Academic Teachers
Ms. Lynne Lim has over 20 years of experience as an English Language teacher, working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds in Singapore and the United States. She is currently teaching SAT English Reading Comprehension and Writing Courses for Grades 5-12. Her class focuses on building a strong foundation in reading and writing, preparing students to feel confident for the SAT.
Dr. Ifan Wu holds a B.A. in History and English and an advanced degree in Anthropology. At Cornell University, she earned a 4.9/5.0 rating from students for her teaching effectiveness and was recognized for enhancing student performance in oral and written exams. Dr. Wu has taught after-school programs in a private school in Potomac, Maryland, and has tutored students across elementary, middle, and high schools in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Currently, she is employed by MCPS and is an active parent within the CCACC community.
Ms. Yi-Chun Lin, a Chinese Language Teacher for MCPS, was born in Taiwan and holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Maryland-College Park. She is dedicated to the belief that every student can learn and has a diverse teaching background that includes working with ESOL students, heritage and non-heritage Chinese learners, and supporting special education students. Her dedication is evident in her children’s achievements, with careers in chemical engineering, medicine, and graphic design. Ms. Lin enriches her teaching through her personal interests in reading, music, and cooking.
Mr. Johnny Shih brings over a decade of experience in tutoring mathematics to elementary, middle, and high school students. In addition to managing his restaurant business, Mr. Shih holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. He is currently involved in teaching after-school programs (Lego Stem Club and Coding) at a private school in Potomac, Maryland. Mr. Shih is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese.
Mr. Mike Edwards, a proud resident of Montgomery County for over six decades, considers this community his home. After retiring from his career as an IT contractor for the federal government, he is eager to continue making a meaningful impact locally.
For more than a decade, Mr. Edwards has been an active volunteer with the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) and the Virginia Happy Trail Running Club (VHTRC), where he has served as a running coach, aid station captain, and in various other roles. Additionally, his commitment to service extends to the arts, having volunteered at the Strathmore Music Center.
Now, as a chess instructor, Mr. Edwards is excited to share his passion for the game with students of all ages. His teaching approach not only focuses on enhancing strategic thinking and problem-solving but also aims to foster a love for the intellectual beauty of chess.
Art Teachers
Marta Lautz, a graphic designer and illustrator, has a passion for teaching art. She is currently illustrating two children’s books using watercolor and graphic software. Marta hasArt extensive experience teaching art to diverse age groups, including at Montgomery College, where she has taught courses such as drawing, two-dimensional design, and color theory. At Black Rock Center for the Arts, she has taught drawing and watercolor painting to students from age 7 to adults. Marta believes in fostering creativity and self-expression through engaging and innovative instruction.
Chinese Mandarin Teachers
Ms. Winny Chen has been teaching Chinese Mandarin to kindergarten students since 2012. As the first Mandarin teacher at CCACC Academy Preschool, she helped implement the dual language immersion program. Her classes integrate language, culture, and art, and she leads various Chinese cultural celebrations at CCACC Academy.
Ms. Afang He has been involved in cultural publicity and education for several years. After working in the outreach department of the China “Overseas Chinese Business Daily,” she became a Chinese teacher in the United States, obtaining her “Chinese Language Teacher Certificate” in 2017. Passionate about Chinese culture, she is committed to teaching and disseminating Chinese culture overseas.
Roger Chen, with over 38 years of teaching experience, believes that education should begin early to lay a strong foundation. A graduate of the National Changhua Normal University in Taiwan, he has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Excellent Teachers” in Taiwan. Roger has taught at every educational level and has received numerous awards, including recognition from the Rotary International Youth Exchange for promoting cultural exchange through Chinese language teaching. He continues to teach passionately, even on weekends, at Chinese schools in the Washington area. In 2022, he was honored as an excellent administrator by the Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools and, in 2023, received their Excellent Teacher Award.
Performance Teachers
Laura Garofalo, a Chinese American adoptee, discovered her passion for Chinese dance through her desire to explore and share her heritage. For over a decade, she has taught Chinese dance to students of all ages across Maryland. Currently, Laura performs and assists with courses at the Xuejuan Dance Ensemble in Herndon, VA. She has showcased her talent at various venues, including the Chinese Cultural and Community Services Center (CCACC) in Montgomery County, MD, and the Freer Gallery in Washington, DC, as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Chinese New Year Celebration. Additionally, Laura has contributed to developing and presenting Chinese dance educational programs for organizations such as the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap National Park and the Kennedy Center’s Dance Sanctuaries social impact program.
Dr. Jean YC Hsu holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestra conducting from the Catholic University of America. She has conducted the Chinese American Music Society Orchestra for nine years, including concerts at the Kennedy Center. She has also served as assistant conductor and chorus mistress for the Summer Opera Theater Company in Washington, DC. A passionate music educator, Dr. Hsu founded the JinHua Children’s Chorus and has taught children and youth to sing since 1990.
Movement Teachers
Hui Zhang is a professional athlete from Beijing, China, who began her journey in Chinese Martial Arts at the age of nine. She was selected for the prestigious Beijing Wushu Team at fifteen and became a professional Wushu athlete. Hui has achieved numerous accolades, including gold medals in spear and double straight sword events and the title of “WuYing,” the highest rank for Wushu athletes. She has represented China in international competitions, such as the Third Asian Wushu Championship and the 12th Asian Olympic Games, winning multiple all-around championships and gold medals. With years of experience teaching martial arts, Hui continues to share her expertise in America.
In May 2022, the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) became the owner of Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club, bringing together excellent facilities and CCACC’s commitment to community enrichment. As part of this collaboration, CCACC Academy offers a premier after-school program that includes swim and tennis classes.
Students enjoy year-round tennis instruction on professional-grade Deco Turf II courts and swim lessons in a heated eight-lane pool. Both programs cater to all skill levels, providing expert coaching in a supportive environment that helps students develop athletic ability, confidence, and a love for sports.
Multi-Interest Teachers
Dawn Covington has taught cooking and art classes at CCACC Academy for over five years and has enjoyed a long, fulfilling career as an art teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools. She finds joy in sharing her passion for art with children and looks forward to creating new projects with her students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and is an active member of her church community.
STEM Teachers
Simbisai Kahari is an enthusiastic educator with over a decade of experience in youth education. He serves as the Summer Camp Director for CCACC Academy and leads their science and technology programs. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.F.A. in Communication Arts, Simbisai is passionate about STEAM and STEM education. He is also an accomplished painter, illustrator, and graphic/web designer. Simbisai currently resides in D.C., where he teaches robotics and technology and promotes technology education.
Mr. Ollie Hardy, an MCPS Technology Teacher, has dedicated his 17-year teaching career to subjects like Engineering, Game Design, Web Design, Lego Robotics, and Computer-Aided Drafting. He currently teaches 6th-grade Computer Science at Silver Creek Middle School and is affectionately known as “Mr. H” by his students. He has taught across multiple middle and high schools in Montgomery County, continually inspiring young minds in technology.
Operations Coordinator
