Our Professional Teaching Team at Happy Panda Kids
At Happy Panda Kids, we take pride in our team of dedicated and experienced educators. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds in language, arts, STEM, and drama, bringing expertise in Chinese, Math, English, Robotics, Coding, and Performing Arts. With a passion for child-centered learning, they create engaging and supportive environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student.
Afterschool Teacher- Ms Grace
Ms. Garce is a passionate and experienced educator with a strong background in both music and language instruction. A graduate of the Xinghai Conservatory of Music’s Department of Music Education, she excelled in her studies, focusing on pedagogy, psychology, and music education. With over 20 years of experience as a public school teacher and academic affairs leader, she has developed a deep understanding of student learning behaviors and effective teaching strategies.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Grace has contributed to the development ofChinese language textbooks for young learners, integrating music and interactive activitiesto make language learning more engaging. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes tailored instruction, learning through play, and a warm, encouraging classroom environment.
AfterSchool Teacher - Ms Bo
Dongying Bo started teaching Chinese in 2018 and has been teaching at Happy Panda ever since.
Teaching Expertise: Skilled in expanding teaching content by incorporating cultural context, providing personalized instruction for children of different proficiency levels.
Teaching Philosophy: Creating a fun and engaging learning environment to inspire children’s interest in Chinese, making it a tool for them to express themselves and explore the world.
Interests & Hobbies: Enjoys traveling and sports, loves exploring new places, and appreciates the energy and challenges that sports bring.
AfterSchool Teacher - Ms Zhang
Fangfang Zhang is an experienced Chinese language teacher with twelve years of teaching experience. She earned her teaching certification in China and has been dedicated to Chinese language education in the U.S. She previously taught at a language institute in Southern California and later at a private school in the South Bay. Now settled in the Tri-Valley area, she teaches Chinese at an after-school program, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for her students.
Beyond teaching, she enjoys exploring nature, hiking and traveling with her family, and discovering new culinary experiences.
AfterSchool Teacher - Ms Chen
Hello, my name is Jessie Chen. I joined Happy Panda in 2022 and have been working as an IB Chinese teacher for grades 1 to 5 at a public school. I am dedicated to creating an interactive and immersive learning environment where students can develop a strong foundation in the Chinese language while appreciating its rich culture. My teaching philosophy centers on making lessons engaging, relevant, and tailored to the needs of each student, encouraging both language skills and a love for learning.
Afterschool Teacher- Ms Yi
Ms. Yi is a nurturing and loving educator who has been teaching at Happy Panda for over two years. She has also been an excellent weekend Chinese school teacher in the East Bay, bringing warmth and dedication to her students. While she prefers to let her teaching speak for itself, her passion for education and supportive approach make her a cherished teacher among her students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring new places, always bringing her curiosity and creativity into the classroom.
Afterschool Teacher- Ms Hsieh
Hi, I’m Sarah Hsieh!
I’m the Mandarin teacher at Happy Panda. I’ve previously taught Mandarin at K–12 schools, including Bentley School and Sequoia Elementary, where I loved helping children explore the beauty of language through play, music, and stories. It’s a joy to see them grow and gain confidence while learning Mandarin in a fun, caring environment! I look forward to sharing this exciting journey with your little ones!
Math & English Program Director - Ms Madhu
Ms. Madhu brings a strong tech background in programming and engineering, with previous experience at Microsoft. With many years of teaching experience, she has worked with kids and teens in Math, English, LEGO Robotics, Coding, and Programming. Her passion for education and technology helps students develop problem-solving skills and confidence in a fun, engaging learning environment.
Art & Drama Educator and Weekend Chinese Class Teacher- Ms Chang
Ms. Amber Chang is a passionate Art and Drama educator with a strong academic background, holding degrees from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore and the University of Essex in the UK. She has extensive experience teaching Art and Drama courses in primary and secondary schools across the Bay Area. In addition to teaching, she plays a key role in art direction, screenwriting, and directing for drama camps, creative arts programs, and theatrical performances, inspiring students to express themselves through creativity and storytelling.