Staff and teacher Directory
Olivia Ouyang (Co Founder and Program Director)
Olivia is co-founder of the Champion Learning Academy, Olivia came to the USA in 1993 got her MFA degree at The University of Art and Design, California. She worked as 3D computer artist in game industry for several years before she created her first after-school program in CA. In 2006, her family moved to North Carolina and started Champion school in Cary, from 2 students until now, Champion has from pre - K to fifth grade Mandarin program, each grade has two classes, many elective program, summer camp, track out program etc. Now she live in Apex with her family, and shares her passion for art with her students and enjoys spending time in her studio.
Olivia is co-founder of the Champion Learning Academy, Olivia came to the USA in 1993 got her MFA degree at The University of Art and Design, California. She worked as 3D computer artist in game industry for several years before she created her first after-school program in CA. In 2006, her family moved to North Carolina and started Champion school in Cary, from 2 students until now, Champion has from pre - K to fifth grade Mandarin program, each grade has two classes, many elective program, summer camp, track out program etc. Now she live in Apex with her family, and shares her passion for art with her students and enjoys spending time in her studio.
Patricia Hepler (Administrator)
I have been employed as an Administrative Assistant for over 25 years, both in New York State at Mohawk Valley Community College, and in North Carolina, at North Carolina State University. I am also a Certified Event Planner in NC and have owned and operated my own book store. I have been employed at Champion Learning Academy for the past three years, where I have administrative and payroll responsibilities. I also answer the phones, prepare the payroll, am the first contact with parents, and help out with the children when needed. My motto is “Learn something new every day”. My hobbies include watercolor painting, cooking, and working with NC animal rescue groups.
I have been employed as an Administrative Assistant for over 25 years, both in New York State at Mohawk Valley Community College, and in North Carolina, at North Carolina State University. I am also a Certified Event Planner in NC and have owned and operated my own book store. I have been employed at Champion Learning Academy for the past three years, where I have administrative and payroll responsibilities. I also answer the phones, prepare the payroll, am the first contact with parents, and help out with the children when needed. My motto is “Learn something new every day”. My hobbies include watercolor painting, cooking, and working with NC animal rescue groups.
J.J. Watts.
Hi, my name is J.J. Watts. I’m a native of North Carolina and graduate of Appalachian State University. Before moving to Durham I worked with high school aged children at UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem as well as with juveniles at Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Candor, NC. I’ve lived in the Durham area since July 2014 and I’m employed full-time at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics as a Student Life Instructor. I’ve been a bus driver for Champion Learning Academy since February 2017 because I believe in what they do and I enjoy working with students of all ages. Safety is my number one priority as a bus driver, and I achieve this by reminding the students how to act appropriately as passengers on my bus and by treating them respectfully. I'm excited to be working with your children here at Champion Learning Academy.
Hi, my name is J.J. Watts. I’m a native of North Carolina and graduate of Appalachian State University. Before moving to Durham I worked with high school aged children at UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem as well as with juveniles at Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Candor, NC. I’ve lived in the Durham area since July 2014 and I’m employed full-time at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics as a Student Life Instructor. I’ve been a bus driver for Champion Learning Academy since February 2017 because I believe in what they do and I enjoy working with students of all ages. Safety is my number one priority as a bus driver, and I achieve this by reminding the students how to act appropriately as passengers on my bus and by treating them respectfully. I'm excited to be working with your children here at Champion Learning Academy.
Kavin Shi
I Was a business manager for an company in Yingkou, Liaoning of China before I moved to USA, I joined Champion at 2016, I like work with children, safety is my first priority as a driver. I live with wife in Cary.
I Was a business manager for an company in Yingkou, Liaoning of China before I moved to USA, I joined Champion at 2016, I like work with children, safety is my first priority as a driver. I live with wife in Cary.
Jeanne Carpenter (CSL Madarin Teacher)
Jeanne is Chinese native speaker. She graduated from Shanghai International Studies University with English Major, and she has been teaching HSK ( Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎos hì) since 2002 and joined Champion learning as a CSL teacher in 2016.
Her teaching method is based on student’s learning goals, habits and interest-led learning. She will send students homework by email twice a week and provide students audio tracks for free. Her goal is to help students speak and write Chinese fluently.
Here’s her Chinese learning tips:
1.Speak more
2.Speak with yourself or your classmates
3.Situational dialogues
4.Language games
5. Vary the topic
Jeanne is Chinese native speaker. She graduated from Shanghai International Studies University with English Major, and she has been teaching HSK ( Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎos hì) since 2002 and joined Champion learning as a CSL teacher in 2016.
Her teaching method is based on student’s learning goals, habits and interest-led learning. She will send students homework by email twice a week and provide students audio tracks for free. Her goal is to help students speak and write Chinese fluently.
Here’s her Chinese learning tips:
1.Speak more
2.Speak with yourself or your classmates
3.Situational dialogues
4.Language games
5. Vary the topic
Michelle Chen (Pre K Mandarin Teacher)
B.A. French language, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan. Chinese Culture Seed Teacher Training Certificate, Sponsored by Taipei Economic and Culture Representatives Office in Washington DC. Many years work as sub teacher or sepcial program TA in WCPSS. Vice-2000-2001, Principal Raleigh Chinese Language School (RCLS), Teach mandarin in Champion start from 2009 to present.
B.A. French language, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan. Chinese Culture Seed Teacher Training Certificate, Sponsored by Taipei Economic and Culture Representatives Office in Washington DC. Many years work as sub teacher or sepcial program TA in WCPSS. Vice-2000-2001, Principal Raleigh Chinese Language School (RCLS), Teach mandarin in Champion start from 2009 to present.
Jinhua Zheng (Class 1A Mandarin Teacher)
Earned bachelor degree in China. Was a foreign language teacher at Beijing Foreign Trade Vocational School for 8 years before moved to the U.S.
From 2001 to present, teach Chinese at Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language.
From 2011 to 2012, taught Chinese at Cary Chinese Language School.
From 2016 to present, teach Chinese at Champion Chinese School.
Earned bachelor degree in China. Was a foreign language teacher at Beijing Foreign Trade Vocational School for 8 years before moved to the U.S.
From 2001 to present, teach Chinese at Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language.
From 2011 to 2012, taught Chinese at Cary Chinese Language School.
From 2016 to present, teach Chinese at Champion Chinese School.
Bingxue Yang (Class 1B Mandarin Teacher)
Graduate from Oklahoma State University. I joined Champion at 2014, before I started to teach in Champion I've been teaching kids for more than 3 years in other Schools Chinese program, beside I am teaching Chinese, I also making Arts and Crafts, and Chinese culture to my students. I love teaching and know how to communicate with students effectively and what strategies motivate students’ interests most. I look forward to continued success in teaching Chinese with an amazing team of teachers.
Graduate from Oklahoma State University. I joined Champion at 2014, before I started to teach in Champion I've been teaching kids for more than 3 years in other Schools Chinese program, beside I am teaching Chinese, I also making Arts and Crafts, and Chinese culture to my students. I love teaching and know how to communicate with students effectively and what strategies motivate students’ interests most. I look forward to continued success in teaching Chinese with an amazing team of teachers.
Jianqun Gong (Class 2A Mandarin Teacher, Director of Mandarin program)
I graduated from Shanghai Normal University majoring in Chinese Literature . I had taught at middle school in Shanghai for many years. Before I joined Champion I worked as Chinese language teacher at Cary Chinese School for three years. 2014 I have worked as CSL teacher as well as General Administrator at Apex campus of Champion Learning Academy for three years before moving to Morrisville campus. Now beside teaching, I also be a Mandarin program director in Champion, and help the Champion dancing for CAFA Gala each year. I believe in “education through happy learning” by motivating my students with encouragement, care, love and passion. My goal is to make every minute of my students’ time at Champion a happy learning moment of their lives.
I graduated from Shanghai Normal University majoring in Chinese Literature . I had taught at middle school in Shanghai for many years. Before I joined Champion I worked as Chinese language teacher at Cary Chinese School for three years. 2014 I have worked as CSL teacher as well as General Administrator at Apex campus of Champion Learning Academy for three years before moving to Morrisville campus. Now beside teaching, I also be a Mandarin program director in Champion, and help the Champion dancing for CAFA Gala each year. I believe in “education through happy learning” by motivating my students with encouragement, care, love and passion. My goal is to make every minute of my students’ time at Champion a happy learning moment of their lives.
Ling Gong (Class 2B Mandarin Teacher)
I was born in China . I graduated from Anhui normal university department of foreign languages in China in 1983 . After that I had been an English teacher in a middle school in Anhui Tongling and in Guangdong Shenzhen . In Shenzhen I was once one of the Shenzhen advanced teachers .In 2009 I came to North Carolina of the USA .Since then I have been a Chinese teacher in Champion Learning Academy.
I was born in China . I graduated from Anhui normal university department of foreign languages in China in 1983 . After that I had been an English teacher in a middle school in Anhui Tongling and in Guangdong Shenzhen . In Shenzhen I was once one of the Shenzhen advanced teachers .In 2009 I came to North Carolina of the USA .Since then I have been a Chinese teacher in Champion Learning Academy.
Zhaojun Wang (Class 3A Mandarin Teacher)
Bachelor of Science, Institute of Mechanical & Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. Owner of Bizwisdom—Database analysis Consulting, from Jan 2007 to present. Grown up in Beijing and can speak fluent standard Mandarin. She has plenty of experience in teaching Chinese as a second language, before she joined Champion she teach in Denver Chinse school om 1999- 2003, from 2007 to present she teach Chinese in Raleigh Academy of Chinsese language, she joined Champion at 2013. Knowledgeable of Chinese culture such as Chinese paper cutting, Chinese Traditional dance, Beijing Opera, Chinese drawing, etc. Also have experience in teaching math and other subjects. Database analysis consulting
Bachelor of Science, Institute of Mechanical & Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. Owner of Bizwisdom—Database analysis Consulting, from Jan 2007 to present. Grown up in Beijing and can speak fluent standard Mandarin. She has plenty of experience in teaching Chinese as a second language, before she joined Champion she teach in Denver Chinse school om 1999- 2003, from 2007 to present she teach Chinese in Raleigh Academy of Chinsese language, she joined Champion at 2013. Knowledgeable of Chinese culture such as Chinese paper cutting, Chinese Traditional dance, Beijing Opera, Chinese drawing, etc. Also have experience in teaching math and other subjects. Database analysis consulting
Min Li (Class 3B Mandarin Teacher)
Graduated from Beijing Jinhua Medical University, Beijing, China, Traditional Chinese Medicine. Min Li practiced acupuncture in Beijing, China for seven years before moved to UK in 1996, and continued learning and subsequently worked as an admin staff in Nottingham University for eight years. In later 2007, she moved to NC, US and has been teaching in CLA since 2009, she enjoyed teaching the kids Chinese through practice as well as the Chinese culture and history. Min Li received further training and qualified as international registered professional in Chinese language training in 2011.
Graduated from Beijing Jinhua Medical University, Beijing, China, Traditional Chinese Medicine. Min Li practiced acupuncture in Beijing, China for seven years before moved to UK in 1996, and continued learning and subsequently worked as an admin staff in Nottingham University for eight years. In later 2007, she moved to NC, US and has been teaching in CLA since 2009, she enjoyed teaching the kids Chinese through practice as well as the Chinese culture and history. Min Li received further training and qualified as international registered professional in Chinese language training in 2011.
Lihong Yu (Class 4A Mandarin Teacher)
Mrs. Yu graduated from Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities of China in1993; there she earnedherself a Bachelor of Art degree with a major in Teaching and History Education. After graduation,Mrs. Yu taught at the middle school of the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) for 5 years and had been certified as ‘Level- II’ Middle School Teacher at CIAE. good communications; her diligence, dedication and superior performance has twice led to the title of RACL Excellent Teacher of the year.In 2014, Mrs. Yu has been recognized and awarded for Excellent Oversea Chinese Teacher by theOverseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, one of the highest honors to Chinese languageteachers in the United States.In 2008, Mrs. Yu joined the teaching staff of the Champion Learning Academy (CLA) and since then she had been focusing on CLA’s Chinese language classes. Because of her patient, caring and responsible attitudes and her vivid language teaching styles, Mrs. Yu has been regarded by the CLAchildren as their favorite teacher for years. In addition to language classes, Mrs. Yu also organizedseveral dance and art performances which represented CLA community at NC-CAFA annual celebrations. Performances such as ‘Reading Poems of Tang (Dynasty)’ and ‘Three-Word Chant (San Zi Jing)’ that reflects Chinese traditional cultures by CLA students had been well accepted by the
audiences at the performances. Now she is afterschool and preschool Mandarin teacher at Champion.
Mrs. Yu graduated from Inner Mongolia University for Nationalities of China in1993; there she earnedherself a Bachelor of Art degree with a major in Teaching and History Education. After graduation,Mrs. Yu taught at the middle school of the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) for 5 years and had been certified as ‘Level- II’ Middle School Teacher at CIAE. good communications; her diligence, dedication and superior performance has twice led to the title of RACL Excellent Teacher of the year.In 2014, Mrs. Yu has been recognized and awarded for Excellent Oversea Chinese Teacher by theOverseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, one of the highest honors to Chinese languageteachers in the United States.In 2008, Mrs. Yu joined the teaching staff of the Champion Learning Academy (CLA) and since then she had been focusing on CLA’s Chinese language classes. Because of her patient, caring and responsible attitudes and her vivid language teaching styles, Mrs. Yu has been regarded by the CLAchildren as their favorite teacher for years. In addition to language classes, Mrs. Yu also organizedseveral dance and art performances which represented CLA community at NC-CAFA annual celebrations. Performances such as ‘Reading Poems of Tang (Dynasty)’ and ‘Three-Word Chant (San Zi Jing)’ that reflects Chinese traditional cultures by CLA students had been well accepted by the
audiences at the performances. Now she is afterschool and preschool Mandarin teacher at Champion.
Guowei Yu (Class 4B Mandarin Teacher)
She graduated from the Inner Mongolia Normal University. In China, she was a history teacher in a middle school for years before she came to USA. She joined Champion in 2015, right now, she is teaching the fourth grade. With many years of teaching experience she is enjoy working with children and helping them explore their potentials through their education. She believe every child should be treated with respect, and empowered by education as an invaluable asset to our world.
She graduated from the Inner Mongolia Normal University. In China, she was a history teacher in a middle school for years before she came to USA. She joined Champion in 2015, right now, she is teaching the fourth grade. With many years of teaching experience she is enjoy working with children and helping them explore their potentials through their education. She believe every child should be treated with respect, and empowered by education as an invaluable asset to our world.
Daihong Zhang (Class 5A Mandarin Teacher)
She graduated from Shijiazhuang Railway Institute, had a bachelor degree in Science and majored in Mechanical Engineering. She worked for China Railway Engineering Corp 13th Bureau Technician College. Teach Mechanical Fundamental with demonstrations.Teach Mechanical Drawing with lots of practices emphasized.Teach Automobile Mechanism through the trucks' mechanism. Teach Advanced Mathematics for a correspondence college. Developed course plans which included schedules, contents and experiments. Invented new teaching methods, which make students easier to learn. Led classes and training groups with patience and care. Trained mechanical technicians for local companies. Wrote a textbook for training mechanics. The China Railway Press published this book. Before she joined Champion she has been doing volunteer works at Cary Chinese School for many year, also been tennis program coordinator, PTA presidents, activity program assistant director and director. She has been teaching at Champion for a while. she enjoy work with kids. Teaching has become part of her life.
She graduated from Shijiazhuang Railway Institute, had a bachelor degree in Science and majored in Mechanical Engineering. She worked for China Railway Engineering Corp 13th Bureau Technician College. Teach Mechanical Fundamental with demonstrations.Teach Mechanical Drawing with lots of practices emphasized.Teach Automobile Mechanism through the trucks' mechanism. Teach Advanced Mathematics for a correspondence college. Developed course plans which included schedules, contents and experiments. Invented new teaching methods, which make students easier to learn. Led classes and training groups with patience and care. Trained mechanical technicians for local companies. Wrote a textbook for training mechanics. The China Railway Press published this book. Before she joined Champion she has been doing volunteer works at Cary Chinese School for many year, also been tennis program coordinator, PTA presidents, activity program assistant director and director. She has been teaching at Champion for a while. she enjoy work with kids. Teaching has become part of her life.
Weiwen Guo (Class 5B Mandarin Teacher)
She obtained my PhD degree in Plant breeding and Genetics from the Department of Crop Science at Michigan State University. I have been working as a research specialist at NC State University from 1994 to the present. Since 2008, I have also been teaching Chinese at the Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. I taught sixth grade Chinese there for three years, and now teach fourth grade. I joined the Champion Learning Academy in May 2016,Since then I have been participating in fifth grade Chinese teaching.
She obtained my PhD degree in Plant breeding and Genetics from the Department of Crop Science at Michigan State University. I have been working as a research specialist at NC State University from 1994 to the present. Since 2008, I have also been teaching Chinese at the Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. I taught sixth grade Chinese there for three years, and now teach fourth grade. I joined the Champion Learning Academy in May 2016,Since then I have been participating in fifth grade Chinese teaching.
RALEIGH GARDINER (Art Teacher)
MFA, WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS, SAM FOX SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN, St. Louis,
BFA, TUFTS UNIVERSITY, THE SCHOOL OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Boston, MA.
Raleigh Gardiner is a practicing visual artist and educator, currently living in Durham, North Carolina. She earned her BFA from Tufts University/The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and her MFA from Washington University in Saint Louis. Gardiner's work incorporates images from nature, mythology, and "dream logic", to explore the psychological spaces between our perceptions of reality and our subconscious. Her practice includes painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics and sculpture, and she actively utilizes many different techniques and processes to arrive at a finished piece. Gardiner has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and has a suite of science exhibits on permanent display at the Saint Louis Science Center. Gardiner is an enthusiastic educator and works to develop a love of art and craft in her students. Her teaching style balances formal, technical art instruction with exercises in creative play, experimentation and the development of a personal voice. She feels that all successful artwork, no matter what the medium, stems from a fundamental foundation in drawing.
MFA, WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN SAINT LOUIS, SAM FOX SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN, St. Louis,
BFA, TUFTS UNIVERSITY, THE SCHOOL OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Boston, MA.
Raleigh Gardiner is a practicing visual artist and educator, currently living in Durham, North Carolina. She earned her BFA from Tufts University/The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, and her MFA from Washington University in Saint Louis. Gardiner's work incorporates images from nature, mythology, and "dream logic", to explore the psychological spaces between our perceptions of reality and our subconscious. Her practice includes painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics and sculpture, and she actively utilizes many different techniques and processes to arrive at a finished piece. Gardiner has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and has a suite of science exhibits on permanent display at the Saint Louis Science Center. Gardiner is an enthusiastic educator and works to develop a love of art and craft in her students. Her teaching style balances formal, technical art instruction with exercises in creative play, experimentation and the development of a personal voice. She feels that all successful artwork, no matter what the medium, stems from a fundamental foundation in drawing.
Brandon Yowell (Art Teacher)
Art Instructor, Senior Graphic Design/UX Designer, Comic book Writer / Illustrator
BA, Art History George Mason University - Fairfax, VA
www.behance.net/yowell
Mr. Yowell is a 15 year creative veteran of graphic design and illustration. Since 1999, he has worked as a comic book writer and illustrator for Nowhere Comics, and as a graphic designer for a number of companies and state departments in North Carolina. He has instructed students in drawing, comic art. painting and sculpture.
Art Instructor, Senior Graphic Design/UX Designer, Comic book Writer / Illustrator
BA, Art History George Mason University - Fairfax, VA
www.behance.net/yowell
Mr. Yowell is a 15 year creative veteran of graphic design and illustration. Since 1999, he has worked as a comic book writer and illustrator for Nowhere Comics, and as a graphic designer for a number of companies and state departments in North Carolina. He has instructed students in drawing, comic art. painting and sculpture.
Boni Clifton-Arendt (Art teacher)
Boni got her Masters from Grand Canyon University in Early Childhood Education. She owned an art Gallery where she taught private and group art lessons coupled with a creative retail environment. She holds a BFA in Painting & Drawing with a concentration in Art Education from East Carolina University. She is certified in Graphic Design. Boni studied portraits and photography while living in England for a year and continues to develop her creative skills.
Boni got her Masters from Grand Canyon University in Early Childhood Education. She owned an art Gallery where she taught private and group art lessons coupled with a creative retail environment. She holds a BFA in Painting & Drawing with a concentration in Art Education from East Carolina University. She is certified in Graphic Design. Boni studied portraits and photography while living in England for a year and continues to develop her creative skills.
Martha Thorn (Art Teacher)
Martha Thorn is an artist living and working in Raleigh. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a BFA in Art and a Concentration in Graphic Design. After working as a graphic designer in Charlotte, Dallas, DC and Florida, she now works as a professional painter. Her work can be seen at marthathornart.com. She shows her work regularly and was invited to participate in GreenHill’s Winter Show in December of this year. She join Champion at 2013.
Martha Thorn is an artist living and working in Raleigh. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a BFA in Art and a Concentration in Graphic Design. After working as a graphic designer in Charlotte, Dallas, DC and Florida, she now works as a professional painter. Her work can be seen at marthathornart.com. She shows her work regularly and was invited to participate in GreenHill’s Winter Show in December of this year. She join Champion at 2013.
ALEXANDRA ALEXEY (Art Teacher)
Alexandrina acquired Associate Degree in Design Interior from College of Construction from Chisinau and successfully completed 3 year out of 4 in Technical University of Moldova. She experienced with wide variety of materials such as stone, glass, clay and metal, paint with oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and charcoal. She likes to crochet, do beadwork and embroidery using cross-stitch. Alexandrina practiced interior decoration for living space and restaurants. She painted art on walls and ceiling. She Joined Champion at 2015.
Alexandrina acquired Associate Degree in Design Interior from College of Construction from Chisinau and successfully completed 3 year out of 4 in Technical University of Moldova. She experienced with wide variety of materials such as stone, glass, clay and metal, paint with oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel and charcoal. She likes to crochet, do beadwork and embroidery using cross-stitch. Alexandrina practiced interior decoration for living space and restaurants. She painted art on walls and ceiling. She Joined Champion at 2015.
