Xiao Luo
Head of School
Xiao Luo became a valued member of the PlayThrive team in July 2020, fresh from earning her master’s degree in Educational Technology. Her master’s program focused on effectively and productively incorporating technology into language learning, reflecting her dedication to innovative teaching methods. Before pursuing her master’s degree, Xiao spent 15 years as a public elementary school curriculum coach in China, holding a multiple subject credential. Since her relocation to the Bay Area, she has been a pivotal figure in various educational roles. She taught Stanford students HSK 5-6, engaged preschoolers in playful learning experiences, and shared Chinese culture with middle school students at Summit Denali. Xiao is driven by her passion for teaching language skills and developing well-rounded individuals through project-based learning. In 2021, she completed a certificate program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) at Teachers College, Columbia University. Beyond her teaching, she’s an avid runner and finds joy in traveling, adding an extra dimension to her dedication to language education.
Lesi Wang
Campus Director & Cantonese Teacher
Lesi is a passionate language educator specializing in bilingual education and currently serves as Campus Director at PlayThrive. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and a Master’s degree in International and Multicultural Education, with a focus on Bilingual Education. After completing her MBA, Lesi is now pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), further deepening her expertise in educational leadership and organizational development. At PlayThrive, she leads with compassion and vision, fostering a collaborative environment where teachers, students, and families thrive together. With experience teaching both children and adults, Lesi integrates academic rigor with creativity to cultivate engaging and inclusive classrooms where learners can immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture. Beyond her professional role, Lesi enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her leadership and dedication make her an invaluable member of the PlayThrive community.
Jiani Zhang
TK PBL Teacher & TK/K Lead Teacher
Jiani is an experienced teacher who has a background in Mandarin preschool education, emphasizing the importance of discovery and nurturing social and emotional skills in young children. She particularly relishes working with 5-6-year-olds, infusing her teaching with interactive games that engage and educate. Jiani is skilled in tailoring lessons to match the abilities and interests of each child, making learning an enjoyable and personalized experience. Her easy-going nature and love for laughter create a vibrant and positive classroom atmosphere. Outside the classroom, Jiani is an adventurer at heart. On weekends and holidays, she loves to explore new places and savor diverse cuisines, fueling her passion for travel and culinary exploration.
Jiqing Xiang
TK PBL Teacher & Blue Bot Enrichment Teacher
Jiqing has four years of experience in children’s language education and holds a Master’s degree in TESOL, with a strong foundation in language acquisition and sociolinguistics. She is a caring and passionate educator who ensures every child feels seen, valued, and supported. As a multilingual learner herself, Jiqing brings empathy and insight to her teaching, always considering her students’ diverse needs and learning styles. Her asset-based teaching philosophy views every learner as capable of growth by building on their strengths. Inspired by Kumaravadivelu (2003), she believes learning can occur even without direct teaching. In the classroom, Jiqing designs engaging activities, games, and tasks that spark joy and participation. She is also a reflective practitioner and lifelong learner, regularly asking herself whether her materials are comprehensible, engaging, and scaffolded for success. This reflective approach helps her thoughtfully refine curriculum, methods, and classroom practices to better serve her students.
Hannah Li
TK PBL Teacher
Hannah Li is a passionate educator who views language as a powerful tool for communication and community building. As a teacher, she emphasizes not only language proficiency but also cultural competence to ensure clear communication. With about nine years of experience teaching both adults and children since college, Hannah has honed her skills in education. Despite building a successful career in government accounting for over 13 years, she felt a strong calling to return to education. She is now a member of the PlayThrive team.
Hannah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Providence University and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication Studies from the University of Houston. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and watching good movies. Recently, she completed a 113 km pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Bing Wang
TK PBL Teacher
Bing is a seasoned educator with over seven years of experience, driven by a profound commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. Her teaching journey has taken her to IB schools, where she’s supported students with diverse special needs, and she’s also imparted Chinese language skills to a culturally diverse student body. With a master’s degree in Educational Therapy, Bing deeply appreciates individual differences and excels in crafting customized curricula to meet each student’s unique requirements. Her teaching philosophy centers on nurturing confidence and curiosity, instilling a love for learning, and empowering students to become lifelong learners and compassionate global citizens. Beyond her professional role, Bing finds enrichment in hiking, painting, travel, and cinema, fostering a well-rounded perspective that allows her to authentically connect with her students.
Boxi Li
TK PBL Teacher
Li brings sunshine and big smiles to the classroom every day! He loves making learning fun and helping kids feel confident and curious. With a background in language teaching and translation, he enjoys bringing stories, games, and new ideas to life in creative ways. Growing up in China and studying in the US, Li loves connecting with kids from all different backgrounds and sharing cultures through language and play. Whether it’s singing, painting, or joining in on a new adventure, he is always ready with positive energy and a can-do spirit. When not with students, you can find him enjoying all different kinds of sports, snowboarding down a slope, or discovering something new because learning never stops!
Huijun Yang
TK PBL Teacher
Huijun graduated from Northwestern University with a Master’s degree in Education Studies, where she focused on language teaching and curriculum design. She values differentiated instruction and believes that genuine interest is the starting point of meaningful learning. Guided by this belief, she is dedicated to creating engaging, student-centered lessons that spark curiosity and motivation. Huijun also sees language learning as inseparable from cultural experience, she strives to help students not only master a new language but also appreciate the diverse cultures behind it.
Jie (Jessica) Wang
Kindergarten PBL Teacher
Jessica Wang is an outstanding Chinese language and cultural communicator. She holds a master’s degree in design and new media from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and is a senior member of the Chinese Writers Association. She was a host for a TV education channel and founded a professional language arts training school, which successfully trained many young hosts to work in TV and radio stations. Jessica is good at combining Chinese education with diverse teaching methods, such as music and dance, to stimulate students’ enthusiasm for learning. She focuses on personalized teaching to help students build confidence, explore potential, and comprehensively improve their language skills and artistic literacy.
Liu Zhang
Kindergarten PBL Teacher & Creative Art Enrichment Teacher
Liu, an experienced Mandarin Teacher, holds a Master of Arts in Chinese for instruction and teaching language from San Francisco State University. She values the Task-based Language Teaching philosophy to improve students’ problem-solving, cooperative, and applied language skills. She puts effort into presenting educational material in the classroom that directly applies to student’s everyday lives, enabling them to acquire practical Mandarin language skills. Beyond the classroom, Liu finds pleasure in the art of cooking and baking.
Yuanxi Cai
Kindergarten PBL Teacher & Beast Academy Teacher
Ms. Cai is a passionate and dedicated educator who finds great joy in inspiring young minds. With experience teaching students from Kindergarten through 5th grade, she brings both warmth and structure to her classroom. For the past three years, Ms. Cai has focused on teaching Mandarin, helping students build both language skills and cultural understanding. She believes that great teaching starts with genuine enthusiasm and a commitment to lifelong learning—values she strives to model every day. Her teaching style is gentle, student-centered,
and rooted in the philosophy of “nurturing the person before teaching the subject.”
Ms. Cai earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and completed her graduate studies at Dominican University of California. She later received her teaching credential through the Cal State TEACH program. She has taught in both the Alameda and San Mateo school districts, gaining valuable experience in diverse educational settings. Outside the classroom, Ms. Cai enjoys playing tennis, drinking bubble tea, and eating Chinese
food. She is passionate about sharing Chinese language and culture with the next generation, helping students connect with the richness and beauty of Chinese traditions.
Xinyu Hou
Kindergarten PBL Teacher
Hou Laoshi is a committed education professional with a global perspective and a focus on integrating linguistic and cultural insights into teaching and learning. She earned her Master’s degree in Educational Studies from Northwestern University, following a Bachelor degree in Communication with minors in Education and Psychology from the University of California, Davis. Her graduate research focused on how leveraging students’ native languages can enhance new language acquisition, reflecting her belief in connecting linguistic and cultural identities in the classroom. During her graduate studies, she joined the Northwestern CTD-ASDAN-Concordia team as one of the founding members establishing the program’s corporation in Shanghai, where she supported curriculum coordination and cross-cultural communication between educators and families.In addition, trained and worked in Scholastic’s lesson planning approach, Hou Laoshi designs lessons that are interactive, student-centered, and rooted in real-world contexts.
Beyond teaching, Hou Laoshi enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and engaging in creative projects that inspire her teaching.
Amy Zhao
Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Amy Zhao is a caring and enthusiastic Mandarin teacher with over a year of teaching experience. She loves working with children and enjoys creating a warm, engaging classroom where students can learn Mandarin with confidence and joy. Known for her patience and responsibility, Amy makes every child feel supported and valued. She takes great joy in helping students explore new ideas and grow through positive learning experiences. She is excited to share her love for language and learning with every student.
Kelly Lan
1st Grade PBL Teacher
Kelly has been a cherished member of the PlayThrive teaching team for seven years, specializing in kindergarten and first-grade classes. She places a profound emphasis on nurturing the social and academic growth of her students, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Kelly’s ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds is a testament to her commitment to bridging Mandarin conversations across a wide array of topics. Her past experience as a graphic designer for nine years enhances her teaching, as she crafts meticulously designed teaching materials for the benefit of her students. Outside the classroom, Kelly’s passion for building connections extends to her personal life. She delights in sharing delightful meals and creating lasting memories with friends and family, making her not only a dedicated teacher but also a warm and welcoming presence in her community.
Jiazhen Yan
1st Grade PBL Teacher
Jiazhen brings expertise in language education and multilingual learning to the PlayThrive team. She holds a Master of Education degree from Harvard University, specializing in language development and learning. Her professional educator license covers Chinese language as well as business and marketing education. With extensive teaching experience spanning from elementary students to adults, including her work in a Chinese dual language immersion program within Utah’s public school system, Jiazhen has developed a deep understanding of how to effectively support learners of all ages in multilingual environments. As a recognized researcher in the field, Jiazhen has contributed multiple publications focused on Chinese language learning and multilingual teaching methodologies. Jiazhen is passionate about creating joyful learning experiences that inspire students to embrace new languages and cultures. She is excited to join PlayThrive and share her knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication with students.
Kailin Yuan
2nd Grade PBL Teacher; Bee-Bot & CodeMonkey Teacher
Kailin, a devoted educator with six years of experience, has spent the last five years teaching Mandarin Chinese to students ranging from kindergarten to 6th grade. She holds a Master of Education degree in Instruction and Learning from the University of Pittsburgh, underscoring her commitment to pedagogical excellence. Kailin’s profound passion for teaching is evident in her enthusiastic approach to connecting with children, aiding them in language acquisition and holistic growth. Her primary objective is to cultivate a deep appreciation for language and culture by engaging students in interactive activities and inspiring creative projects. Kailin’s dedication to her students and her innovative teaching methods make her an exceptional teacher, fostering a genuine love for language and culture while nurturing the minds of the next generation.
Lu Fang
2nd Grade PBL Teacher & English Writing Enrichment Teacher
Lu brings a wealth of international teaching expertise to the classroom. After earning a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Fordham University, she is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Single-Subject English Teaching Credential at Santa Clara University. Her passion for education lies in creating engaging, culturally responsive lessons that inspire students to reach their full potential.
Lu’s teaching journey spans from leading high-achieving test-prep classes at New Oriental Education in China to developing dynamic curriculum and building strong classroom communities as a student teacher at Cupertino High School. She is recognized for her creativity, adaptability, and dedication to fostering equitable learning environments.
Outside the classroom, Lu embraces life with energy and curiosity. She’s a diehard BLACKPINK fan, often unwinding with music, attending live concerts and diverse music festivals, and exploring new destinations whenever she travels. Whether she’s singing along to K-pop hits or discovering hidden gems around the world, Lu channels the same enthusiasm she brings to teaching into every adventure.
Lili Zhou
3rd Grade PBL Teacher & Scratch Jr Teacher
Lili is an experienced educator, holding a degree in Chinese Education from Hunan Normal University. With seven years of teaching experience in elementary and middle schools, she has honed her teaching philosophy around positive education, hands-on learning, and a holistic approach. Lili prioritizes the mental well-being of her students, striving to create a positive and nurturing environment. She excels in inspiring and motivating her students by asking thought-provoking questions that expand their imaginations and encourage a lifelong love for learning. In addition to her teaching prowess, Lili serves as an Examiner of the National Standard Mandarin Level Test and holds an advanced professional certification in Child Developmental and Educational Psychology from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Outside the classroom, Lili enjoys a well-rounded lifestyle that includes reading, exercise, and golf. Her dedication to education and commitment to the holistic development of her students is truly commendable.
Shuo Ma
4&5th Grade PBL Teacher & 1st to 5th Grade Lead Teacher
Shuo, an experienced educator since 2015, boasts a strong academic background with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Peking University. Her commitment to education extends beynd traditional methods, as she values the importance of not merely filling children’s heads with words and ideas from textbooks but instead, inspiring them to explore the world around them. Shuo believes in nurturing young minds, allowing them to flourish like the vibrant growth of leaves, flowers, and fruits from a tree’s buds. In her personal life, Shuo finds joy in various activities. Cooking, gardening, and reading are her cherished pastimes, showcasing her passion for creativity and knowledge both inside and outside the classroom. Shuo’s unique educational approach and well-rounded interests make her a dedicated and dynamic teacher.
Yaodong Xu
4&5th Grade PBL Teacher; Micro:bit Teacher
Yaodong is an educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from UCSC and a Master’s degree in STEM education from Johns Hopkins University. He values a student-centered learning approach by focusing on project-based learning. At PlayThrive, Yaodong is excited about improving students’ learning skills including problem-solving and collaboration. His goal is to bring engaging learning experiences to his students. Outside the classroom, Yaodong would spend his leisure time playing basketball and reading.
Hsin-Yin Lin
PBL Teacher
Hsin Yin is passionate about education and is dedicated to fostering independent thinking and problem-solving skills in her students. Over the past nine years, she has taught Chinese at both public elementary schools and private educational institutions, excelling in building strong interactive relationships with her students. Her teaching methods involve differentiated instruction, adjusting her approach based on students’ needs. She encourages students to work in groups to complete projects or solve problems and emphasizes reflection and feedback to help students identify areas for improvement and progress, leading to more targeted enhancement. Hsin Yin enjoys traveling and running marathons; she once completed a 43-kilometer marathon, an experience that taught her the importance of perseverance.
Jingjie (JJ) Gao
Associate PBL Teacher
JJ is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from China. She has five years of experience teaching Mathematics and Mandarin Chinese to children from preschool through elementary school. She believes that education extends beyond academic achievement, aiming to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. JJ enjoys listening to students’ thoughts and understanding the reasons behind their behaviors. This helps her understand them better and guide them with empathy. In her classroom, she creates a warm and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to explore ideas through hands-on learning and creative thinking. Outside the classroom, JJ loves hiking, camping, and exploring national parks. She enjoys feeling the changing seasons and soaking up the energy of nature, which helps her stay positive, curious, and energized.