ADMINISTRATION
Jeff Lee (Co - Founder and Principal)
Co-Founder of the Champion Learning Academy. He was born in Korea and received a B.S. in Animal Husbandry in Zhongxin University, Taiwan. He is fluent in Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. With many years’ of business experience, created Champion Learning Academy 10 years ago, with his wife, in Cary, NC. Students come from all over the Triangle; Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Raleigh. After ten years of diligence and effort, the couple has witnessed the growth of hundreds of students ranging from K to 5th grade. Even having high-school seniors still choosing to continue learning art at Champion. One of his most treasured memories is when a student's parent sent a thank you letter to Jeff, which read: "Yesterday was my son’s last day in your school, he couldn’t sleep last night and he told me 'I will miss Jeff ... 'he does not want to leave Champion, he especially misses you, I would like to thank you for the past few years of taking care of my son, really appreciate your caring and patience for him; I feel so sorry I have no chance to thank you in person, only this short message, thanks. Your school is doing very well, God bless your family and your school!" Jeff loves all of Champion Academy's students, and works hard every day to improve Champion Learning Academy.
Co-Founder of the Champion Learning Academy. He was born in Korea and received a B.S. in Animal Husbandry in Zhongxin University, Taiwan. He is fluent in Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. With many years’ of business experience, created Champion Learning Academy 10 years ago, with his wife, in Cary, NC. Students come from all over the Triangle; Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Raleigh. After ten years of diligence and effort, the couple has witnessed the growth of hundreds of students ranging from K to 5th grade. Even having high-school seniors still choosing to continue learning art at Champion. One of his most treasured memories is when a student's parent sent a thank you letter to Jeff, which read: "Yesterday was my son’s last day in your school, he couldn’t sleep last night and he told me 'I will miss Jeff ... 'he does not want to leave Champion, he especially misses you, I would like to thank you for the past few years of taking care of my son, really appreciate your caring and patience for him; I feel so sorry I have no chance to thank you in person, only this short message, thanks. Your school is doing very well, God bless your family and your school!" Jeff loves all of Champion Academy's students, and works hard every day to improve Champion Learning Academy.
Olivia Ouyang (Co Founder and Program Director)
Olivia is the co-founder of the Champion Learning Academy, Olivia came to the USA in 1993 and got her MFA degree at The University of Art and Design, in California. She worked as a 3D computer artist in the 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 Academy in Cary. ,A decade since its founding, Champion has grown immensely, incorporating many elective programs, summer camps, track out programs; etc. into its curriculum. Now she lives in Apex with her family, and shares her passion for art with her students and shows her love for art through her own personal paintings.
Olivia is the co-founder of the Champion Learning Academy, Olivia came to the USA in 1993 and got her MFA degree at The University of Art and Design, in California. She worked as a 3D computer artist in the 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 Academy in Cary. ,A decade since its founding, Champion has grown immensely, incorporating many elective programs, summer camps, track out programs; etc. into its curriculum. Now she lives in Apex with her family, and shares her passion for art with her students and shows her love for art through her own personal paintings.
Samantha Mai (Director Assistant)
Mai was born in Guangdong province (Southern part of China) so she is fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Mai proudly works as the Director Assistant of the Champion Learning Academy right after she got her M.A. in Education at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is a certified TESOL teacher in North Carolina. Being a caring and loving educator is one of her life-time goals that was set when she majored in English language and culture in her four years of higher education.. Now, to assist the principal and program director, she prioritizes and deals with big/small tasks that comes from various aspects of the Academy -- evaluate educational programs, enhance curriculum catering to students' needs, arrange creative contests and enrichment activities, increase the transparency and efficiency of the school, manage social media and school websites, create lengthy brochures, vouchers and flyers and etc to include both domestic and global students to the Champion structured, supportive and challenging programs.
Mai was born in Guangdong province (Southern part of China) so she is fluent in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Mai proudly works as the Director Assistant of the Champion Learning Academy right after she got her M.A. in Education at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is a certified TESOL teacher in North Carolina. Being a caring and loving educator is one of her life-time goals that was set when she majored in English language and culture in her four years of higher education.. Now, to assist the principal and program director, she prioritizes and deals with big/small tasks that comes from various aspects of the Academy -- evaluate educational programs, enhance curriculum catering to students' needs, arrange creative contests and enrichment activities, increase the transparency and efficiency of the school, manage social media and school websites, create lengthy brochures, vouchers and flyers and etc to include both domestic and global students to the Champion structured, supportive and challenging programs.
MANDARIN & MATH
Michelle Chen - PK
Michelle Chen earned her B.A. in French language from Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan. Ms. Chen is certified in the Chinese Culture, Seed Teacher Training program and is sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Culture Representatives Office in Washington DC. She has done extensive work as a Mandarin sub-teacher and as a special program TA in WCPSS (Wiley Magnet Elementary School K-5). Ms. Chen was the Vice-Principal of Raleigh Chinese Language School from 2000-2001. She joined Champion in 2009 and has been a teacher here ever since. She is good at developing hands-on activities featured with the Mandarin class, and she never fails to engage students in her class with activities such as Crafting, Chinese Brush Calligraphy, Origami, Mahjong/Card Chinese word games, Chinese Yo-yo and etc.
Michelle Chen earned her B.A. in French language from Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taiwan. Ms. Chen is certified in the Chinese Culture, Seed Teacher Training program and is sponsored by the Taipei Economic and Culture Representatives Office in Washington DC. She has done extensive work as a Mandarin sub-teacher and as a special program TA in WCPSS (Wiley Magnet Elementary School K-5). Ms. Chen was the Vice-Principal of Raleigh Chinese Language School from 2000-2001. She joined Champion in 2009 and has been a teacher here ever since. She is good at developing hands-on activities featured with the Mandarin class, and she never fails to engage students in her class with activities such as Crafting, Chinese Brush Calligraphy, Origami, Mahjong/Card Chinese word games, Chinese Yo-yo and etc.
Leanne Luo - 1A
Yufang Leanne Luo-Rapier has a B.A. in English, earned back in her days in Beijing. She was born and raised in China and has lived in Beijing for about two decades before coming to the United States. She received her master's in liberal arts from Lee University and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has many years' experience of teaching Mandarin to foreign expatriates in Beijing, and has translated numerous books, which are published in China, Taiwan, and America. As she is currently translating a huge dictionary, she greatly appreciates the opportunity to teach Mandarin at Champion, to spend some time on daily basis to actively involve in the education of young kids and to possibly make her humble contribution to excellent quality training the precious kids receive at Champion. She and her husband have years of experience in helping kids in Sunday School at church.
Yufang Leanne Luo-Rapier has a B.A. in English, earned back in her days in Beijing. She was born and raised in China and has lived in Beijing for about two decades before coming to the United States. She received her master's in liberal arts from Lee University and Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has many years' experience of teaching Mandarin to foreign expatriates in Beijing, and has translated numerous books, which are published in China, Taiwan, and America. As she is currently translating a huge dictionary, she greatly appreciates the opportunity to teach Mandarin at Champion, to spend some time on daily basis to actively involve in the education of young kids and to possibly make her humble contribution to excellent quality training the precious kids receive at Champion. She and her husband have years of experience in helping kids in Sunday School at church.
Duan Jing - 1B
Graduated from Liaoning University of China with a Bachelor degree in Science and a major in statistics. Teaching basic writing, reading and mathematics to the first graders. Ms. Duan has been teaching at Champion for a while; focusing on Chinese immersion program and exploring playing and learning in mathematics teaching approach; having passion to work with kids.
Jianqun Gong - 2A
Ms. Gong, graduated from Shanghai Normal University, majoring in Chinese Literature . She had taught at middle school in Shanghai for many years. Before joining Champion she worked as a Chinese language teacher at Cary Chinese School, for three years. In 2014, she 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.
Ms. Gong, graduated from Shanghai Normal University, majoring in Chinese Literature . She had taught at middle school in Shanghai for many years. Before joining Champion she worked as a Chinese language teacher at Cary Chinese School, for three years. In 2014, she 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.
Shuyuan Wang - 2B
Graduating from Shandong University, with a major in the English Language and Literature, she began her career as an English Teacher at Qingdao University of Science and Technology in China. Ms. Wang is fluent in English and Chinese, with a keen interest in literature works in both of these languages. She is now working at Champion Learning Academy as a teacher. She believes a qualified teacher has to be a lifelong learner first and we only have confidence in the classroom when we are academically and psychologically prepared. Her rich teaching experiences make it able to adapt her teaching skills to the unique needs of each student by recognizing and implementing their Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic learning styles (VAK).
Zhaojun Wang - 3B
Zhaojun Wang recieved her Bachelor of Science from the Intitute of Mechanical & Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. She is the owner of Bizwisdom -- Database Analysis Consulting (Jan 2007 to present). Zhaojun Wang grew up in Beijing and is fluent in standard Mandarin. She was an instructor in Mechanical Digital Automatic Control Laboratory in Beijing Industry University for a decade. Additionally, she has extensive experience in teaching Chinese as a second language; before she joined Champion in 2013, she taught at Denver Chinese School from 1999- 2003, from 2007 to present she taught Chinese at Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. Ms. Wang is knowledgable in Chinese cultural activities such as Chinese paper cutting, Chinese Traditional dance, Beijing Opera, Chinese drawing, etc. She is also experienced in teaching math and other subjects.
Zhaojun Wang recieved her Bachelor of Science from the Intitute of Mechanical & Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. She is the owner of Bizwisdom -- Database Analysis Consulting (Jan 2007 to present). Zhaojun Wang grew up in Beijing and is fluent in standard Mandarin. She was an instructor in Mechanical Digital Automatic Control Laboratory in Beijing Industry University for a decade. Additionally, she has extensive experience in teaching Chinese as a second language; before she joined Champion in 2013, she taught at Denver Chinese School from 1999- 2003, from 2007 to present she taught Chinese at Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. Ms. Wang is knowledgable in Chinese cultural activities such as Chinese paper cutting, Chinese Traditional dance, Beijing Opera, Chinese drawing, etc. She is also experienced in teaching math and other subjects.
Guowei Yu - 4A
She graduated from the Inner Mongolia Normal University; there she earned a Bachelor of Art degree with a major in Philosophy. In China, she was a history teacher in a middle school for years before she came to USA. She joined Champion in 2015 and currently teaches the fourth grade. With many years of teaching experience she enjoy working with children and helping them explore their potential through their education. As a teacher of wisdom and patience, she believes that every child should be treated with respect, and that by being empowered by education, they will be an invaluable asset to our world.
She graduated from the Inner Mongolia Normal University; there she earned a Bachelor of Art degree with a major in Philosophy. In China, she was a history teacher in a middle school for years before she came to USA. She joined Champion in 2015 and currently teaches the fourth grade. With many years of teaching experience she enjoy working with children and helping them explore their potential through their education. As a teacher of wisdom and patience, she believes that every child should be treated with respect, and that by being empowered by education, they will be an invaluable asset to our world.
Weiwen Guo - 4B
She obtained my PhD degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from the Department of Crop Science at Michigan State University. She has been working as a research specialist at NC State University from 1994 to the present. Since 2008, she has also been teaching Chinese at the Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. She taught sixth grade Chinese there for three years, and now teach fourth grade. She joined the Champion Learning Academy in May 2016 and have since 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. She has been working as a research specialist at NC State University from 1994 to the present. Since 2008, she has also been teaching Chinese at the Raleigh Academy of Chinese Language. She taught sixth grade Chinese there for three years, and now teach fourth grade. She joined the Champion Learning Academy in May 2016 and have since been participating in fifth grade Chinese teaching.
Daihong Zhang - 5A
Daihong Zhang graduated from Shijiazhuang Railway Institute with a Bachelor degree in Science and a major in Mechanical Engineering. Ms. Zhang worked for China Railway Engineering Corp 13th Bureau Technician College and taught Mechanical Fundamental there. She also taught e Mechanical Drawing along with Automobile Mechanism and Advanced Mathematics for a correspondence college. Ms. Zhang developed course plans which included schedules, contents and experiments. Additonally, she invented new teaching methods that made it easier for students to learn while leading classes and training groups and training mechanical technicians for local companies. Eventually, Ms. Zhang wrote a textbook published by the China Railway Press for training mechanics. Before she joined Champion she was volunteering at Cary Chinese School as well as serving as a tennis program coordinator, PTA president, activity program assistant director and director. She has been teaching at Champion for a while and she enjoys working with kids. Teaching has become part of her life.
Daihong Zhang graduated from Shijiazhuang Railway Institute with a Bachelor degree in Science and a major in Mechanical Engineering. Ms. Zhang worked for China Railway Engineering Corp 13th Bureau Technician College and taught Mechanical Fundamental there. She also taught e Mechanical Drawing along with Automobile Mechanism and Advanced Mathematics for a correspondence college. Ms. Zhang developed course plans which included schedules, contents and experiments. Additonally, she invented new teaching methods that made it easier for students to learn while leading classes and training groups and training mechanical technicians for local companies. Eventually, Ms. Zhang wrote a textbook published by the China Railway Press for training mechanics. Before she joined Champion she was volunteering at Cary Chinese School as well as serving as a tennis program coordinator, PTA president, activity program assistant director and director. She has been teaching at Champion for a while and she enjoys working with kids. Teaching has become part of her life.
AFTER SCHOOL ART
Robert Werbicki
Robert studied studio painting and drawing first at Western Carolina University (BFA ‘07), and later pursued graduate studies at Boston University, receiving an MFA in 2013. He has also been lucky enough to attend several summer programs where he was introduced to painting landscapes. Some common threads that run through his work include; working from observation, a sense of ordering things into a design, and looking to art of the past for inspiration. He wishes to pass on the idea that making art is a journey each person can take, to make things they value, and to gain tools for understanding and organizing ideas.
Jim Hallenbeck grew up in Catskill, NY. After majoring in Fine Arts at SUNY Plattsburgh, he transferred to Florida International University of Miami where he earned a BS in Art Education in December 1979. Jim was hired by IBM in September 1979 in Boca Raton, FL and transferred to Raleigh, NC in 1999. He retired from IBM as a Vice President in September 2014 and worked at Lenovo through January 2015. Through the years during his IBM career he continued to paint as time allowed. Jim Hallenbeck is now beginning to pursue his life long dream of being an artist and beginning February 2015 he has devoted himself to his artistic journey full time. The paintings include primarily landscapes, city scenes, and local Raleigh landmarks. Jim is a creative member of 311 Gallery in Raleigh, NC.
ESL AND EFL
Kyra Burton
Kyra Burton was born in Durham, North Carolina, raised in South Florida, and currently lives in Brier Creek in Raleigh. She attended public schools in North Carolina and in Florida and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She was previously a classroom teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for 4 years and is currently an ESL Instructor for the City of Raleigh. Kyra has always been fascinated by people and their stories. Kyra is a lover of creative writing, children’s books, public libraries, and dancing. In 2018, Kyra published her first children’s book, “America, Here I Come!”. The story is about a brother and sister who move right here, to Raleigh! Themes of the story include friendship, moving, starting a new school, making new friends, sibling relationships, and cross-group friendships. The story was inspired by actual students who moved to the United States and have shared their feelings, hopes and questions. Reading the story allows children to better understand the experience of moving, making new friendships, facing their fears and ultimately following their dreams! Kyra feels fortunate to live is Raleigh, NC, a multicultural city, full of wonderful and creative people. This is Kyra’s first children’s book. She hopes to always create work that encourages faith and inspires readers! Aside from being a new author, Kyra has been a writer for educational programming for television for 10 years and is an accomplished documentarian with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. Kyra is thankful for the opportunity to teach classes and work with the students at Champion Education.
CHESS
Arthur Lewis