Principal

Jan Gaffney

Jan, a native of New Zealand, has 30 years of experience in Montessori as a teacher, principal, board member, and consultant. She also has 20 years of expertise in leadership and educational management. She held positions as the principal of Montessori schools in New Zealand and Bali International School and served as the President of the Montessori Association of New Zealand (MANZ). Jan moved to Taiwan in 2021 with an employment gold card in the field of education. She is committed to fostering high-quality Montessori adolescent education in Taiwan

Guide

Susan Chen

Susan Chen brings her experience starting an adolescent programme in Taiwan to Y2MAC. She has her AMI training for both 12-18 and 6-12. This means she knows what to do if there are areas that have been missed or any work that needs to be done to help students who may need support. In addition she is trained and experienced as an ESL (English Second Language) instructor so will be of great help working with students who need support to acquire or extend their English.

Guide

Fankan Hsu

Fankan Hsu brings his knowledge of the Taiwanese alternative education, a rich and varied life experience that includes working with Teach for Taiwan, an organisation aimed at working with students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and an abundance of skills and interests that will be a great model to students. As well as his degree in Agricultural Economics, he brings experience speaking to and mentoring young people in Taiwan. He has completed an online certificate in Montessori education and is currently undergoing his AMI 12-18 teacher training.

Guide

Fang Jou Chang

Fang Jou Chang brings her knowledge of sport science and rich experience promoting resilience of youth here. In addition to her bachelor degree in International Business and a master in PE, Health and Leisure Studies, she has established a sports club as an entrepreneur and run her own business for years. She has been the PE teacher this year and will move into a full time guide role, adding projects and student support to her work. She completed AMI 12-18 teacher training in 2024.

Charlie has taught English in Taiwan for the past two years and, before that, in China for four. He has a degree in Linguistics and TESOL qualifications, making him an ideal person to continue the student's English education in the house. He has also been a boy scout leader, working with students aged 10-14, especially in outdoor work and camping.

Navi has been teaching English in Taiwan for the past two years also, and three years before that, in China, where she met Charlie! Navi's degree is in Communication, a masters in sociology and has TESOL qualifications.