Student Support Specialist

Mrs. Anna Abbott Learning Support Specialist
Ms. Anna Abbott is thrilled to be joining the AST team! After graduating with her Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, Anna started her career teaching grade 4 and 5 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She has international experience teaching in Egypt and Vietnam. Anna has also taught English as a Second Language in Tianjin, China. Anna completed her Master of Education from the University of British Columbia and has completed additional qualifications in Special Education. Most recently, Anna has taken the role as Inclusive Support Teacher in Mission, BC where she supports students with autism, chronic health, and behavioral needs. Anna believes strongly in community building and peace/humane education. Anna is moving to Taiwan with her husband (Lucas) and her two children. They are all looking forward to a new adventure and working with the AST Team.

Ms. Catherine Sparks English as an Additional Language 
Ms. Catherine Stark started her adventure as an educator over 15 years ago and has since taught English in China, Turkey, South Korea, Spain, and the Czech Republic as well as Spanish in the United States. She holds a master's degree in Spanish and Applied Linguistics and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Ohio University alongside teaching certifications in ESOL and English Language Arts. Most recently, Catherine has been an EAL Specialist for 4 years at an international school in China. She is proud to bring her passion for learning languages and for language learners to her position as the EAL Specialist at AST. When she's not working with her students, Catherine enjoys exploring the world around her - both near and far. She also enjoys quality time hiking, cooking, and taking photos. She is very excited to be joining the AST for the 2022-2023 school year!

Ms. Rubecca Hou Counselor
Ms. Rubecca Hou is excited to join AST as the new through school counselor. Prior to joining AST, she worked as a whole school counselor at Taipei European School in Taipei and before that as a school counselor at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Services. She is a professionally licensed counselor with broad experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both education and community settings. Ms. Rubecca received her B.A. in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from the Johns Hopkins University. She has also attained her counseling certification both in Taiwan and China. Ms. Rubecca loves working with students and believes in the potential of every individual. She looks forward to joining the AST team and a great journey ahead

Ms. Jenny Chen College Prep and Guidance Counselor
Ms. Jenny Chen is the new guidance counselor at AST. She will be working with students in guidance and college counseling. Ms. Chen has over two decades of experience in education and 6 years of academic and college counseling. Her goal is to help students resolve their anxiety, discover their strengths and potential, and make informed academic and career choices. Ms. Chen is looking forward to a great year ahead! 

Ms. Charlene Chen Chinese as a Foreign Language
Ms. Chen was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan and has traveled and worked in the U.S. She completed her M.A. in TESOL at the University of Florida. Ms. Chen has 12 years of teaching experience as a Chinese and English teacher. She has taught dual languages from K- 12 and community college. Ms. Chen's teaching experiences in the U.S. and in Taiwan has allowed her to understand students from different cultural backgrounds. She is excited to teach Chinese non-native speakers at AST for the seventh year! Ms. Chen's goal is to create a safe learning environment and make Chinese learning a life-long journey for her students. She is also looking forward to teaching AP Chinese this school year.