Boarding Staff
Meet the Boarding Faculty and Staff
What brings it all together?
A boarding program committed to building a community where everyone feels happy, safe, and included.
Meet the
Boarding Specialists
and Advisors

Kimberly Crockett
Dean of Boarding

Kimberly Crockett
Dean of Boarding
I think everyone should read The Free Market Family by Maxine Eichner.
Outside of school, I most enjoy reading, walking in nature and consuming/creating personal finance content.
I'm inspired by music, walking in nature, and people who pursue their passions.
- Email:DeanOfBoarding@kis.ac

Daesup Shin
Associate Dean of Boarding

Daesup Shin
Associate Dean of Boarding
I think everyone should read If we can’t go at the speed of light by Kim Cho-Yeop. The book itself is a Science Fiction novel, but it shows something we may already have lost or will lose through our life from the evolution of Technology.
Outside of school I most enjoy scuba diving, swimming, traveling, watching baseball, and camping.
I am inspired by people who constantly move on for their own goal.

Thomas Capranica
Middle School Boarding Specialist (Birch House)

Thomas Capranica
Middle School Boarding Specialist (Birch House)
Tom Capranica is from Charlotte, North Carolina, but has most recently worked in Jeju and Daegu. He holds a bachelor's degree in Physics Secondary Education from Appalachian State University. Tom joined KISJ in 2021
I think everyone should read "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse.
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time outdoors, biking, swimming, ultimate frisbee, and cooking.
I'm inspired by honest people and good music.
- Email:tcapranica@kis.ac

Ryung Kim (Ryan)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Birch House)

Ryung Kim (Ryan)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Birch House)
- Email:rkim@kis.ac

Soyoun Lee (Kelly)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Birch House)

Soyoun Lee (Kelly)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Birch House)
Soyoun Lee (Kelly) is from Seoul, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Finance And Trade.
I think everyone should read philosophy, and my favorite is Spinoza. He taught that we shouldn't trust only what we see but think about the essence. For example, a stick looks bent in water but isn’t. This shows that appearances can be misleading. I also try not to judge people by what I see, but instead, think about the reasons and their true nature.
Outside of school, I enjoy Free-diving, Beach Cleanup, Swimming, and walking with my dogs.
I am inspired by the lives and experiences of the people I meet while traveling in different countries, as well as by the magnificent nature
- Email:soylee@kis.ac

Jooey Kim
Middle School Boarding Specialist (Sequoia House)

Jooey Kim
Middle School Boarding Specialist (Sequoia House)
Jooey Kim is from Incheon, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Kookmin University. Jooey joined KISJ in 2016.
I think everyone should read The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling to truly grasp the transformative power of love, the warmth of compassion, and the beauty of a selfless heart.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, swimming, and spending time in nature.
I’m inspired by the sense of unity and equality, which drives us toward the brighter world.
- Email:hjookim@kis.ac

Seha Jeon (Julie)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Sequoia House)

Seha Jeon (Julie)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Sequoia House)
Seha Jeon (Julie) is from Seoul, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Julie joined KISJ in 2023.
I think everyone should read MOMO by Michael Ende. “Don’t think about the entire road at once. You should only focus on the step you’re about to do next. You need to consistently focus only on the immediate next thing.” gave me inspiration on how to live my life.
Outside of School, I enjoy doing CrossFit, running, hiking and walking with my dog.
I’m inspired by people who show consideration and respect.
- Email:shjeon@kis.ac

Mun Jung Kim (Liz)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Sequoia House)

Mun Jung Kim (Liz)
Middle School Boarding Advisor (Sequoia House)
I think everyone should read The Alchemist. “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure” made me feel brave.
Outside of School, I enjoy traveling, walking, and driving.
I’m inspired by nature and the lives of people around the world.
- Email:munjkim@kis.ac

Sthembile Gasa
High School Boarding Specialist (Hazel/Willow House)

Sthembile Gasa
High School Boarding Specialist (Hazel/Willow House)
Sthembile Gasa is originally from Durban, South Africa, but most recently worked in Busan, South Korea. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the Durban University of Technology. Sthembile joined KISJ in 2023.
I think everyone should read The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
Outside of school, I enjoy photography, reading, light hikes and discovering new restaurants and cafes.
I am inspired by Spring, art and authenticity.
- Email:sgasa@kis.ac

Soyeon Kim
High School Boarding Advisor (Hazel/Willow House)

Soyeon Kim
High School Boarding Advisor (Hazel/Willow House)
Soyeon Kim is from Jeju Island, South Korea. She holds a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, and has previously worked with international teachers who are placed in rural areas to teach. She has previously worked for the Board of Education as well as managing a business that supports international teachers. Kimmie joined KISJ in 2022.
I enjoy taking photos, especially finding angles that bring out the beauty of objects.
I also draw a lot of inspiration from the people around me.
- Email:syeonkim@kis.ac

Claire Park
High School Boarding Advisor (Hazel/Willow House)

Claire Park
High School Boarding Advisor (Hazel/Willow House)
Claire Park is from Busan, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in general education and English education. Claire joined KISJ in 2020.
I think everyone should read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. “When you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true.” is the core of the novel’s philosophy and a motif that inspires me.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, reading in nice places and driving along the coastal road.
I'm inspired by people who I love and trust.
- Email:sipark@kis.ac

Ross Fordham
High School Boarding Specialist (Pine/Cedar House)

Ross Fordham
High School Boarding Specialist (Pine/Cedar House)
Ross Fordham is from Essex, United Kingdom, but has spent the past 11 years in the Lake District. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Leadership from the University of Cumbria. Ross joined KISJ in 2023.
I think everyone should read To Build a Fire by Jack London.
Outside of school, I most enjoy outdoor pursuits like camping, hiking and climbing.
I’m inspired by the landscape and stories of endurance through adversity.
- Email:rfordham@kis.ac

Hye In Kim (Joy)
High School Boarding Advisor (Pine/Cedar House)

Hye In Kim (Joy)
High School Boarding Advisor (Pine/Cedar House)
Hye In Kim (Joy) was born in Daegu, South Korea and obtained her Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Joy joined KISJ in 2023.
Outside of school, I most enjoy water activities such as diving, swimming.
I'm inspired by learning anything new.
- Email:hikim@kis.ac

Yua Yi
High School Boarding Advisor (Pine/Cedar House)

Yua Yi
High School Boarding Advisor (Pine/Cedar House)
Yua Yi is from Seoul, South Korea. She holds a degree in Industrial Design. Yua joined KISJ in 2023.
I think everyone should read history books. There is a saying that 'A nation that forgets its past has no future'. It is necessary to know the history in order to not repeat mistakes again. I also think it is good to apply the wisdom of our ancestors to the problems of life.
Outside of school, I most enjoy learning how to play instruments (drums these days) and driving. And also I keep finding things that can make me better such as studying English. I love learning English.
I’m inspired by nature. All the colors, ecosystems and temperature - it’s just beautiful and I believe that nature could heal sick people as well. Also, when I had a problem in my life, I used to find clues to the solution through nature.
- Email:yuayi@kis.ac

Sarah Watson
High School Boarding Specialist (Palm/Maple House)

Sarah Watson
High School Boarding Specialist (Palm/Maple House)
Sarah Watson is originally from the State of New Hampshire in the USA but has also lived in China and South Korea. She holds a master’s degree in School Librarianship from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies from Bard College. Sarah joined KISJ in 2022.
I think everyone should read without fear of judgment.
Outside of school I most enjoy outdoor activities and making things.
I’m inspired by things that make the world a better place.
- Email:swatson@kis.ac

Byoung Hyang Kim (Brenda)
High School Boarding Advisor (Palm/Maple House)

Byoung Hyang Kim (Brenda)
High School Boarding Advisor (Palm/Maple House)
- Email:bhkim@kis.ac

Jiwoon Lim (Jiji)
High School Boarding Advisor (Palm/Maple House)

Jiwoon Lim (Jiji)
High School Boarding Advisor (Palm/Maple House)
Jiwoon Lim (Jiji) was born in Seoul, Korea, and grew up and studied in multiple countries including Japan, Korea and India (the longest). She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Glion Institute of Higher Education. Jiji joined KISJ in 2024.
I recommend that people read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Outside of school, I enjoy exploring new places and tasting gourmet foods.
I'm inspired by anything new: new ideas, new perspectives, incredible unknown stories, etc.
- Email:jwlim@kis.ac

Edward Cho
High School Boarding Specialist (Spruce/Alder House)

Edward Cho
High School Boarding Specialist (Spruce/Alder House)
Edward Cho was born in Gwangju, S.Korea. He spent most of his life in Busan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and the certificate of Korean language teacher. Edward joined KISJ in 2011.
I don’t think there are any must-read books. At the same time, I also don’t believe that reading a single book can change your life, and if it does, I would say that kind of life is risky.
Outside of school I most enjoy observing small creatures, like ants.
I’m inspired by a question that cannot be easily concluded.
- Email:yzcho@kis.ac

Dong Seop Lee (Dylan)
High School Boarding Advisor (Spruce/Alder House)

Dong Seop Lee (Dylan)
High School Boarding Advisor (Spruce/Alder House)
- Email:dslee@kis.ac

Pil Sung Park (Sai)
High School Boarding Advisor (Spruce/Alder House)

Pil Sung Park (Sai)
High School Boarding Advisor (Spruce/Alder House)
- Email:pspark@kis.ac