YingJung (Ena) Chen
Kindergarten – First Grade Chinese Learning Specialist
- B.A. in Language Education, Taipei University of Education
Began at CAIS in 2011
In the outskirts of Taipei, Taiwan, Ena was raised in a family of four. In her childhood, she liked hanging out at bookstores with her dad, building and taking LEGOs apart with her brother, exploring traditional markets with her mom, and reading (her favorite hobby). After earning a degree in language education from Taipei University of Education, she moved and eventually settled in San Francisco. Her passion and profession led her to several jobs and volunteer opportunities in adult education and K-5 schools. Since joining CAIS in 2011, she has been and continues to advancing in her role of support and enhance students’ Chinese learning experiences.
Connie Clark
Second – Fifth Grade English Learning Specialist
- B.A. in Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley
- Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley
Began at CAIS in 2013
Originally from the Midwest, Ms. Clark graduated from Cal with a B.A. in Anthropology. After working in China as a tour guide for American medical professionals, she returned to Berkeley and pursued a Ph.D. in Linguistics and Anthropology. Before joining CAIS, she was the learning center director at Immaculate Conception High School in the Mission. Ms. Clark lives in San Francisco with her son and husband, and her beloved, ancient chocolate lab!
Favorite quote (Victor Hugo): “To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
Ginger Harper
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade School Counselor
Began at CAIS 2024
K-4th Grade Counselor Ginger Harper holds an M.Ed. in International School Counseling from Lehigh University and comes to us from Shanghai American School – Puxi, where she was an Early Childhood Counselor.
Ms. Harper is thrilled to return to the US after 14 amazing years abroad, where she and her husband had the pleasure of living in vibrant cities like Seoul, Bangalore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and Beijing. China holds a special place in their hearts as it’s where their son was born and where their daughter fondly calls “home”. Her partner, Joshua Brinn, will be joining the middle school as a math and science teacher, while their son begins 3rd grade and their daughter embarks on her Kindergarten journey.
Rita Mercado
Middle School English Learning Specialist
BEGAN AT CAIS IN 2019
You may recognize Ms. Mercado from the Lower School or Early Childhood Student Support Team. She is excited to now be joining the Middle School team as the Learning Specialist. This will be her fourth year working with CAIS and she is eager to get to know you and your students. She has been in education for 20 years, working as a classroom teacher, learning specialist, and educational therapist. Outside of school, you may find her enjoying city life with her husband and two kids or hear stories of them enjoying the outdoors. They enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, and snowboarding as a family.
王娜 Na (Nyah) Wang
Second – Fifth Grade Chinese Learning Support Specialist
BEGAN AT CAIS 2011
A certified Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) assessor, Wang Laoshi graduated from Taiyuan Normal University with a BA in Education and began her career in a Montessori preschool before joining CAIS in 2011. Wang Laoshi is passionate about her career in education and finds her work incredibly meaningful. She believes in creating a welcoming environment, continually focusing on meeting the varied needs of the children in her care, and on finding exciting ways to integrate technology.