DIRECTORS, TEACHERS & STAFF
Say "Hi" to some of our Directors, Leadership, Teachers & Operations team.
DIRECTORS
Founder & Executive Director
Joshua O'Sullivan
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.
Patrick McGinty
Director
He grew up with his family in Tokyo, Japan.
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
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 Certification 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 that 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.
LOWER ELEMENTARY TEACHERS
Kindergarten Teacher
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 1
Shayne Candia
Shayne is from Manila, Philippines and has lived in Japan for 8 years.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, a certification in TESOL and is obtaining her Master’s in Education.
Shayne is also certified as an English as a Second Language teacher. She is passionate about creating a classroom environment that fosters a love of learning and encourages students to discover and express themselves.
Shayne has many years of experience as a teacher and has been a team lead at other international schools in Japan.
She enjoys singing and exploring nature parks in Japan with her husband and two adventurous sons.
She lives in Yokosuka with her husband, Renaissance, and their 2 children.
Grade 2
Karen Gomez
Karen is from Mumbai, India, and has lived in Japan for 14 years.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Education, and a Master’s Degree in Education.
She also holds a Diploma in Journalism and Corporate Communications.
Karen has many years of experience in academics and teaching.
Aside from working at Zoe, she previously 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.
She lives in Kannai, Yokohama with her husband, Savio, and daughter, Rebecca.
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 3
Tom Nylander
Tom is from Wyoming, USA and moved to Japan in August 2023.
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 Master of Arts Degrees in Intercultural Studies. T
om 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, have two grown children that have both gone on to study at the University of Wyoming.
Their daughter, McKenna, graduated in 2022, is now married to Matthew, and she is serving in a local church in Gillette, Wyoming.
Their son, Chase, will finish his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Wyoming in 2026, where he is pursuing a degree in Musical Theater and Dance Performance.
They live in Yokohama Portside.
Grade 5/6
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
Grade 7/8 Homeroom & 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.
Grade 9/10 Homeroom & Math
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.
Grade 11/12 Homeroom & 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.
Middle/High Online Homeroom & Science
Marco Arciaga
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.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Physical Education, EAL & 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 & Teaching Assistant
Mika Morris
Mika is from Japan, but grew up in the USA for most of her school years.
She went toTama University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in hospitality and is pursuing her teaching certification through ACSI.
She has experience with taking care of Special needs children for 2 years in Japan.
This is her first year at Zoe and is very excited to be here!
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.
