Yashar Karamati has worked for Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2009. He has served in many different roles such as Teacher, Department Head, Educational Coordinator, Vice-Principal, and now Principal. He has a M.Ed. from the University of British Columbia as well as a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics and B.Ed both from the University of Victoria. His ethnicity is Iranian; however, he was born in Afghanistan, raised in Denmark, lives in Canada, and works in China. He loves solving problems, playing soccer, and exploring the world.

Email: yasharkaramati@mapleleafedu.com

Dan Dan has 12 years of language teaching experience in China and the United States. She graduated from Harbin Normal University with a master's degree in English Education and is currently in her second year of studying for a Ph.D. She enjoys playing the Ukulele, traveling, and meeting new friends.

Daniel Cotton is a Canadian who has worked for Maple Leaf Educational Systems since 2017. He is the Business Department Head, and teaches Economics, Marketing & E-Commerce, Accounting, and Personal & Global Leadership. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph, as well as an Independent School Teaching Certificate from the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Daniel embodies the values of Hard-work, Excellence, Achievement, and Teamwork, and consistently challenges his students to raise their standards of performance and stretch to their fullest potential. “Bring the HEAT!”

Erica Penny is from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She graduated with her BSc in Biology from Mount Allison University in 2004 and her BEd in Secondary Biological Sciences in 2011 from UBC. She has been teaching since 2006, starting as an assistant English teacher in Japan before getting her BEd. She moved to Haikou in 2011, where she has taught math and sciences at the high school level, followed by a few years as an elementary school teacher. Erica is very happy to be teaching high school again, sharing her passion for science with the students. “My goal is to ignite students’ curiosity and create scientifically literate, life-long learners.”

Having studied and lived in Singapore, India, Canada, and now China, Gowri Muralidhar is keen on fostering an international education for her students. She has done a practicum at the United World College in Singapore, worked in several independent schools in Canada, taught at the Canadian International School in Egypt, and now teaches for Maple Leaf in China. Her love of travel and new exposures has set her on a goal to try and teach in as many continents as possible. She is a yoga certified teacher, and although she hasn't practiced in a few years, she hopes to get back to it and incorporate her mindfulness tactics into her professional career. She also enjoys scuba diving and recently attained her boating license in Ontario. She enjoys watching sports and is a big Toronto Raptors fan!

Inge Adendorff comes from South Africa. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Fashion Technology, PGCE in Visual Arts & Design and a TEFL certificate. She has been living in Haikou since 2019. She brings a lot of industry experience and know-how from the roles she served as a Production Manager and Luxury Goods Designer. She loves nature, hiking and exploring and anything to do with dancing.

Kiki Yu joined Maple Leaf International School - Hainan in 2020. She graduated with a bachelor degree and majored in Business English. She is the WS program secretary. She has travelled to 72 countries during her time working with Princess Cruises. Therefore, she has a better understanding of different cultures. Now she is part of the Maple Leaf family assisting with the operations of the school and helping students to be a better version of themselves.

Ryan Meraw began his career in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for 5 years and then decided to move across the world to Malaysia which eventually led him to sunny Hainan. He has a B.Ed from The University of Alberta and he is looking to begin his Masters degree in counselling. He loves all things music and has been an avid guitar player since he was eight years old. Along with music he has a strong passion for athletics and learning new skills as he believes you are never done learning.

Shiying Liu is from China. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 2021 and Bachelor of Education in 2022 from TRU. She obtained a High School Teacher Qualification Certificate from BC, Canada, and a Montessori Early Education Certificate from the Chinese Montessori Association. As a Maple Leaf alumni, she is very happy to come back with a new role. Her teaching philosophy is to guide students and create a student-centered classroom.