our team
Principal
Jan Gaffney
Jan, a native of New Zealand, has 30 years of experience in Montessori as a teacher, principal, board member, and consultant. She also has 20 years of expertise in leadership and educational management. She held positions as the principal of Montessori schools in New Zealand and Bali International School and served as the President of the Montessori Association of New Zealand (MANZ). Jan moved to Taiwan in 2021 with an employment gold card in the field of education. She is committed to fostering high-quality Montessori adolescent education in Taiwan
OUR TEAM: 12-15
Between us we cover all the academic areas needed and in addition to our academic abilities, our team have interest and experience in arts, physical activities, business, sustainability, culinary arts, equity, philosophy and psychology. Between us we have a great range of skills and experiences to build an inspirational, innovative and joyful education for our students.
Curriculum Lead
Chris Marks
As the Curriculum Lead for the 12–15 group at Y2MAC, Canadian Chris Marks brings extensive experience leading Montessori adolescent communities around the world and often incorporates his practical experience into AMI teacher training work. Effortlessly, he possesses a natural ability to work comfortably with adolescents and always enjoys engaging with them in hands-on work. He holds AMI 3–6 and 12–18 diplomas.
Guide
Susan Chen
Susan Chen brings her experience starting an adolescent programme in Taiwan to Y2MAC. She has her AMI training for both 12-18 and 6-12. This means she knows what to do if there are areas that have been missed or any work that needs to be done to help students who may need support. In addition she is trained and experienced as an ESL (English Second Language) instructor so will be of great help working with students who need support to acquire or extend their English.
Guide
Fankan Hsu
Fankan Hsu brings his knowledge of the Taiwanese alternative education, a rich and varied life experience that includes working with Teach for Taiwan, an organisation aimed at working with students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and an abundance of skills and interests that will be a great model to students. As well as his degree in Agricultural Economics, he brings experience speaking to and mentoring young people in Taiwan. He has completed an online certificate in Montessori education and is currently undergoing his AMI 12-18 teacher training.
Guide
Fang Jou Chang
Fang Jou Chang brings her knowledge of sport science and rich experience promoting resilience of youth here. In addition to her bachelor degree in International Business and a master in PE, Health and Leisure Studies, she has established a sports club as an entrepreneur and run her own business for years. She has been the PE teacher this year and will move into a full time guide role, adding projects and student support to her work. She completed AMI 12-18 teacher training in 2024.
OUR TEAM: 15-18
In Montessori adolescent education, students aged 15–18, compared to those 12–15, begin to think about how they can make a difference in the world and develop greater forward-thinking abilities. Their focus expands from personal growth to societal issues, exploring what personally motivates them and how they can share that with the wider world. Education at this stage emphasizes guiding them to connect self-understanding with social responsibility.
Guide
Emily Dowell
A specialist pediatric nurse turned Montessori adolescent practitioner, brings a scientific approach to working with adolescents. She is well-rounded, with interests in math, humanities, and self-expression, modeling adulthood in the 15–18 community. Driven to support adolescent development, she researches current issues and applies the latest findings in her practice. In addition to working at Y2MAC, Emily is training to become an AMI 12–18 Montessori guide trainer.
Guide
Hank Lin
Hank Lin works at the intersection of science and humanities, with broad knowledge in social sciences, business, and natural sciences. He has experience in experimental schools, giving him a unique approach to working with adolescents. There, he has inspired students to contribute to peace, equity, and sustainability. Passionate about hiking, diving, and exploring the world, he is committed to lifelong learning. He is currently pursuing his AMI 12–18 diploma in Ohio, USA..
Guide
Eve Chen
Eve Chen is a social enterprise entrepreneur and education practitioner with extensive experience in teaching Chinese. Under the traditional system, she created space for adolescents to appreciate the beauty of literature. She has also led students in experimental education and social welfare facilities to explore the rich world of Chinese literature. She guides our 15–18 adolescents through three main areas: literature, writing, and critical thinking.
Guide
Rosalyn Shih
Rosalyn Shih, a Canadian with roots in Hong Kong, facilitates programs and intercultural experiences that help young adults deepen their self-understanding, explore their relationships with the world, and envision the next steps in their academic and professional journeys. She is passionate about advancing mindfulness and student wellness, and at Y2MAC she supports adolescents in exploring overseas study opportunities and career pathways.
our team: residence & Admin
House Parents
Having dediacted house parents in the home away from home to be the role models and support the development needs of adolescents is a key to fostering independence. Our current House Parents are Rhonda, Christina and Michael.
Lead House Parent
Rhonda
Rhonda, our Lead House Parent, is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in Montessori education. She has worked as a Adolescent Teacher, an Exchange Program Coordinator, and a Special Education Assistant in Canada, Taiwan, and Australia. Rhonda has AMI/ NAMTA 12-18 training and hold M.Ed. in Montessori. She enjoys traveling with her family and staying active, including K-pop dance and Zumba.
House Parent
Christina
Christina is from India and has been a Montessori teacher for 20 years, working with children ranging from 2 to 12 years old. She holds both the AMI 3–6 and 6–12 diplomas. Christina is passionate about nature, diverse cultures, film, and the arts. She joins Y2MAC together with her husband, Michael, who will be introduced later.
House Parent
Michael
Michael, from India, is Christina’s husband. He holds an AMI 3–6 diploma and is also a trained Yogi. Earlier in his career, he worked as an ad filmmaker, bringing stories to life with creativity and attention to detail. Michael enjoys working with his hands, particularly in craft work, gardening, and carpentry. He adapts easily to his environment and makes use of available materials to get the job done.
Operations
To ensure all the administrative and logistical aspects of running a school are done in the most effective and efficient way possible, we have two staffs, Freya and Amy, in our operation team.
Freya Wu, School Business Lead
Amy Fu, Operations Project Manager
Self Expression
Self-Expression is divided into creative and physical expression and is considered an essential part of the Montessori program. Every week, the whole of Wednesday is given to dedicated immersion in these areas. Students are expected to participate in both physical and creative expression activities.
Part-time specialist teachers offer different creative and physical expression opportunities, with as much choice as possible given student numbers.
The photos on this page are some moments from our first-year self-expression, as an example.
