DIRECTORS, TEACHERS & STAFF
Say "Hi" to some of our Directors, Leadership, Teachers & Operations team.
DIRECTORS
Founder & Executive Director
Joshua O'Sullivan
Joshua is from Queensland, Australia and moved to Japan in 2007.
He holds bachelor degrees in Science (Physics) and in IT (Software Engineering).
With experience in startups & business, education, churches and the non-profit sector, Joshua founded Zoe International School in 2021 in response to the growing need for an affordable, quality international schools in Yokohama.
He is most passionate about seeing local communities changed for the better and equipping every person to live the full life God has designed them for.
Joshua, his wife Yuki, and their 5 children live on the Gold Coast in Australia, where they lead Sozo Gold Coast and commute between Australia and Japan.
Director
Michael McClain
Michael is from Tennessee, USA and has lived in Japan for 6 years.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
With vast experience in engineering corporate roles, and as a musician, Michael transitioned to his own business and his passion in the non-profit sector.
Michael and his wife Shelly have 4 children and pastor Yokohama International Church in Kannai.
Director
Kasumi Arciaga
We are pleased to introduce Dr. Kasumi Arciaga, B.A (General Education), M.S (Education in TESOL), and Ph.D. (Applied Linguistics) as a new member of the Zoe International School Board of Directors.
Dr. Arciaga brings a strong background in education, language learning, and leadership, with extensive experience in international and higher-education settings in Japan.
Her work has included teaching, curriculum development, and academic leadership, with a deep commitment to student-centered learning and supportive school communities.
As a director she will be advising the school on academics as well as accreditation and will also be at the school often as part of her ongoing research.
We are very excited to have her joining the Board of Directors and believe her experience and expertise will bring great value to Zoe International School moving forward.
LEADERSHIP
Principal
Shelly McClain
We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has officially appointed Mrs. Shelly McClain as the new Principal of Zoe International School for the 2026-2027 school.
Mrs. McClain brings many years of experience in education and leadership, with a deep passion for student development, academic excellence, and building strong school communities.
Existing families will recognise Mrs McClain in her work as a Homeroom Teacher, Nurse & Wellbeing Officer and more recently as Head of Learning & Teaching.
Mrs McClain is currently in the final stages of completing her Masters of Education for the upcoming school year and has excelled in leadership roles throughout her career.
Shelly has a heart for international education with all of her own children going through international education, and is committed to fostering a nurturing environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Her leadership philosophy centers on partnership with families, empowering teachers, and creating a school culture that encourages curiosity, resilience, and purpose.
We are confident that her experience, vision, and care for students will strengthen Zoe International School as we continue to grow and develop as a community.
LOWER ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Kindergarten Teacher
Mika Morris
Grade 1
Merisa Davidson
Merisa is from Jamaica and has lived in Japan over 6 years.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History & Linguistics and is currently obtaining her Master of Arts Degree in Education.
She spent the early years of her professional life working in the financial services sector.
However, her love for children eventually led her to work in Japan.
Merisa has many years of experience teaching in Japan.
Aside from working at Zoe, she has worked at other international schools in Japan.
She has been teaching English to kids, at various levels, since 2017.
She has a love of drama, poetry, and sign language.
She also enjoys singing and dancing.
She lives with her husband in Yokohama.
Grade 2
Danny Schild
UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Grade 3
Christine Natalia
Christine is originally from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.
She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication Design and received her teaching certification from the District of Columbia for Elementary Education.
She has worked as an elementary homeroom teacher in a classical Christian school in Indonesia for 6 years: 2 years in grade 3, 4 years in grade 6.
She has also taught art for grade 1-5 for 1 year.
She came to Japan initially for MEXT teacher training program. Christine enjoys reading and watching movies and resides in Tokyo with her husband,
Grade 4
Quentin Durand
Grade 5
Gennelyn Divino
Grade 6
Jasmine Lepelaar
MIDDLE & HIGHSCHOOL TEACHERS
Head of English & Language Arts
Vivian Retumban
Viviene is from Albay, Philippines and has lived in Japan for 6 years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, majoring in English, and has completed the coursework for a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Language Education.
She moved to Japan in 2018 to participate in an exchange and teaching program sponsored by the Japanese government. This gave her the opportunity to teach English for five years at a Japanese senior high school, advise its English club, and establish a
language and cultural exchange program for students and the international community in the city.
Back in her home country, Viviene spent many years gaining extensive English teaching experience in various international educational institutions at the collegiate and high school
levels, as well as in language schools. Her desire as an educator is to help students develop their communication skills and their love for learning and growth.
As a multi-passionate person, Viviene enjoys exploring the creative world. She loves to capture life experiences and miracles in the mundane through photography, writing poetry, journaling, and making art. She also finds cooking, reading, and being in nature, especially by the sea, therapeutic.
She lives in Nishi-ku, Yokohama.
Head of History & Geography
Edwin Portillo
Edwin is from El Salvador, Central America and has lived in Japan for 5 years.
He holds a teaching degree with focus on English Teaching Methodologies from the University of El Salvador and his TESOL certification from Arizona State University.
He is currently pursuing another degree to advance his studies in education as well.
In 2015, he was invited by the Ministry of Education of Japan to come and do research studies in the area of project-based learning in education in areas affected by the tsunami that hit Tohoku in 2011.
He has experience as an English, Spanish and Social Studies teacher at K-12 schools in both El Salvador and Japan and has been in the classroom for 14 years.
He enjoys practicing outdoor sports and is a keen videography enthusiast and also loves to get involved in his local church and community service.
He is inspired by seeing students fully develop their potential and taking their creativity and knowledge to the next level.
Since he loves the sea, he tried to learn surfing, but found it too hard to remain standing on the board, so he switched sports to stand up paddling (sup) instead.
Edwin loves to go for a nice beach walk with his wife and new baby.
Together with his wife Kirara they live in Kamakura.
Head of Math & Science
Marco Arciaga
Marco Arciaga is from Manila, Philippines and has been living in Japan for one year.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Mapua University. Before relocating to Japan, he taught STEM K-12 and engineering students at Mapua University for four years.
Marco is passionate about martial arts, philosophy, and outdoor activities.
He finds joy in sparking students' curiosity about how the universe works, creating an engaging and exciting learning environment.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Head of Physical Education & Afterschool Care
Shinya Fukusaku
Shinya is from Vancouver, Canada and has lived in Japan for 1 year.
He holds a Diploma in Assistant Teaching from Canada.
Shinya has vast experience working with students with learning disabilities and is passionate about playing sports and a healthy life.
Shinya got recently married to his wife, Yuiho, and they live in Asahi Ward.
EAL Coordinator
Charlainne Belleza
Learning Support Coordinator
Seth McClain
Teaching Assistant
Sachi Mercedes
Japanese
Mariko Petel
Japanese
Keiko Morishita
OPERATIONS
HR Manager & PTA Co-Ordinator
Keiko Morishita
Administration & Translation
Tsuyoshi Matsumura
He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Kanagawa University.
Facilities Management & Safety Officer
Michael McClain
Finance & Accounting
Hayasaka Tax Accountants
Hayasaka Office is one of the most trusted tax advisory offices in Yokohama, serving leading businesses and business owners in Japanese, English, and Chinese.
Their office is characterized as one of the few offices in Japan that engages in handling the incorporation, accounting, tax consulting services for both Profit and Non-Profit Organizations (NPO).
Hayasaka Accountants office retains qualified and experienced bilingual staff.
At Zoe we are committed to the highest standards of finance and accountability.
As a non-profit we operate in transparency with our board of directors, staff and community of families.
