Kevin
Adams
Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Adams was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, but spent most of his youth in Saratoga Springs, New York, USA. He majored in history at the State University of New York at Oneonta and received his Bachelor’s degree after completing a study abroad program at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. He then went on to receive his teaching license through the University of West Florida. Mr. Adams has spent the past 8 years teaching both ELA and Social Studies at private schools throughout the beautiful island of Taiwan in the towns and cities of Sanchong, Taitung, Taipei, and Linkou. While Assistant Head of Social Studies at his previous school, he most recently taught courses on Ancient Civilizations, Early United States History, Early World History, and AP United States History.
During his free time, Mr. Adams enjoys competing in endurance sports and spending time in the great outdoors. He has participated in numerous half-marathons, marathons, and triathlons, and has a passion for an athletic lifestyle. This love of sports grew during his high school and college years while playing American football and lacrosse. Both of these experiences cultivated a lifelong appreciation for physical health. Mr. Adams also loves to travel and learn about the peoples and cultures of the places that he visits. He believes that traveling is especially meaningful when it is through the wonderful form of bikepacking. He has gone on numerous bikepacking trips, the longest of which being a 7-day 800km solo ride from Edinburgh, Scotland to London, England. Mr. Adams’ future adventure goals include completing a full 140.6 Ironman Triathlon, hiking the Everest Base Camp Trail, and bikepacking across Japan’s main island of Honshu.
In the words of the modern-day explorer and adventurer Alastair Humphreys, Mr. Adams believes, “Adventure is just about doing something you’ve never done – doing it with enthusiasm and curiosity: doing something difficult with passion.” He hopes that you all choose to live the adventure of life just as passionately!
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." - Abraham Lincoln
Ash
Boden
ELA Teacher
Mr. Boden joins the school with over a decade of international teaching experience, most recently teaching High School English with the AP Capstone programme. He has taught across almost all grade levels and brings a passion for developing students’ confidence in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
With a strong background in curriculum leadership, project-based learning, and global education, Mr. Boden believes in creating inclusive, student-centred classrooms where every learner feels challenged and supported.
Outside of teaching, he enjoys travelling, playing football, writing, and exploring local food culture.
Dr. Alia
Clark
Math Teacher
Alia Clark is a dedicated educator with a background in chemistry and mathematics. Moved to the U.S. at the age of 15 to pursue her education, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and a Master’s in Applied Statistics from Purdue University.
With extensive experience teaching chemistry and mathematics at various educational institutions, Dr. Clark has honed her skills in accommodating diverse learning profiles and developing integrated teaching strategies. She spent 7 years at Kang Chiao International School, where she held various roles in teaching and administrative support, and 4 years as a visiting assistant professor at the University level in the U.S. She has also served as a mentor for undergraduate independent research, fostering a love for research and inquiry-based learning in her students.
Aside from her passion for teaching, Dr. Clark has a keen interest in sudoku and enjoys spending time in the lab. She also has a special fondness for dogs and has named her pets with math-themed names. Alia believes in the importance of work-life balance and enjoys spending quality time with her family.
As an advocate of inquiry-based learning, Dr. Clark promotes collaboration, research, and active learning in the classroom. Her teaching philosophy revolves around sharing knowledge and passion, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and inspiring wonder and curiosity in students.
"Be passionate, stay curious"
Stuart
Dawson
Science Teacher
Mr. Dawson is originally from the UK, but he has spent the last 20 years living and working in Taiwan. He began his teaching career as a teaching assistant working with SEN students in a secondary school in York. Although he found the job challenging, it was ultimately a very rewarding experience, and the progress he saw in students inspired him to complete his secondary science PGCE at Liverpool John Moores University. From there, Mr. Dawson traveled to Taiwan, where he initially worked as a homeroom teacher in an elementary school before returning to teach high school science.
Mr. Dawson loves the outdoors and spends much of his spare time hiking in Taiwan’s high mountains. He has completed fifty of the top one hundred peaks and hopes to eventually finish the remaining fifty.
Mr. Dawson is very excited to join the AAIA family and looks forward to sharing his passion for science with his students.
"Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science." - Edwin Powell Hubble
Grace
Bassett
Math Teacher
Ms. Bassett graduated from the University of Virginia in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and East Asian Studies. After graduation, Ms. Bassett accepted a scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education to live in Taipei and study Mandarin Chinese at National Taiwan Normal University. After a year of language study, Ms. Bassett had enjoyed her time in Taiwan so much that she was inspired to pursue a long-term career in teaching mathematics at an international school in Taiwan.
Ms. Bassett returned to the USA and enrolled in the Master of Teaching program at Bard College in upstate New York to study the intricacies of mathematics education and gain crucial experience in preparation for her return to Taiwan.
Beyond completing the requirements of her master's program, Ms. Bassett fostered her skills as an educator while teaching at Simon’s Rock at Bard College, an early college institution for ambitious students interested in an accelerated path toward graduating from college. During her time at Bard, Ms. Bassett discovered a deep passion for teaching and explaining mathematical concepts. She believes that learning math is vital to students’ success because it teaches necessary soft skills such as perseverance, creative thinking, and problem-solving. More than anything, Ms. Bassett hopes to share her love for mathematics with her students and support them in building their identities as mathematicians.
Having recently graduated with her Master of Teaching degree and New York State Teaching Certification, Ms. Bassett is thrilled to finally return to Taiwan. She hopes to achieve her professional goals of growing as a knowledgeable, compassionate educator, as well as her nonprofessional goals of becoming an amateur surfer, a calligraphy artist, a night market connoisseur, and a fluent speaker of Mandarin Chinese.
Richard
Booth
Social Study
As a multi-national, Mr. Booth has always enjoyed travelling and incorporating lessons learned abroad into his teaching of Social Studies. Both Canada and Brazil are home, though Mr. Booth tries to be at home wherever he is, in the good company of friends, or family. He earned a post-graduate degree in Social Studies Education from the University of Alberta as well as being a licensed teacher across Canada. His previous international experience includes the UK, Kuwait and now Taiwan for the last three years, which has helped him to appreciate the American school setting in different parts of the world.
Mr. Booth was not one of those destined teachers, or that had the profession run in his family and initially came to teaching through volunteering in his early university years, believing in the value of service that comes with education and simply working hard to make a difference. To this end, he always has been involved in school activities from all kinds of sports and chess, to MUN and the World Scholars Cup.
Mr. Booth enjoys spending his free time in the mountains (he prefers the cold of his Canadian side), though also can occasionally be found at the beach and just generally discovering different corners of Taiwan. At home, he can be found experimenting in the kitchen
Mr. Booth is excited to join the AAIA team and help our students with their critical, historical thinking and writing, and to encourage them to be out there, discovering the world with an open and patient mindset.
“If you do not have all that you love, love all that you have”!
Matthew
Carlson
Biology Teacher
Mr. Carlson was born in Seattle, Washington in the USA. A lifetime lover of all things science, he moved to California to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Humboldt State University and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from Colorado State University. He has taught high school and middle school Science in Paraguay, Kuwait, and Singapore, before moving to Taiwan with his 8 year-old daughter and wife, who is also an educator.
In his free time, Mr. Carlson enjoys many outdoor pursuits including fly-fishing, camping, photography, bird-watching, and hiking. Mr. Carlson also enjoys travel and has been enjoying the beautiful nature that Taiwan has to offer. In addition, Mr. Carlson enjoys cooking and eating great food around the world.
As a teacher, Mr. Carlson hopes all science students can learn to be curious about the world around them, observe carefully, and ask a lot of questions! His classroom is a place where students are encouraged to explore, wonder, and seek to understand the natural world around them.
“Don’t listen to the person who has all the answers; listen to the person who asks all the questions.” -Albert Einstein
“Don’t listen to the person who has all the answers; listen to the person who asks all the questions.” -Albert Einstein
Cherry
Chen
CCR Teacher
Having lived between cultures her whole life, Ms. Chen has been shaped by an international upbringing. She was born in Taipei, Taiwan, raised in Beijing, China, before she moved to the United States to study Business Administration with a minor in Communication Design at the University of Southern California. This blend of cultures and languages has given her a natural ability to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
After working across finance and marketing, Ms. Chen found her true calling in education, specifically in guiding high school students through the college applications process. At AAIA, she continues this work by helping students develop their own passion projects, leading them through a pivotal point in their lives as they figure out their values and interests. She believes that this clarity will serve them far beyond their college applications.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Chen is a writer and artist who uses both to process and express herself. She enjoys experimenting with fashion, listening to music, and spending time in nature, and believes that curiosity–whether it’s chasing a new interest, going outdoors, or finding a new song–is at the heart of a meaningful life.
Ms. Chen is thrilled to join the AAIA community, and hopes to instill that same sense of curiosity in her students as they find and pursue what drives them, both in and out of the classroom.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." - Pablo Picasso
Karen
Chiang
Music Teacher
Originally from Taiwan, Ms. Chiang has had the opportunity to study, perform, and teach internationally throughout her musical journey. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Toronto before completing her Master of Music in Flute Performance at Boston University, where she studied with Linda Toote and performed with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra. Living and studying in Canada and the United States has broadened her musical perspective and strengthened her appreciation for diverse cultures and educational experiences.
Teaching has become one of the most meaningful parts of Ms. Chiang’s career. She has worked with students of various ages and backgrounds through private instruction, music enrichment programs, and as a teaching assistant at Boston University. She also taught at The Conservatory of Highlands in Boston, helping students build strong musical foundations while developing confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music. Ms. Chiang has completed teacher training through the Suzuki Association of the Americas, including Suzuki Philosophy and Units 1–3, as well as additional training through the Taiwan Suzuki Association. She believes every student learns differently and strives to create a positive, encouraging classroom where curiosity, collaboration, and joyful learning can flourish.
As an active performer, Ms. Chiang is committed to lifelong learning and regularly seeks opportunities to grow as both a musician and educator. She has participated in masterclasses and intensive festivals with internationally renowned flutists, including Emmanuel Pahud, Julien Beaudiment, Marina Piccinini, Timothy Hagen, Philippe Bernold, Sebastian Jacot, Philipp Jundt, and Dejan Gavrić. These experiences have enriched her artistic perspective and continue to inspire her teaching and performance.
Ms. Chiang is excited to join the AAIA community and looks forward to helping students develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She hopes every student discovers that music is not only a skill to learn, but also a meaningful way to express themselves, connect with others, and enjoy learning throughout life.
Amanda
Hamilton
ELA Teacher
Ms. Hamilton graduated from Tulane University with a BA in Anthropology. She set out to be a modern Margaret Mead, but instead became a modern Mrs. Patterson due to the funny way life works. After graduating, she was selected to be a Teach for America Nashville Charter Corps member. Ms. Hamilton taught in Metro Nashville Public School district for four years before moving to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, then venturing to Bahrain to teach internationally. Finally, Ms. Hamilton landed on the beautiful island of Taiwan in 2018 to teach IB MYP Language and Literature, writing, and head the Writing Department before joining AAIA.
Ms. Hamilton adores reading fiction and nonfiction, dance parties (solo or with others), podcasts, friends, and nature. She enjoys cooking as well; though, it is best if she cooks with adult supervision. Both Ms. Hamilton and her world-traveling cat, Prince, hope that Taiwan will be their forever home. Ms. Hamilton is ecstatic to join AAIA’s vibrant learning community and happy she can continue to support Prince’s lavish lifestyle simultaneously.
Ms. Hamilton models her learning and teaching style from her favorite teacher: the aforementioned, formidable Mrs. Patterson. She believes in high expectations, fostering unrelenting curiosity, and being a good human. She turns to Dr. Brene Brown for inspiration on these points and all things learning, leading, and teaching. Ms. Hamilton strives to “stay awkward, brave, and kind,” as Dr. Brown advises.
“There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” - Amanda Gorman
Ming
Kelly
6th Grade Teacher
As a multi-national, Ms. Kelly has been the beneficiary of a truly global life; while, as a Canadian, Toronto will always be home, she has enjoyed the privilege of an Australian education, rich in the perspective of her Taiwanese heritage. Ms. Kelly earned a post-graduate degree in Education from La Trobe University and holds an Australian teacher’s license with the Victoria Institute of Teaching. As a global adventurer, Ms. Kelly has lived, worked, and traveled throughout the world including Australia, Canada and now Taiwan. Having had the opportunity to live in a variety of places boasting diverse cultural insights, she has learned to understand, and confer upon her students, a diverse swath of culturally distinct points of view.
Ms. Kelly had the immediate and unexpected surprise of falling in love with the profession of teaching when she first stepped into the classroom almost 20 years ago. During her career, she’s added every conceivable student demographic from kindergarten and elementary classrooms to secondary schools, and beyond. While she got her feet wet training in public schools in Australia, the bulk of career unfolded in the private school system. For Ms. Kelly, teaching has never been a job; rather, it has been a lifelong love affair with a profession that can only truly be described as her calling, or she prefers to say, “my life’s work.”
Ms. Kelly, along with her husband and two children, are avid nature lovers, often hiking in the mountains on the weekends. For peace of mind and good physical health, Ms. Kelly enjoys yoga and reads books voraciously whenever and wherever the opportunity arises.
Ms. Kelly is very excited to be the newest addition to the AAIA team. As always, she hopes to inspire her students to think critically, learn joyfully, and build a foundation of knowledge and wisdom successfully.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Brian
Kim
Math Teacher
Mr. Kim graduated from California University of Fullerton with a degree in business, concentrating in accounting. He began his career in the financial sector, spending several years working as an accountant and financial analyst before deciding to pursue further study.
He went on to earn a master’s degree in economics from Chengchi University in Taiwan. It was during this time that he discovered a growing interest in teaching and in helping others make sense of quantitative subjects. He then completed a teaching credential along with a master’s degree in education, formally beginning his path as an educator.
Before joining AAIA, Mr. Kim taught statistics and Math 3 at a high school in Los Angeles, where he enjoyed working with students to build both their skills and their confidence in mathematics.