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“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” These words, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., embody the beliefs shared by the faculty and community at DIS about the purposes of education. The faculty at DIS is committed to furthering these beliefs about education in our students.
Our faculty knows that lessons are often learned with not just the mind, but with the body and the heart, as well. Experiencing ideas, through interactive and hands-on activities, makes learning real. Our faculty works to challenge students to achieve beyond their expectations, and to become creative, analytical, independent thinkers.
Our faculty knows that lessons are often learned with not just the mind, but with the body and the heart, as well. Experiencing ideas, through interactive and hands-on activities, makes learning real. Our faculty works to challenge students to achieve beyond their expectations, and to become creative, analytical, independent thinkers.
Scott Jolly (scjolly@dis.sc.kr) - Head of School
Educational Background
- University of San Francisco, Masters in Educational Leadership
- Washington State Principal Certification
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Education
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography
- Vancouver Island University, Physical Education Diploma
Courtney Cameron (ccameron@dis.sc.kr) - Secondary Principal
Educational Background
- Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts
- Syracuse University, Master of Public Administration
- Washington State Principal Certification
- Washington State K-12 Teacher Certification
Stephen Vis (svis@dis.sc.kr) - Elementary Principal
Educational Background
- Framingham State University, Master of Education in International Teaching
- Calvin College, Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
- Principals’ Training Center, Certificate in International School Leadership
- Michigan Department of Education, Professional Teaching Certificate
Doo Won Kim (dwkim@dis.sc.kr) - Director of External Affairs and Korean Studies
Educational Background
- Yeungnam University, MBA
- Keimyung University, B.S. in Business Administration
Deanna Suozzo (dsuozzo@dis.sc.kr ) - Early Childhood Classroom
Educational Background
- Susquehanna University, B.A in Elementary Education (PreK-4)
Andrea Downie (adownie@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 1 Classroom
Educational Background
- Troy University, Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism/ Media Performance
- Troy University, Masters in Criminal Justice
- Grand Canyon University, Masters in Elementary Education
Michelle White (mwhite@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 1 Classroom & Residential Director
Educational Background
- State of Texas Educator Certificate: EC-6 Core Subjects, EC-12 ESL, and 7-12 Social Studies
- Texas State University, Masters in Elementary Education
- University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts in History and Geography
Molly Kaschub (mkaschub@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 2 Classroom
Educational Background
- Master's of Reading from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Bachelor of Science in Spanish, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Sarah Prestia (sprestia@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 2 Classroom
Educational Background
- M.Ed. in International Education, Endicott College
- BS in Elementary Education (Summa Cum Laude), University of Maine Farmington
Michael Bartolay (mbartolay@dis.sc.kr ) - Grade 3 Classroom
Educational Background
- American College of Education, M.Ed. in Educational Technology
- University of South Carolina-Aiken, Gifted and Talented Education Endorsement
- University of the Philippines, Bachelor in Elementary Education
Amanda Ringrose (aringrose@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 3 Classroom
Educational Background
- Griffith University, MA Primary Teaching
- Laurentian University, BA Psychology
Sarah Bielec (sbielec@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 4 Classroom & Activities Director
Educational Background
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.A. International Education Administration and Leadership
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. Elementary Education
- Minor in East Asian Languages and Cultures: Concentration in Korean Language
Sansung Je (sje@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 4 Classroom
Educational Background
- Moreland University, M.Ed. in Teaching Multilingual Learners
- Seoul Women’s University, B.A. in English Language and Literature
- District of Columbia, Teaching Certification Elementary Grade 1-6 Level
Nicole Morissette (nmorissette@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 5 Classroom
Educational Background
- M.Ed in International Education, Endicott College
- BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics (cum laude), University of Maine Farmington
- Bethel University, International Baccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning
- Harvard University, Certificate in School Management and Leadership
Katie Vis (kvis@dis.sc.kr) - Grade 5 Classroom
Educational Background
- Georgia State University, Masters in Teaching, Middle Grades Language Arts and Social Studies
- Georgia State University, Bachelors in Journalism
Antonette Gum (agum@dis.sc.kr) - Art
Educational Background
- M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Primary Education, University of West Florida
- BA in Art History, University of South Florida
- Florida State Art & ESL K-12 Professional Educator Certificate
Keline Medina (kmedina@dis.sc.kr) - Spanish
Educational Background
- Teaching Spanish as a foreign language
- University of Carabobo, Bachelor of Education Major English
Joshua Park (jpark@dis.sc.kr) - Elementary Music
Educational Background
- Central Washington University, Masters of Music Education and Conducting
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign of Music, B.M. in Music Education
- Applied Focus on Piano and Instrumental Music Education
- Illinois State Teaching Certification Music K-12
Richard Pierog (rpierog@dis.sc.kr) - Technology
Educational Background
- University of Western Ontario, : BA in Psychology
- Wilfrid Laurier University, Accounting Program
- Brock University, Bachelor of Education, Primary-Junior
- University of British Columbia, Masters in Educational Technology
Adam Purdy (apurdy@dis.sc.kr) - Physical Education
Educational Background
- University College London, M.Ed. Applied Educational Leadership and Management
- University of Ulster, B.Sc. Honours Degree in Geography with Education
Julia Zhu (jzhu@dis.sc.kr) - Chinese
Educational Background
- Framingham State University, M. Ed. in International Teaching
- Huaqiao University, B.A. in Teaching of Chinese as a Foreign Language
- National Teaching Certificate and Diploma in Middle school and Elementary school Chinese Teaching
George Balint (gbalint@dis.sc.kr) - Science
Educational Background
- State University of New York at Plattsburgh, School Building Leader Certificate of Advanced Study
- Relay Graduate School of Education, Masters in Chemistry Education
- University at Buffalo, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology
Derek Bergan (dbergan@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies & Athletic Director
Educational Background
- Loras College, Bachelors in Secondary Education and History
Bruce Cameron (bcameron@dis.sc.kr) - Science
Educational Background
- University of Washington, Masters in Teaching
- University of Washington, B.S. in Oceanography
Christopher Coleman (ccoleman@dis.sc.kr) - Math
Educational Background
- BS in Secondary Education, University of Maine at Farmington
Kenneth Faille (kfaille@dis.sc.kr) - Physical Education
Educational Background
- Bachelor's in Physical Education, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
Steven Gall (sgall@dis.sc.kr) - Math & Computer Science
Educational Background
- University of Glasgow, Master of Science in Mathematics and Physics
- Institute of Education, University of London, PGCE Secondary Mathematics
Marlow Gum (mgum@dis.sc.kr) - Art
Educational Background
- M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education, University of West Florida
- BFA in Studio Art, University of South Florida
- Florida State Art K-12 Professional Educator Certificate
Philip Hinkle (phinkle@dis.sc.kr) - English
Educational Background
- Mississippi State University, MA in English
- Ohio University, BA in English
Conrad Hutchings (chutchings@dis.sc.kr) - Instrumental Music & Orchestra
Educational Background
- Sam Houston State University, Masters of Music in Wind Conducting
- University of Southern Maine School of Music, BM in Music Education
- Applied Focus on Classical Trombone, Voice and Instrumental Conducting
- University of Southern Maine, Teaching Certification Music K-12
Sarah Jolly (srjolly@dis.sc.kr) - Academic Counselor
Educational Background
- University of California San Diego - Specialized Certificate in College Counseling
- Walden University, M.Ed. in Elementary Reading and Literacy
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Education
- Vancouver Island University, Bachelor of Arts in English and history
Nicholas Kaschub (nkaschub@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science in Broadfield Social Studies Education, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Jinsol Kim (jkim@dis.sc.kr) - ELL
Educational Background
- M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language, Boston University
- B.A. in Christian Education, Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary
- Massachusetts State Teaching Certification PreK-12 English as a second language
Jefferson Lipsky (jlipsky@dis.sc.kr) - Social Studies
Educational Background
- DePaul University-M.Ed. in Secondary Education, concentration in History, Social Sciences, & Psychology, with a Middle School Endorsement
- Southern Illinois University-B.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (Mass Media), minor in Psychology
Ana Lopez (alopez@dis.sc.kr) - Spanish
Educational Background
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Masters in Spanish as a Foreign Language
- Univesidad Central de Venezuela, Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (Spanish, Italian, English)
- Universitá Italiana per Stranieri, Certification for Teaching Italian Language and Culture
Brittany Loutsch (bloutsch@dis.sc.kr) - English
Educational Background
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, M.S. in Educational Psychology
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Instructional Coaching Certificate
- University of Iowa, B.A. in English
- King's College London, Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health
Annette Lualhati (alualhati@dis.sc.kr) - Science
Educational Background
- Master in Science Teaching at De La Salle University, Philippines
- B.S. Secondary Education at University of Batangas, Philippines
Hannah Nagy (hnagy@dis.sc.kr) - English
Educational Background
- Minnesota State University, Masters in English Literature and English Studies
- The University of South Dakota, Vermillion, Bachelor of Science in Education
Katie Shin (kshin@dis.sc.kr) - Substitute Teacher
Educational Background
- Texas A&M University, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction emphasis on literacy and reading
- Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science in Generalist Education
Corrine Spaeth (cspaeth@dis.sc.kr) - Social Emotional Learning Counselor
Educational Background
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Masters in School Counseling
- University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Jabeen Wang (jwang@dis.sc.kr) - Math
Educational Background
- State of New Jersey Math K-12 Teaching Certificate
- Pusan National University, B.S. in Mathematics Education
- Bloomfield College, Math and Science Teacher Training (MAST) Program
Catherine White (cwhite@dis.sc.kr) - Learning Strategist
Educational Background
- Central Michigan University, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Northern Michigan University, Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision
- Northern Michigan University, Master of Arts in Education: Learning Disabilities
- Lake Superior State University, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education: Mathematics and Biology
- Michigan Department of Education, Professional Teaching Certificate: Elementary K-8 and Learning Disabilities K-12
- Michigan Department of Education, School Administrator Certificate: Central Office
Tony Zhao (tzhao@dis.sc.kr) - Chinese
Educational Background
- National Teaching Certificate and Diploma in High School Chinese Teaching
- B.A. Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Sichuan International Studies University
- Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) Certificate for Teachers of Chinese to Speakers of Other Language
Jack Jinho Bae (jinho39@dis.sc.kr) - Facility & Faculty Housing
Hyunji Choi (hyunji@dis.sc.kr) - Accountant
Doyle Doyeop Choo (doyle@dis.sc.kr) - Business Manager
Sumin Hong (suminhong@dis.sc.kr) - Faculty/Event Services
Katie EunJeong Kim (katiekim@dis.sc.kr) - Marketing & PowerSchool
Becky JiYe Kim (bkim930@dis.sc.kr) - Nurse
Leah Sumin Kim (leahkim@dis.sc.kr) - Admissions & Registrar
Woorim Lee (woorimlee@dis.sc.kr) - Student Services
Woo Seok Lee (nikkor@dis.sc.kr) - IT
Jimin Park (jiminpark@dis.sc.kr) - Office Manager
Cindy Jihyun Shin (cshin@dis.sc.kr) - Librarian
Hung Bui - Chairperson
Educational Background
More about Hung Bui
Hung Bui's life work is education. He is passionate collaborating with faculty and staff to serve students. He is dedicated to creating learning environments for students that creates the strongest academic growth while simultaneously nurturing their overall maturity and well-being. Hung has over 25 years of leadership experience in education and finance. He earned a BA in Economics and English from Colby College and an MBA with a concentration in finance and international management from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Hung is also a CFA charterholder. After receiving his MBA, he pursued a successful career in financial portfolio management. In his roles at Sterling Capital, Hung served as Director of Credit Research and then Executive Director, managing their total return fixed-income portfolios. Subsequently, Hung made the transition to education with leadership positions at Colby College, Bennington College, and Bowdoin College. Hung has deep and expert insight into selective college admissions and has helped numerous students and their families successfully navigate college and university admissions.
Hung was born in Vietnam and is a first-generation Asian-American. Having experienced the transformative nature of a rigorous, inclusive, and diverse education, Hung is committed to implementing and innovating the most supportive structures to create the highest quality, enriching educational experience for students. “I am honored to take on this leadership role as it is an extraordinary opportunity to be of service to both the hard-working, kind-hearted rural Maine communities that Lee Academy serves and the dynamic, rapidly-growing Daegu International School community. Working with Lee Academy and the Daegu International School is the best of both worlds”. Hung arrives at Lee Academy and Daegu International School with his spouse, Amie Mallett Bui '95, and his 12-year-old daughter.
Hung was born in Vietnam and is a first-generation Asian-American. Having experienced the transformative nature of a rigorous, inclusive, and diverse education, Hung is committed to implementing and innovating the most supportive structures to create the highest quality, enriching educational experience for students. “I am honored to take on this leadership role as it is an extraordinary opportunity to be of service to both the hard-working, kind-hearted rural Maine communities that Lee Academy serves and the dynamic, rapidly-growing Daegu International School community. Working with Lee Academy and the Daegu International School is the best of both worlds”. Hung arrives at Lee Academy and Daegu International School with his spouse, Amie Mallett Bui '95, and his 12-year-old daughter.
Colleen Grover - Director
Educational Background
- Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Maine;
- Master of Education in Counseling University of Maine; Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership, Unversity of Maine; Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
More about Colleen Grover
Colleen Grover has accumulated over four decades of experience in education as a classroom teacher, college counselor, and administrator. Traveling to more than 35 countries, she has been instrumental in building international programs in secondary schools and comprehensive internationalization programs in higher education, helping students and families to negotiate the challenging maze of educational access in the United States. Colleen has served as a consultant in creating critical incident response teams in schools, as well as a mentor and advisor for schools interested in ethical problem solving models, civil rights, and restorative justice. She has presented internationally on topics of educational ethics and diversity. Now retired, Colleen enjoys time at her farm in central Maine, taking advantage of as many outdoor recreational activities as possible, and continuing her involvement in issues of social justice and equity.
Dong Geun Han - Director
Educational Background
- Purdue University, Ph.D in Economics
- Ball State University, Masters in Economics
- Seoul National University, Masters in City Planning
More about Dong Geun Han
Executive vice president of Yeungnam University for research and university-industry relation
Jongseop Jun - Director
Educational Background
- Graduate School of Korea National University of Education, Masters in Policy and Administration
- Kyungpook National University, Bachelor of Public Administration
Sunkook Kwon - Auditor
Educational Background
- University of Oklahoma, Ph.D. in Accounting
- University of Colorado-Boulder, MBA
- Yonsei University, Bachelor of Business Administration
More about Sunkook Kwon
Sunkook Kwon is Professor of Accounting at the School of Business, Kyungpook National University in Daegu, Korea. He was Professor of Accounting at Mississippi State University, USA and Visiting Professor at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. At Kyungpook National University, he worked as Dean for International Affairs, Dean for Research & University-Industry Cooperation, Dean for College of Economics and Business Administration, and Dean for Academic Affairs. As a certified public accountant in both Korea and USA, he also worked for Tongyoung Accounting Corporation and Ahnkwon Accounting Corporation.
Ki-Seok Lee - Director
Educational Background
- Seoul National University, Ph.D. in International Development
More about Ki-Seok Lee
Currently working for Daegu Metropolitan City as Director of International Affairs and Trade. Have worked in universities, research institutions, government agencies including some years in non-governmental organizations in the field of international development and education.
Youngju Park - Director
Educational Background
- Keimyung University, Masters of Music in Piano
- Keimyung University, Bachelor of Music in Piano
Kevin Ritchie - Director
Educational Background
- University of Maine, Masters in Educational Leadership
- University of Maine, Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Minor in English
More about Kevin Ritchie
Kevin Ritchie lives with his wife, Kendra, and five cats and a dog, on a hilltop in the forests of Lee, Maine. He began his career in education in 1980 and he has been a counselor, tutor, classroom teacher, coach, advisor, Assistant Head of School, Academic Dean and grant administrator during the past 41 years. He worked at a federal Job Corps Center, for 35 years at Lee Academy, and with the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Native American Tribes with their schools in eastern Maine. In the early 2000s, he led the faculty of the Moores Campus in developing the curriculum documents and classroom tools and assessment methods that provided the basis for teaching and learning at the Shanghai, Moores and Daegu schools of Lee Academy. He enjoys the woods of Maine for snowshoeing on its fields and trails, swimming in its lakes, and building camps in its forests.
Stan Sawyer - Director
Educational Background
- University of Maine at Orono,
Certificate of Advance Studies [CAS} in Superintendency of Schools - University of Maine at Orono, Masters in School Administration
- University of Maine at Orono, Bachelors of Science
More about Stan Sawyer
I am married with 4 sons and 7 grand children. I was a teacher , coach , Principal , assistant Superintendent and then 24 years as a superintendent of schools. I am now a consultant at the Maine Department of Education involved in finances and Covid-19 administration of funds . My biggest responsibility is my involvement with a team of 6 people who approve the funding of state school construction projects and assisting schools in the design and development of those projects. I also mentor numerous beginning school superintendents . Jane and I love to travel, play golf, visiting our sons and grand children, spending time at our camp , gardening and playing cards. I love my John Deere tractor and gator!
