Middle School Faculty
Meet the Middle School Faculty and Staff
What brings it all together?
A faculty focused on growth and continuous improvement.
Meet the Middle School Faculty and Staff
Patrick M. Carroll
Middle School Principal
Patrick M. Carroll
Middle School Principal
I think everyone should read Mindsets by Carol Dweck and An Altar In The World by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time with my family, reading books, playing board games and watching American football.
I'm inspired by every new day and the possibilities of tomorrow
- Email:MS_Principal@kis.ac
Paul Boland
Middle School Associate Principal
Paul Boland
Middle School Associate Principal
I think everyone should read Long walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela and The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
Outside of school, I most enjoy ice hockey, golf, and camping with my family and friends.
I'm inspired by my two children and goodwill.
Victoria Hoult
Middle School Instructional Coach
Victoria Hoult
Middle School Instructional Coach
I think everyone should read Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman.
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, participating in a pilates or pottery class and eating or cooking great food!
I am inspired by people who work to help others succeed and those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones, reflect, learn and grow.
Nathan Tipton
Middle School Counselor
Nathan Tipton
Middle School Counselor
I think everyone should read The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
Outside of school, I’m drawn to just about anything that involves good music and food.
I'm inspired by those who live by the Golden Rule–treating others the way you want to be treated.
- Email:ntipton@kis.ac
Tatiana Heckles
Middle School Learning Specialist
Tatiana Heckles
Middle School Learning Specialist
She has a Bachelors of Science in Education and a Degree in Special Education, both from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. International teaching took her to Venezuela and Shenzhen, China. She joined the KISJ team in 2018.
She thinks everyone should read. Period. She is currently reading The Worst Hard Times, The Untold Story of the Great American Dustbowl, but will be on to something new next week. There is so much to learn. She is inspired by students, young and old.
Keli Butame
Middle School Librarian
Keli Butame
Middle School Librarian
Keli has a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Occidental College (Los Angeles, U.S.A.).
Outside of work, Keli enjoys making (and eating!) delicious food, as well as crafts like crochet and needlepoint.
Keli is inspired by the similarities and differences between all of us who share this planet and the connections that can form between people.
- Email:kbutame@kis.ac
Mariana Souza
Middle School Technology Integrator
Mariana Souza
Middle School Technology Integrator
I think everyone should read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends, eating delicious food, and learning something new.
I’m inspired by innovation, nature and connections.
- Email:msouza@kis.ac
Eric Rosenthal
Grade 6 Team Lead and Grade 6 English
Eric Rosenthal
Grade 6 Team Lead and Grade 6 English
I think everyone should read A Separate Peace by John Knowles and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
Outside of school, I most enjoy… spending time with my family, running, hiking, reading, playing sports and traveling.
I’m inspired by… great stories, camping trips, my students and other teachers.
- Email:erosenthal@kis.ac
Aaron Allooh
Grade 6 Mathematics
Aaron Allooh
Grade 6 Mathematics
I think everyone should read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, yoga, basketball, and running.
I’m inspired by my grandmother, who overcame hurdles and became one of the first women to work for NASA.
- Email:aallooh@kis.ac
Jamie Hart
Grade 6 Science
Jamie Hart
Grade 6 Science
I think everyone should read The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and the Rick Riordan series.
Outside of school, I most enjoy watching documentaries, going for walks, and going to cafes.
I'm inspired by the pursuit of knowledge.
- Email:jhart@kis.ac
Lynnette Kyle
Grade 6 Social Studies
Lynnette Kyle
Grade 6 Social Studies
I think everyone should read How to Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days by Stephen Manes.
Outside of school I most enjoy reading and watching Science Fiction & Mysteries, arts & crafts, and playing with my dog. I also love spending time with family and friends with a great cup of coffee.
I am inspired by people who take the time to listen and care.
- Email:lkyle@kis.ac
Bethany Bates
Grade 7 Team Lead and G7 Social Studies
Bethany Bates
Grade 7 Team Lead and G7 Social Studies
I think everyone should read Watership Down by Richard Adams.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, eating chocolate, and putting together puzzles.
I'm inspired by music, art, and people.
- Email:bbates@kis.ac
Kara Kunciw
Grade 7 English
Kara Kunciw
Grade 7 English
I think everyone should read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Outside of school, I most enjoy reading, photography, travel and movies.
I'm inspired by nature, meeting new people, great food and conversation.
- Email:kkunciw@kis.ac
Benjamin Hoult
Grade 7 English and Grade 7 Social Studies
Benjamin Hoult
Grade 7 English and Grade 7 Social Studies
Outside of school, Benjamin most enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature and taking opportunities for adventure. He trys to inspire his creative side and balance life with solid friendships.
Benjamin is inspired by people who are passionate about what they do. He believes that we have just as much to learn from the generations who will follow us as the generations who have gone before us.
- Email:bhoult@kis.ac
Michael Chu
Grade 7 Mathematics
Michael Chu
Grade 7 Mathematics
I think everyone should read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People but really, anything that makes you want to read.
Outside of school, I'm an amateur triathlete who loves all things outdoors including just sitting outdoors.
I'm inspired by anyone who finds success by sheer discipline and determination.
- Email:mchu@kis.ac
Michael Lee
Grade 7 Science
Michael Lee
Grade 7 Science
I think everyone should read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Drug Hunters: The Improbable Quest to Discover New Medicines by Donald Kirsch and Ogi Ogas.
Outside of school, you can find me more often than not at a gym. On the other hand, outdoor activities with a healthy dose of Vitamin D is my other favorite hobby.
I'm inspired by 'suddens': sudden bursts of laughter with my students, 'A-ha's from classwork, and surprise gratitudes given to staff, faculty, students, and parents/guardians.
- Email:mlee@kis.ac
Omar Maklad
Grade 7 Mathematics and Grade 7 Science
Omar Maklad
Grade 7 Mathematics and Grade 7 Science
Omar thinks everyone should read "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith.
Outside of school, Omar mostly enjoys weightlifting, hiking, city hiking, and big barbecues.
Omar is inspired by inquiry, knowledge and curiosity.
- Email:omaklad@kis.ac
Deborah Solice
Grade 7 ELL Specialist
Deborah Solice
Grade 7 ELL Specialist
Deborah is an author who is currently working on a contracted four book YA series. She lives in the nonfiction world, so reads and writes fiction stories!
Deborah's favorite activity outside of school is traveling.
- Email:dsolice@kis.ac
Elizabeth Cooper
Grade 8 Team Lead and Grade 8 Science
Elizabeth Cooper
Grade 8 Team Lead and Grade 8 Science
I think everyone should read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Outside of school, I most enjoy hiking, photography, and cooking.
I'm inspired by seeing new places and exploring in nature.
- Email:ecooper@kis.ac
Stacy Keevan
Grade 8 English
Stacy Keevan
Grade 8 English
Stacy has an Educational Specialist (Ed. S) degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, Tennessee; a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Piedmont College, Georgia, and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from Flagler College, Florida.
Outside of work, Stacy enjoys traveling and immersing herself in other cultures, reading and writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Stacy is most inspired by her students, people that are optimistic and motivated, and by her husband and their two daughters.
- Email:skeevan@kis.ac
Luke Zaya
Grade 8 English and Grade 8 Social Studies
Luke Zaya
Grade 8 English and Grade 8 Social Studies
I think everyone should read How to Talk so Kids Can Learn by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, running, playing basketball, and being with my family.
I'm inspired by my students, my colleagues, and my wife; but most of all, by our sons!
- Email:lzaya@kis.ac
Jordan Olson
Grade 8 Social Studies
Jordan Olson
Grade 8 Social Studies
Jordan has a Master of Arts in the teaching of Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York, and a Bachelor or Arts degree in History from University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys reading in a cozy cafe or spending time outdoors hiking or skiing.
Jordan is most inspired by people who are passionate! She loves listening to people talk about their hobbies or topics that they are excited by.
- Email:jolson@kis.ac
Diane Yum
Grade 8 Mathematics
Diane Yum
Grade 8 Mathematics
I think everyone should read The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews.
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time with my family, playing golf, traveling, and reading.
I'm inspired by people who have a positive mindset, my two children and challenges in life.
- Email:dyum@kis.ac
Alistair Watt
Grade 8 Mathematics and Grade 8 Science
Alistair Watt
Grade 8 Mathematics and Grade 8 Science
Alistair has a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education; a postgraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Psychology from the University of Auckland.
Outside of work, Alistair enjoys golf, mini golf, football (soccer) and spending time with friends.
Alistair is inspired by Janine Hinton who runs the Saving Hope dog rescue in Auckland, NZ and puts her entire soul into saving abandoned and neglected dogs.
- Email:awatt@kis.ac
Tania Campbell
Grade 8 ELL Specialist
Tania Campbell
Grade 8 ELL Specialist
I think everyone should read Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
Outside of school, I most enjoy writing, reading, and cycling around beautiful Jeju.
I’m inspired by people who strive to make a positive difference in the world.
- Email:tcampbell@kis.ac
Lucas Chapa
Middle School Music (Band)
Lucas Chapa
Middle School Music (Band)
I think everyone should read Mastery by George Leonard.
Outside of school I most enjoy performing, watching live music, and eating tasty food with family and friends.
I’m inspired by the power of music and compassionate, loving people.
- Email:lchapa@kis.ac
Benedict Dingle
Middle School Drama
Benedict Dingle
Middle School Drama
I think everyone should read The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, and William Shakespeare’s Richard III.
Outside of school, I most enjoy being near, on, or in the ocean.
I’m inspired by the simple, everyday kindness of others.
- Email:bdingle@kis.ac
Paul du Toit
Middle School Digital Photography and Videography
Paul du Toit
Middle School Digital Photography and Videography
I think everyone should read The Shack by William P. Young.
Outside of school, I most enjoy photography, videography, and making music. In addition, my family and I love camping around beautiful Jeju island. I also try to have a BBQ at least twice a week.
I’m inspired by my family and the amazing community at KIS.
- Email:pdutoit@kis.ac
Naomi Geidel
Middle School Physical Education
Naomi Geidel
Middle School Physical Education
I think everyone should read Keep Going by Austin Kleon and The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion by Elle Luna.
Outside of school, I most enjoy outdoor activities, creative projects and wandering streets I've never been.
I'm inspired by others who continue to challenge themselves, create beauty in the world and care for others well.
- Email:ngeidel@kis.ac
Tianna Gilliam
Middle School Music (Choir)
Tianna Gilliam
Middle School Music (Choir)
Tianna holds a master's degree in Music Education with a specialty in choral/vocal pedagogy from the University of Kansas as well as bachelor's degrees in Music and Spanish from Presbyterian College in South Carolina. Furthermore, she has published several papers in academic journals on best practices in choral education.
Outside of work, Tianna enjoys spending time with her husband, Luke, and their dachshund, Sage. You can find them hiking, reading, or trying new foods.
- Email:tgilliam@kis.ac
Jefferson Krause
Middle School Substitute Teacher
Kyle Kresge
Middle School Music (Orchestra)
Kyle Kresge
Middle School Music (Orchestra)
Kyle holds a master's degree in Music Performance from Penn State University, and bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from Ithaca College, NY.
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys cooking and eating delicious food, making music with friends, and enjoying time outside with his family.
Kyle is inspired by new discoveries, whether it be new music, new recipes, or new travel destinations - he enjoys finding hidden gems throughout life.
- Email:kkresge@kis.ac
Erin Lu
Middle School Chinese
Erin Lu
Middle School Chinese
I think everyone should read To Live by Yuhua, a Chinese author, and What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, a Japanese author.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, movies, reading, exploring restaurants and cafes, etc.
I'm inspired by a lot of beautiful things in my life, the nature we live in, the outdoor activities we play, and the good friends we have.
- Email:elu@kis.ac
Kevin Mejicanos
Middle School Physical Education
Kevin Mejicanos
Middle School Physical Education
I think everyone should read Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari.
Outside of school, I most enjoy reading, cooking, practicing yoga, and mostly any outdoor activity.
I’m inspired by my desire to share my passion for fitness and my family.
- Email:kmejicanos@kis.ac
Dominic O’Driscoll
Middle School Design Thinking and STEAM
Dominic O’Driscoll
Middle School Design Thinking and STEAM
I think everyone should read the book Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
I most enjoy spending time with my family.
I am inspired by seeing my children and students learn and grow.
- Email:dodriscoll@kis.ac
Christian Rodriguez
Middle School Visual Art
Christian Rodriguez
Middle School Visual Art
Christian holds a bachelor's degree in Studio Art from The University of Texas at Brownsville now known as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys hiking and both digital and film photography, as well as spending time with family and friends as well as traveling and experiencing new places, especially nature.
Christian is inspired by her family and those closest to her, and is also inspired by the goodness and kindness in others and by nature all around her.
- Email:crodriguez@kis.ac
Jonathan Blake Shaw (Bo)
Middle School Robotics and Engineering
Jonathan Blake Shaw (Bo)
Middle School Robotics and Engineering
I think everyone should read Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
Outside of school, I mostly enjoy spending time with family, riding my motorcycle, DIY projects, and attempting to play tennis.
I am inspired by my family and seeing students succeed.
- Email:jshaw@kis.ac
Nicole Shin
Middle School Spanish
Nicole Shin
Middle School Spanish
I think everyone should read The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan and The Bible.
Outside of school, I most enjoy spending time with my friends and family, doing some outdoor activities, going to markets, pottery, videography, exploring good cafes/restaurants and watching TV.
I'm inspired by all the wonderful people I have around me, the beauty of nature and random acts of kindness.
- Email:nshin@kis.ac
Eric Sobolik
Middle School Philosophy, Economics and Speech
Eric Sobolik
Middle School Philosophy, Economics and Speech
I think everyone should read Remembrance of Earth's Past Trilogy by Cixin Liu.
Outside of school, I most enjoy hiking and playing chess.
I'm inspired by making connections.
- Email:esobolik@kis.ac
Eun Ah Ko (Ellen)
Korean Social Studies
Eun Ah Ko (Ellen)
Korean Social Studies
I think everyone should read Spread your wings by Joachim de Posada.
Outside of school, I most enjoy traveling, playing with my family and watching sports.
I'm inspired by: ‘Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.’ -Helen Keller.
- Email:eako@kis.ac
Mi-jeong Kang (Catharina)
Korean Social Studies
Mi-jeong Kang (Catharina)
Korean Social Studies
I think everyone should read River Boy by Tim Bowler or Momo by Michael Ende.
Outside of school I most enjoy being with my three sons, walking the road to keep moments and writing memories, watching movies.
I’m inspired by: ‘We will laugh more, we’ll love more, we’ll see the world. We just won’t be so afraid.’ - Last Holiday (movie)
- Email:mjkang@kis.ac
Gyeong A Lee (Raina)
Korean Language and Literature
Gyeong A Lee (Raina)
Korean Language and Literature
Gyeong A thinks everyone should read "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Outside of school, Gyeong A most enjoys watching movies and traveling.
Gyeong A is inspired by Carlo Goldoni’s words, “The world is a beautiful book, but of little use to him who cannot read it.”
- Email:galee@kis.ac
Min A Lee (Mina)
Korean Language and Literature
Min A Lee (Mina)
Korean Language and Literature
Min A thinks everyone should read "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Outside of school, Min A most enjoys spending time her family.
Min A is inspired by music and the people around her.
- Email:malee@kis.ac
Young Zoo Cho (Edward)
Korean as a Foreign Language
Young Zoo Cho (Edward)
Korean as a Foreign Language
Young Zoo thinks everyone should read "1984" by George Orwell.
Outside of school Young Zoo mostly enjoys hanging out with people.
Young Zoo is inspired by a question that cannot be easily concluded.
- Email:yzcho@kis.ac