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Meet Our Teachers

Our global classrooms are led by world-class teachers who are passionate about educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Our Faculty of Excellence

Our academic faculty have been rigorously vetted and thoughtfully selected for their inspiration, engagement and proven track record of outstanding student results. Their dedication, depth and passion for teaching inspires and builds confidence in students. Plus, they all believe in the importance of online learning for the future of education.

Our fully registered teachers are based around the world, including in New Zealand, the UK, Europe, the US, and beyond. They bring over 20 years of teaching experience. They have:

  • Tutored National Olympiad teams;
  • Taught students that achieved the Top in Country and/or in the World for relevant subjects;
  • Taught students that have been accepted in the world’s top universities including Oxbridge and Ivy League;
  • Educated students with perfect scores for the SATs, and more.
CGA Teaching Staff
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Voices of CGA Teachers

Get a glimpse into the transformative power of an online education. Find out what our teachers have to say about teaching and learning at an online school, and the impact they've seen it have on their students.

Meet Our Teachers

US Diploma Pathway Teachers

Janet Kortlever - Art

Janet Kortlever leads the Advanced Drawing and Arts Exploration classes for the US campus. Originally from Scotland, Janet has spent over two decades living in New Zealand, a place she deeply cherishes. Her teaching career, spanning twenty-six years, is marked by a diverse range of experiences. She has imparted knowledge to various age groups across the globe, including teaching high school art at an international school in Bolivia, conducting arts and crafts sessions for special needs adults in Pennsylvania, and leading advanced painting and art history classes for adults in New Zealand. Her expertise also extends to teaching art and design, art history, and English in secondary schools in England and Scotland.

Janet's passion for teaching is evident in her dedication to fostering a love of learning in her students, inspiring them to become enthusiastic and passionate about their subjects. Beyond her teaching endeavors, she is an accomplished exhibiting artist and a published genre fiction author. Away from her professional life, Janet enjoys spending time with her three antisocial cats and two teenage daughters. She is an active member of several writers' groups, a collector of intriguing yet seemingly trivial facts, and has a fondness for tea and cake.

Anika Krause - English

Anika Krause is a licensed English language and literature educator with over 5 years of middle and high school teaching experience in the United States, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. She holds a B.A. in English from Northeastern University, where she graduated summa cum laude, and is a recent graduate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she earned an M.A. in Human Development and Education with a focus in language and literacy. Anika is particularly passionate about English language and literacy development for multilingual learners and advocating for educational equity. When she is not teaching, Anika enjoys live music, cooking and baking, exploring nature, and crocheting.

Yordan Arazov - Physics

Yordan Arazov holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from Beihang University and is an American Board physics teacher. Yordan has over four years experience teaching science, physics and math and has helped students prepare for the IGCSE, A-levels, and AP exams. Yordan has worked with students from Australia, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the EU and North Africa, and speaks fluent Bulgarian, English and Mandarin Chinese.

Ian Swift - Mathematics

Meet, CGA Teacher Ian Swift. Ian grew up on Long Island (just outside New York City) playing kick the can and stick ball - just look up any cliché Brooklyn movie.

After attending college (university) at SUNY Geneseo in upstate NY attaining a BA degree in Mathematics and Physics, followed by a MS in Education from CW Post University, he fell in love with the open space and soon to be wife.

Now he lives about an hour from Niagara Falls, surrounded by open fields of corn, where he regales his 4 children every chance he can about the stark differences in his old and new life surroundings.

Chris Lemmons - History

Meet CGA Teacher, Chris Lemmons, who has had a remarkable 13-year career dedicated to the world of learning. With a profound passion for education, Chris has spent the majority of his journey inspiring students through world cultures and geography. He's a veteran in teaching AP Human Geography and AP World History, contributing three years of impactful instruction at a renowned Texas high school.

Before his time in the classroom, Chris played a pivotal role at Texas Tech University, where he served as the International Student Life Administrator within the Office of International Affairs. During this period, he engaged in global education outreach, sharing the treasures of diverse cultures with West Texas K-12 students.

Chris's teaching philosophy centers around the captivating stories of places and people. His classrooms are vibrant spaces of discussion and inquiry, encouraging students to delve into the intricacies of geography while nurturing an enduring love for learning. With his guidance, students not only absorb knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of our interconnected world.

Robert Badowski - Business & Statistics

Greetings!  My name is Bob Badowski, and I teach business and statistics courses at Crimson Global Academy.  Teaching at CGA gives me the opportunity to work with students around the world.  I enjoy the small class sizes, which affords me the chance to get to know my students and help them reach their educational goals.

For the past 27 years, my career has been focused around business, education and higher education leadership.  I have served various universities, colleges, schools and businesses, holding positions such as Dean, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Curriculum, Department Chair, Professor, and teacher.  I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania for my BS in Business Education and Robert Morris University for both my MBA and Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership. 

I reside in Grove City, PA, with my wife, and three children.  I enjoy outdoor activities and working on home improvement projects.

Mark Kirker - Economics

Mark Kirker is an experienced educator at Crimson Global Academy (CGA) with 20 years of teaching under his belt, specializing in advanced placement (AP) micro and macro economics. He holds a master's degree in economics from San Jose State University, which has equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach these subjects.

His expertise in economics has allowed him to make a significant impact on the education of countless students, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of how the economy works and preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits.  With his in-depth knowledge of the AP curriculum and a passion for teaching, he has helped hundreds of students to earn a passing score on this rigorous exam.

Rebecca Hancock - ESOL

Rebecca Hancock, born in the UK but raised in the Netherlands, has experienced a diverse range of international living and working experiences. Having resided and worked in countries such as France, Spain, Venezuela, and Portugal, she has gained a broad perspective on different cultures and languages.

Rebecca embarked on her teaching journey as a French and Spanish teacher in a secondary school in the UK following the completion of a PGCE in Modern Languages at Nottingham University. In anticipation of her move to Spain over 15 years ago, she pursued a CELTA qualification, focusing on becoming an English Language teacher.

She has worked in several language schools as a teacher and then as Director of Studies before being approached to train teachers in communicative methodology which led to teacher-training work abroad in places like Turkey, Albania, Indonesia and Thailand.

Now happily settled in Spain, she is really happy working with students around the globe teaching a language she is passionate about from the comfort of her own home.

Daisy Ward - ESOL

Daisy is CGA’s ESOL Teacher

Justine Yeates - ESOL

Justine is CGA’s ESOL Teacher

Ron Villarin - Business

Ron is CGA’s AP Entrepreneur & Small Business Teacher

Matthew Cheng – Computer Science

MrCheng earned a M.A. Teaching Secondary Education Mathematics from William Paterson University where he was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship and Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship. He also earned a M.S. in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, an Advanced Certificate in Digital Forensics for Computer Science and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Mr Cheng is also a MIT Master Trainer in Educational Computing using the MIT App Inventor platform. He was twice elected as a Trustee for the West New York Board of Education and served on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey School Boards Association. He holds Teacher of Computer Science Technology and Teacher of Mathematics certificates and is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at William Paterson University.

Listen and send Matthew’s podcast episode with Alex from the Top of the Class podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1416160/8988402

Vince Nguyen - Mathematics

Vince Nguyen is a certified educator by College Board, International Baccalaureate Organization, and three states in the U.S. to conduct math instruction to secondary students, including AP and IB classes. Vince has over 10 years of high school teaching experience.

Vince holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA and an M.B.A degree from Grand Canyon University. Throughout his teaching career, both in the U.S. and internationally, he has supported many students in reaching and achieving their goal of earning high scores on AP exams. In addition, Vince has led math competitions and AP Club sessions to aid and improve confidence of students preparing for exams and competition.

Finally, Vince has made significant, positive impacts on the school community through the creation and implementation of various, diverse student engagement projects. Vince’s mission in education is to lead and support students to be empowered to not only reach their short-term goals but also to realize their own long-term potential.

Kathy Meyer - Biology

Kathy Meyer is from central Missouri, United States. She has served as a public and state secondary science teacher for 34 years. Kathy's major is Secondary Biology with a minor in American Sign Language. Throughout the years, she has taught most secondary science classes such as: AP Biology, Biology, Advanced Biology, Anatomy/Physiology, Ecology, Physical Science, Applied Biology/Chemistry, etc. The majority of the videoed farm lessons used with this course are filmed on her farm.

Saira Imamovic - Graphic Design

Saira is CGA’s AP Graphic Design Teacher

Francis Drumm - Psychology

Francis is CGA’s AP Psychology Teacher

Harley Bakken - English

Harley is CGA’s AP English Teacher

Jennifer Nakamoto - Chemistry

Jennifer Nakamoto is originally from the foothills of California and moved to the Low Country of South Carolina a few years ago. She has been in education for 12 years teaching secondary sciences such as Middle School Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Leadership, Floral Design I and II.

She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from California State University - Sacramento and her Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo. In the past she has held numerous titles such as Department Chair and has been a Master Teacher (supervisor of student teachers).

In 2019 she received the California Association of Worldly School Teacher of the Year, which is an International Baccalaureate teacher association. Being this is her first year with CGA, she is really looking forward to working with ambitious students and learning more about their culture since she has students from all around the world. Outside of education,

Mrs.Nakamoto has a family that keeps her very busy. She enjoys travelling, being outside, visiting the Disney Parks,  and making new memories. 

Marta Aliaga - Spanish

Marta is CGA’s AP Spanish Teacher

Stephen Michas - Chemistry

Stephen is CGA’s AP Chemistry Teacher

Peggy Morton - Mathematics

Peggy is CGA’s AP Mathematics Teacher

Joe Koszut - Physics

Joe is CGA’s AP Physics Teacher

Bertrice Dawson - English

I received a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and continued post graduate studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Santiago, Dominican Republic. After deciding to teach, I worked in underserved public schools in Arkansas, Texas and Los Angeles, filling positions with the greatest need as requested by school administrators.

Although I was reluctant at times to teach subjects outside of my major, I eventually gained proficiency in most common core subjects for middle school and high school students.

Opportunity knocked with a request for a teacher specializing in multiple subjects and grade levels, and I responded. I was whisked away on a world tour (including 50 major U.S. cities) as the teacher for young, multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artists. As I toured, taught and managed all aspects of the educational requirements by day and watched my students perform at huge venues by night, I saw the immeasurable benefits of being flexible in my approach to sharing knowledge. I also realized that for me, teaching is much more than the didactic pronouncement of facts. It is an art, which when well-crafted, motivates students to press for excellence in their lives and academic goals.

I continue to share my 20+ years of academic knowledge in Northern California where I also enjoy family time, practicing my favorite songs on the piano, and converting my rejected movie scripts to mystery novels for young adults.

Amber Evans - Anatomy & Physiology

Amber is CGA’s AP Anatomy & Physiology Teacher

Zachary Rom - Chemistry

Zachary Rom is an AP chemistry teacher with 4 years of teaching experience at a public high school in Massachusetts. He holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and an M.A. in science education. Zach has a passion for science and loves to create unique learning experiences to help students understand tough subjects. He seeks to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in his classes so that students can feel comfortable to be themselves and focus on the tasks at hand. Outside of the classroom he enjoys playing music on his ukulele, cooking, playing video games, and whittling.

Giancarlo Renzi - Graphic Design

My name is Giancarlo Renzi. I'm a Designer and Music Producer with experience teaching in college classrooms as well as more personalized training in the fields of graphic design and music production. In the past, I have worked with various design studios. Currently, I work daily with clients as a freelance Brand Designer. I hold a Masters Degree in Product Design and Development and a B.A in Industrial Design.

My work includes collaborations with global clients like Motorola and Marriot, as well as work with family businesses in Costa Rica, Panama, and the United States. Additionally, I have lent my branding expertise to multiple YouTube channels and video games.

I grew up in Costa Rica and currently live there with my wife and my cat Jelly. In my freetime, I like cooking, making music or playing video games.

Alejandra Ramos Gómez - Journalism

Alejandra Ramos Gómez is an author, educator, and consultant based in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA), teaching Journalism at CGA. She holds a BA in Political Science and Linguistics from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Masters in Bilingual Education from Southern Methodist University, and a Masters in Human Development and Education specializing in Arts & Learning from Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Alejandra has been an educator for the past ten years - her experience includes working with grades K-12 in Texas in dual language and gifted-and-talented classrooms, K-12 students in Latin America, and graduate-level students as a Teaching Fellow at HGSE. Further, she is certified in EC-6, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted and Talented, and Mindfulness Instruction. 

While working at CGA, Ramos Gómez looks forward to teaching and learning from ambitious students across diverse cultures while instilling a love for creativity and innovation in her online classroom. Outside of teaching, she is an artist who loves spoken word, theater, and dance. Alejandra is the author of Imperfecta, a bilingual poetry book, and a professional public speaker featured across international media, including Plan International, NPR's Latino USA, TEDx, and UNICEF.

Gary Lauderdale - Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science

Hi!  I’m Gary Lauderdale and since 2006, I’ve been committed to sharing my passion for mathematics and fostering a love of learning in my students.  I teach high school and college courses and I’m excited for each opportunity to empower students and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to succeed in and out of class. 

I have a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Houston and undergraduate degrees from Florida State University.  I was featured in the book Teach Like a Champion 2.0, and I know the difference between teaching and telling.

I believe that responsible analysis is the pursuit of truth, and that mathematics is its vocabulary.  In order to share this idea and promote curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject, I authored the Statistics 2 course, Elements of Data Science, which has been adopted and published as the statewide curriculum in Texas. 

I spend my free time reading, playing guitar (admittedly, an activity for which my enthusiasm greatly outweighs my talent), woodworking, hiking and watching Kung Fu movies.

Pelumi Kolawole - Chemistry

Oluwapelumi is a Pharmacist with over 15000+ hours of AP , IB, IGCSE, GCSE and A-Level chemistry tutoring experience. His love for chemistry education has seen him work with various Edtech platforms and schools across the world. He’s able to bring his communication skills as a healthcare professional in breaking down seemingly complex chemistry concepts into easily understood concepts for students. He’s also pursuing a diploma in cybersecurity at the Alberta Educational Center. 

What he loves most about teaching at CGA is the calibre of students who continually demonstrate a high level of grit and responsibility towards their academic and life pursuits.

Outside of teaching and learning, Oluwapelumi is an avid football fan and ardent supporter of Manchester United Football Club. He equally enjoys spending his time volunteering with his local community organisations in tackling drug and substance abuse in teenagers and young adults.

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