Boarding Leadership

Margaret Patton, Dean of Boarding

Margaret is originally from Glastonbury, Connecticut, but most recently lived in Boston, MA, USA  for six years working with families as a social worker. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Emmanuel College, Boston. Margaret joined KISJ in 2019.

I think everyone should read The Gifts of Imperfection and The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown, The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, and of course, the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling.

Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time in nature, yoga, listening to podcasts, game nights, and experiencing new cultures.

I’m inspired by positive “can do” attitudes, acts of kindness, practicing stillness, and the joys of everyday life.

Kimberly Crockett, Associate Dean of Boarding

Kimberly Crockett is originally from Chicago, USA but most recently worked in South Korea. She holds a Master's degree in Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from Walden University and a Bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Kimberly joined KISJ in 2022.

 I think everyone should read The Free Market Family by Maxine Eichner. 

Outside of school, I most enjoy drinking tea, good conversation and consuming/creating personal finance content. 

I'm inspired by music, walking in nature, and people who pursue their passions.

Middle School Boarding Staff

Thomas Capranica, Middle School Boarding Specialist

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 daily.  Any genre, whatever you’re into,  just read.

Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time outdoors, biking, swimming, ultimate frisbee, and cooking.

I'm inspired by honest people and good music.

Kiley Wolff, Middle School Boarding Specialist

Kiley Wolff is from Minnesota but most recently worked in Jeju. She holds a bachelor's degree in Studio Art from Whitman College. Kiley joined KISJ in 2022. 

I think everyone should read local journalism to stay connected with their community. 

Outside of school, I most enjoy taking photos, spending time with family, and being outdoors in nature. 

I'm inspired by people who take action to make the world more just and sustainable for all.

Annie Lane, Middle School Boarding Specialist

Annie  is from St. Louis, Missouri, but most recently worked in Busan, South Korea. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Classics with a minor in Anthropology  from Monmouth College. Annie joined KISJ in 2021.

I think everyone should read Brave New World  by Aldous Huxley and  Animal Farm  by George Orwell.

Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time in the ocean e.g. surfing, swimming, and sailing. I like to do  yoga, rock climbing, anything outdoors, and traveling. 

I’m inspired by the goodness in people in this chaotic world. 

Daesup Shin, Middle School Boarding Advisor

Daesup Shin  is from Seoul, South Korea. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Media Communication. Daesup joined KISJ in 2016.

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 swimming, traveling, watching baseball, and camping 

I am inspired by people who constantly move on for their own goal.

Kimmie Seyeon Kim, Middle School Boarding Advisor

Kimmie 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 think everyone should read Lean In.

Outside of school, I most enjoy going somewhere to take some photos.

I’m inspired by people around me.

Sarah Watson, Middle School Boarding Advisor

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.

Lydia Bumm, Middle School Boarding Advisor

Lydia Bumm  is from Gwangju, South Korea. She spent most of her life overseas and she holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Lydia  joined KISJ in the spring semester of 2021.

I think everyone should read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I dreaded reading it for my English assignment but ended up loving it! I hope that others think the same as well.

Outside of school, I love to go for drives to the nearby sea and just watch the waves. I also like cooking and baking for my friends and family. 

I'm inspired by people who are courageous and kind in all areas of their life.

Loukas Jin Jae Kim, Middle School Boarding Advisor

Loukas Kim is from Busan. 

I think everyone should read The Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway.

Outside of school, I most enjoy running,scuba diving and taking photos.

I’m inspired by everyone who has their own dream.

High School Boarding Staff

Jessica Sheridan, High School Boarding Specialist

Jessica Sheridan grew up in Ottawa and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Global Development with a focus on cross-cultural learning and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. She fell in love with Jeju after working at an international school in Korea, and joined KISJ in 2016.

I think everyone should read once a day.  Whatever you like—just read often!

Outside of school, I most enjoy exploring Jeju with friends, drinking coffee, and playing with my 2 dogs.

I’m inspired by the infinite potentials of a blank page.

Matt Hanagan, High School Boarding Specialist

Matt Hanagan is from Boston, Massachusetts in the US. He holds a Bachelor degree in Environmental Science from Villanova University. Matt joined KISJ in 2019.

I think everyone should read Leadership Strategies and  Tactics by Jocko Willink . 

Outside of school, I most enjoy hiking, basketball, podcasts, investing,  and traveling.  

I'm inspired by those who go after their dreams,  and stories of bravery and  overcoming hardships. 

Chaeweon Seo, High School Boarding Specialist

Chaeweon Seo is from Seattle, WA and most recently worked in Bothell, WA. She holds a master's degree in Teaching Math and Science from Seattle Pacific University and a bachelor's degree in Biology from Seattle Pacific University. Chaeweon joined KISJ in 2022.

I think everyone should read the book called Educated. 

Outside of school I enjoy baking and hiking

I'm inspired by my students and family!

Brant Hylinski, High School Boarding Specialist

Brant is from Middletown, Delaware originally but most recently finished his Master's degree of Science in Outdoor/Environmental Education with a K-8 teaching certificate from Alaska Pacific University. He also holds an undergraduate degree in History and Art History from the University of Delaware and after graduating served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Suriname. From 2011-2017 he taught ESL in South Korea in Paju-si, Goyang-si, and Jeju-do. Brant joined KISJ in 2022.

I think everyone should read Walden by Henry David Thoreau, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.

Outside of school I most enjoy practicing yoga, hiking, working out, cooking, playing ultimate frisbee, traveling, and reading.

I am inspired by those that serve others in any capacity, deep conversations that help build bridges of understanding and tolerance, and those that have an enthusiasm for life, learning, and growth.

Jenna Jin, High School Boarding Specialist

Jenna Jin is from Busan, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fort Hays State University. Jenna joined KISJ in 2013.

I think everyone should read Philip Waechter’s Me! 

Outside of school, I most enjoy reading.

I’m inspired by nature.

Edward Cho, High School Boarding Advisor (Lead Advisor)

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 think everyone should read 1984.

Outside of school I most enjoy hanging out with people. 

I’m inspired by a question that cannot be easily concluded.

Jooey Kim, High School Boarding Advisor

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 expand their own creativity and imagination. It’s a timeless masterpiece and it will never change!

Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, swimming, and spending time in nature.

I’m inspired by the feeling of unity and equality for a better world.

Hyeon Jeong Kim, High School Boarding Advisor

Hyeonjong  Kim is from GwangJu, South Korea.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism & Hotel Management.  Hyeonjong  joined KISJ in 2016.

I think everyone should read The Little Prince

Outside of school, I most enjoy Jeju island, camping, traveling,  driving, shopping, hiking and thinking about my students.

I'm inspired by my students !

Claire Park, High School Boarding Advisor

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.

Sophia Yeon Sik Jeon, High School Boarding Advisor

Sophia Jeon is from Seoul, Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Statistics from the University of Dongguk. She has a Graduate Education Certification at Pennsylvania State University and a Master degree in Education Technology with a teacher license. Sophia joined KISJ in 2017.

I think everyone should read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. It is more than a book. He gives people a sense of warm purpose when life can seem materialistic and meaningless.

Outside of school, I most enjoy  spending time with friends, watching movies, learning new things, making pottery, playing the guitar and hiking. 

I’m inspired by people who are trying to help other people.

Lucia Jihye Lee, High School Boarding Advisor

Lucia Lee is from Gwangju, South Korea. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and Business. Lucia joined KISJ in 2014.

I think everyone should read Pride and Prejudice.

Outside of school, I most enjoy hiking, jogging, yoga, traveling and looking for beautiful scenery. 

I am inspired by my mother. She is a great mom and woman. She is the only person who really trusts me. 

Jamie Kim, High School Boarding Advisor

Jamie Kim is from Seoul, South Korea. She joined KISJ in 2018.

I think everyone should read the Sherlock series

Outside of school, I most enjoy beaches, exploring nature and finding good restaurants. 

I’m inspired by my family and husband, who always support my decisions.