Hello! My name is Lise Kang. I currently develop English programs and support English teachers as a supervisor. I graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, majoring in English and minoring in Education. After completing my bachelor, I went to Canada. In Vancouver, I had my TESOL diploma and took an Early Childhood Education program. I also worked at an international summer camp as a Korean counselor. I moved to Montreal to continue my study. I finished my Master's degree in Second Language Education at McGill University. Since 2008, when I came back to Korea, I have helped people learn English more efficiently sharing all of my experience and knowledge.
Lise KangSupervisor
Hello, everyone!:) My name is Jane Bak and I come from the sunny island of Gran Canaria, Spain. I was born and grew up in the capital of this wonderful island, Las Palmas de G.C. I majored in English Language and Literature at SNU (Seoul National University), where I was able to experience Korean college life as well as the Korean culture. I am presently enjoying my stay here in Korea and I have been impressed with all of my Gyeseong students. I am looking forward to teaching you and having fun.
Jane BakInstructor
Hello! My name is Julie Kim. I am very glad to be a member of the English faculty at Gyeseong Elementary School. I graduated Sookmyung University and majored in Educational Psychology with a minor in English Education. After that I received my MA in English Materials Development at International Graduate School of English. I had various experiences in developing English workbooks and teaching English. I strongly believe my education and experiences will help you study English in an effective way. Thank you!
Julie KimInstructor
Hi! My name is Leanne LaMonte. I am originally from Rochester, New York in the United States of America, but I have been living in South Korea since 2010. I graduated with a BA in English Literature from the State University of New York at Brockport and I have a master’s degree in English Education from Korea University. Before I came to Gyeseong, I taught at Gyeonggi Science High School for the Gifted for five years. I enjoyed teaching high school students, but I really love working with younger students. Some of my hobbies are listening to music, exercising, and spending time with my pets. I have two dogs and three cats! I look forward to meeting all of my new students, and I hope we have a great year together..
Leanne LaMonteInstructor
Hello everyone! My name is Ronald Koelbel. I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States of America. I attended 12 years of local Catholic schools where I made a lot of friends and developed a lot of interests. Music and languages were early interests and I spent the next few years at Towson University mastering German, eventually spending a year in the beautiful city of Trier, Germany to complete my studies. My love of travel and adventure took me to Korea in 2011 where I met my beautiful wife and settled into a life of teaching my English. I have taught several various grade levels during my time here. I am so happy to share all of my stories and English acumen with my students as well as my co-workers at Gyeseong Elementary School!
Ronald KoelbelInstructor
Hello! My name is Michelle Roberts. I was born and raised in St. John, Indiana, in the United States of America. I graduated with an Indiana University BA degree in English with a creative writing concentration and came to Korea a few years later in 2018 after receiving my TEFL/TESOL certificate. I found an unmatched joy as an elementary school teacher here in Korea and I am excited to continue my journey as part of Gyeseong. In my free time I enjoy reading, writing poetry and short stories, and baking new recipes! I look forward to building lasting relationships in Seoul at Gyeseong and helping our students succeed to the very best of my ability.
Michelle RobertsInstructor
Hello everyone! My name is Ellen willson and I am from England. I grew up in a town near Durham, which is in the north of the country. Later, I moved to York to complete my Bachelor Degree in Education Studies, at York St John University. Following my undergraduate degree, I went on to receive a Master’s Degree in International and Comparative Education, from Stockholm University in Sweden. In my free time I enjoy exercising and travelling. I enjoy exploring new places and learning about different cultures. I am excited to meet all of my students and I hope we have a great year together.
Ellen willsonInstructor
Hello, everyone! My name is Vicky Vallee and I’m from one of the coldest cities in Canada, also referred to as Montreal. I studied at a local university where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Then, I pursed my studies to the master level to graduate in international management as I was eager to work in other countries and discover new cultures. Through my studies and professional internships abroad, I realized that a career in education would be a better fit for me. Therefore, I reoriented myself to the teaching industry and moved to Korea in 2016 to begin a new chapter as an English teacher. I’m thrilled to be part of Gyeseong Elementary School’s team and hope we’ll have a wonderful year together. Let the journey begin!
Vicky ValleeInstructor
Hello! My name is Heather Anne McRae and I am originally from a small town in the U.S. called Neenah, Wisconsin. I grew up eating a lot of cheese and traveling around the world. I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis with a degree in English Language & Literature and a Minor in Italian Language & Literature. I have a passion for learning new languages, hiking, eating, traveling, music—playing violin, guitar, and singing—and experiencing new things. I first moved to South Korea in September 2014 not knowing much about the country but I fell in love with the food, people, and culture. I’m very much looking forward to teaching at Gyeseong Elementary School and working with the wonderful staff and students here.
Heather McRaeInstructor
Hello everyone! My name is Jiyeon Kim. I attended an American high school in Syracuse, New York. I was interested in studying English and wanted to help others as I was helped by teachers and my American friends in high school so I decided to major in education. I went to State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego) majoring in childhood education with a concentration in math. After I came back to Korea, I worked in other schools for five and a half years. I am really excited to see Gyeseong students this year and I believe my new beginning here will be great and wonderful.
Jiyeon KimInstructor
Hello! My name is Eleanor Roh. I was born in Korea, but I spent most of my life in Japan and Canada. Therefore, I am able to speak three languages: Korean, English, and Japanese. I majored in Health Science at Simon Fraser University in Canada, and took another bachelor's degree in English Literature in Korea. Also, I am currently writing my thesis to get a master's degree in English Education at Korea University. I have taught various grade levels in Japan and Korea, and now I am so excited to teach you all at Gyeseong Elementary School! I hope we have a wonderful time together.
