DIRECTORS, TEACHERS & STAFF
Say hi to some of our directors, advisors, teachers & operations team.
DIRECTORS
Founder & Executive Director
Joshua O'Sullivan
He holds bachelor degrees in Science (Physics) and in IT (Software Engineering).
With much 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 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 in the Gold Coast in Australia where they lead Sozo Gold Coast and commute between Australia and Japan.
Patrick McGinty
Director
Michael McClain
Director
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.
LEADERSHIP
Principal (April 2024~)
Constance Nylander
Connie is from Florida, USA and has recently moved to Japan with her husband Tom to continue in her passion and career of teaching.
They has lived in many different states, (Virginia, Florida, Colorado and Wyoming), and have travelled to more than 50 different countries.
Connie holds a Master of Arts in Teaching as well as a Bachelor of Science in Global studies, Adolescent Psychology and Family/Consumer Science.
She also holds a current teaching certificiate from the state of Florida as well as a TESL certification.
Connie brings over 20 years of experience in academics, administration, leadership, and teaching and we are excited to welcome her onboard for the 2024 academic year.
Connie and her husband Tom have two children and both have gone on to study at the University of Wyoming.
Their daughter (McKenna) graduated in ’22, is married, and she is serving in a local church in Gillette, Wyoming.
Their son (Chase), is in his 2nd year of studies at the University of Wyoming.
He is pursuing a degree in Theater.
Together they live in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.
Principal (Current)
Masaki Fukao
Masaki is from California, USA and has lived in Japan for 2 years.
He holds a Bachelor in International Studies and Education and Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction.
Before moving to Japan, Masaki spent thirteen years working in US public schools teaching math and social studies while coaching basketball and advising various clubs.
In his free time, he gains energy from riding his bicycle and catching bugs with his kids in the summer.
Also, creating new recipes, taking adventures on public transportation, and learning more about the world bring him life.
Together with his wife Aimee they have 2 children and live in Kanazawa, Yokohama.
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
G1 Homeroom
Shayne Candia
Shayne is from Manila, Philippines and has lived in Japan for 8 years.
She holds a Bachelor in Science as well as TESOL and is studying her Masters in Education.
Shayne is also certified as an English as a Second Language teacher.
Shayne has many years experience as a teacher and most recently was a team lead other international schools in Japan.
She enjoys singing and exploring nature parks in Japan with her husband and two adventurous sons. She is passionate about creating a classroom environment that fosters a love of learning and encourages students to discover and express themselves.
Together with her husband Renaissance they have 2 children and live in Yokosuka.
G2 Homeroom
Karen Gomez
Karen is from Mumbai, India, and has lived in Japan for 14 years.
She holds a Bachelor in Arts and in Education, and a Masters in Education.
She also holds a Diploma in Journalism and Corporate Communications.
Karen has many years experience in academics and teaching and most recently worked at other international schools in Japan.
She loves singing especially Praise and Worship and currently directs her little church choir.
She enjoys travelling around the world and connecting History and Geography and is passionate about exposing her students to the wonders of God's great world.
Together with her husband Savio, they have a daughter and live in Kannai, Yokohama.
G3~4 Homeroom
Tom Nylander
Tom is from Wyoming, USA and has recently moved to Japan.
He has lived in many different states, (Virginia, Florida, Colorado and Wyoming), and he has travelled to more than 50 different countries.
He holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Arts in Intercultural Studies.
Tom has over 20 years of experience in academics, administration, cross-cultural service, and teaching and is an adjunct professor at Liberty University.
Tom and his wife Connie two children and both have gone on to study at the University of Wyoming.
Their daughter (McKenna) graduated in ’22, is married, and she is serving in a local church in Gillette, Wyoming.
Their son (Chase), is in his 2nd year of studies at the University of Wyoming.
He is pursuing a degree in Theater.
Together they live in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama.
G5~6 Homeroom
Shelly McClain
Shelly is from Tennessee, USA and has lived in Japan for 5 years.
She holds qualifications in Surgical Technology and as well as a Bachelor degree in Ministry.
Shelly has 14 years of teaching experience working in public & private schools, and well as the homeschooling community .
She has also worked as a professional musician and is an experienced vocal coach.
With her experience and licensing as a health professional, Shelly also operates as our school nurse.
Together with her husband Michael, they have 4 children and live in Naka-ku, Yokohama and also pastor Yokohama International Church in Kannai.
MIDDLE & HIGHSCHOOL TEACHERS
English, 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.
Math & Science
Renaissance Candia
Renaissance is from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines and has lived in Japan for 8 years.
He holds a Bachelor degree in Engineering and is working towards his teaching certification.
Renaissance has many years working in the development industry as well as teaching in Japan and as a musician.
Together with his wife Shayne they live in Yokosuka.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
PE & EAL
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.
He currently lives in Tokyo.
Teaching Assistant & EAL
Merisa Davidson
Merisa is from Jamaica and has lived in Japan over 6 years.
She holds a Bachelor in History & Linguistics and is studying her Masters of Education.
She spent the early years of her professional life working in the financial services sector.
However, her love for children eventually lured her to the "Land of the Rising Sun".
Merisa has many years experience in teaching in Japan and most recently worked at other international schools in Japan.
Merisa has been teaching English to kids at various levels in Japan since 2017.
She has a penchant for drama, poetry, and sign language. Singing and dancing are among her other less well-honed talents
Together with her husband they live in Yokohama.
Math & Learning Support
Kies Kiteah
Kies is from Liberia and has lived in Japan for over 1 year.
He holds a Bachelor of Science and is studying for his Master of Engineering as a graduate student at the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Kies lives in Aoba-ku, Yokohama.
Japanese
Tsuyoshi Matsumura
He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Kanagawa University.
OPERATIONS
Operations Manager & PTA Co-Ordinator
Hana Yoo
Hana is from Korea and has lived in Japan for over 10 years.
She holds her Bachelor in Hospitality from the Gold Coast, Australia.
Hana also has a TESOL teaching certificate and assists with bilingual learners.
She is excited to bring the sense of hospitality to Zoe, ensuring the best experience for teachers, students and parents.
Together with her husband Youngmin they have 2 children and live in Minami-ku, Yokohama
Administration & Translation
Tsuyoshi Matsumura
He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Kanagawa University.
Facilities Management & Safety Officer
Renaissance Candia
Renaissance is from Cebu, Philippines and has lived in Japan for 8 years.
He holds a Bachelor degree in Engineering and is working towards his teaching certification.
Renaissance has many years working in the development industry as well as teaching in Japan and as a musician.
Together with his wife Shayne they live in Yokosuka.
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.
