Staff

Wendy Taylor
England
Deputy Head

I am originally from Leeds, which is a large city in Northern England. I have travelled extensively throughout Asia and Japan, since arriving here over four years ago. Japan is an exciting country to live in as there are so many places to explore and discover. The people are so warm and friendly.
My interests are varied but I love the outdoors and enjoy camping, hiking and exploring the country on our motorbike.

Engrid Hermann
U.S.A.
Nursery Class Teacher

I am in my sixth year of being the Nursery Teacher at St. Michael's. I have also taught early years in USA and Tokyo before coming to Kobe. I am originally from Michigan where I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education, and I am currently working towards my Master's in Early Childhood Education which will be completed shortly. In my spare time I also enjoy running, reading, and traveling.

Clinton Morgan
Australia
Reception Class Teacher

I have a degree in Primary Education from Australia, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Journalism. This will be my third year teaching in the Reception room at St. Michael’s. I’m looking forward to another successful and enjoyable year with the Reception children.

James Grimsby
UK
Year 1 Class Teacher / EYFS / KS1 Coordinator

My name is James Grimsby and this is my fifth year at St. Michael's. I have two roles within the school; firstly as the class teacher in Year 1 and secondly as a curriculum coordinator for the Early Years and Key Stage 1. I enjoy working with some of our youngest children as they never cease to surprise me. After the school day, I also enjoy spending time with my family and visiting the gym.

Clare Lauritzen
UK
Year 2 Class Teacher

This is my second year at St Michael's and it has been great to return to see the familiar faces of colleagues, children and parents again. I am already enjoying teaching Year Two and am busy hatching plans for exciting ways to learn this year. I began my teaching career in Colchester and then decided to expand my horizons, teaching in Singapore, Kathmandu, Cambridge and Berlin - all quite different places. I love to discover something new, whether that is a coral reef, a mountain footpath or a city museum. Luckily Japan has all of these!

Marcel Peñarroja
UK
Year 3 Class Teacher

I am the Year Three Class Teacher and this is my second year at St.Michael’s International School and I am also the Student Leadership Council Facillitator. This is also my second year in Japan and I enjoy my work and life here very much. I like sports and I play football regularly and enjoy jogging and squash when I can. In addition, I like listening to music and try to go and see live bands whenever possible. I enjoy travelling and it is has been a marvellous experience so far exploring this part of the world.

Alex Timmis
UK
Year 4 Class Teacher

I am now in my fifth year at St Michael's. I first arrived in Japan 22 years ago attending international schools in Tokyo and Yokohama as a child as well as university in Osaka. I consider it very much my home here. I love to teach children of all ages and particularly enjoy running extra curricular activities for all children from Nursery to Year 6. In my holidays I like to travel and in my free time I play futsal and listen to and produce electronic music.

Alastair Moulton
UK
Year 5 Class Teacher / KS2 Coordinator

I am currently in my 5th year as St. Michael’s tallest teacher and every day has offered me a new adventure and put a smile on my face. I love watching, playing and coaching football and support Everton F.C., except when they lose. Often I will be found reading a crime novel, watching an adventure movie or listening to some funky rock music.

Sally Tong
UK
Year 6 Class Teacher

Before coming to St. Micheal's International School, I have had experiences in teaching in the UK for 4 years and a year teaching English in Quito, Ecuador. My interests include traveling and experiencing different cultures and languages, therefore working in Japan is a dream come true!

Ahmed Aljonaid
Saudi Arabia
ICT Director

I have been in St. Michael's for 6 years and have started my new role as the ICT Director this year. I hold a master Degree in Computer Science from the USA and a Ph.D in Science from Japan. Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife Karla and precious son Ali-Kyle, especially outdoors—playing, visiting new places and learning together. I also enjoy fixing small mechanical or electronic devices, programming, working with metals and woods, reading, and learning new languages. Not everyone gets to enjoy all this and enjoy their job too, so I feel very fortunate that I am able to have all of this.

Bairbre Ni Oisin
Ireland
ESOL Specialist Teacher

I am currently responsible for teaching ESOL students at Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. My expertise lies in teaching English as a second/foreign language to children, with a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and a Master of Science in Teaching English to Young Learners. In my free time, I enjoy exploring scenic areas and discovering local specialities in Japan.

Tazu Makino
Japan
Japanese Language Teacher and ELS Coordinator

I started teaching here as the Primary One class teacher (present Year 2) where I had 26 children fm many parts of the world including one from Sudan. Currently I am teaching English in the English Language section and Japanese to the International School children. I love teaching, being part of St. Michael’s and welcoming back our old students some of whom are now mothers and fathers.

Peter Ho
Canada
Music and P.E. Teacher

I have been at St. Michael's International School for the last five and a half years. I have three children and Kobe is a wonderful place to raise a family. My sons attend St. Michael's International School. I love all kinds of sports, especially playing golf and volleyba

Steven Lewington
England
Library and Support Teacher

I have been working at St. Michael's for six years now, as the Library Teacher, an ESOL Teacher and the Substitute Teacher. I am from England, but I have lived in Japan for sixteen years now with my wife and children, so this is where my heart is. It is a great privilege to work in this delightful school where everybody is so friendly and supportive.

Michael Laurent
U.S.A
Teaching Assistant Key Stage 2

I am now in my fifth year here at Saint Michael's International school. I have lived in Kobe for just over seven years now and as of this writing, I have just started training for a marathon which I hope to run in February or March. In my spare time, I enjoy distance running and spending time with my wife and my newborn daughter, Mia.

Avani Shah
India
Teaching Assistant Key Stage 1

Although I was born in India, I have always lived in Kobe. I enjoy reading and watching movies. This is my 5th year being at St. Michael's. I am very lucky because I get to experience St. Michael's through the eyes of a teacher, alumni, and as a parent.

Gabe Inter
USA
Teacher Assistant Key Stage 1

I am currently in my fifth year at St. Michael’s as a teacher assistant. When I’m not at school, I enjoy playing sports, watching movies and
searching for new Kit Kats! I love living in Japan and working at St. Michael’s. I also love visiting my family and friends in Hawaii.

Kumiko Kamatsuka
Japan
Teaching Assistant Early Years

This is my eighth year at St. Michaels and I have also taught at Osaka International School before. I am back working with younger children this year after my six years in Year 1. I completed my Early Childhood teacher training in California and I am licensed to teach children aged up to five.

Akiko Nakagawa
Japan
Teaching Assistant Early Years

I am in my 6th year at St. Micheal's. I studied Childcare and Education in England. I have been working in Early Years in England and Japan for about 15 years.

Setsuko Taniguchi
Japan
Medical Officer

This is my first year at St. Michael's International School. I look forward to spending days with the beautiful children, families and the staff of St. Michael's.

About SMIS

Staff