic of caring and trust. This also guides his belief that every student can develop to their fullest potential, with proper guidance, support, and motivation.

Michael Palmer is a Jamaican national who has been living and working in China since 2010. He came to China as a doctoral student at Northeastern University of Finance and Economics where he was awarded his PhD in Economics and International Trade. His teaching experience spans from high school to university level both in China and in Jamaica. He believes that teachers should impart not just content to students but also must strive to impart lifelong skills such as values and attitude. He encourages student to have a broad vision for the future and align all one’s strategies and actions towards achieving their vision. Detour if you must, but never lose strategic direction.

Muyang Sun is from China. She graduated with her Bachelor of Education from Thompson Rivers University. She has a Professional Certificate of Qualification from British Columbia Ministry of Education and Child Care. As a Maple Leaf graduate, she is excited to be back as a teacher. She is committed to developing each student’s full potential for learning and she is passionate about creating an inclusive learning community where every student can feel a sense of belonging. She enjoys traveling and listening to music.

Peter Davies has worked as an English teacher for Maple Leaf International School - Hainan since 2023. He is from the United Kingdom and has taught English in Hungary, the UK, Japan, Tajikistan, and China. He has a BA in Modern and Contemporary History from Bangor University and a PGCE in Secondary Education from Newcastle University. He loves literature and history, travelling and learning new languages, and teaching students from all over the world.