Here they are!
Takara English School in Moka started with three staff members. From left to right, Hiromi, Chris & Sakae.
To know more about them, see the pictures and stories below.
真岡校オリジナルスタッフ
の3人のです。
左から、ひろみ、クリス、さかえ。
Takara English School in Moka started with three staff members. From left to right, Hiromi, Chris & Sakae.
To know more about them, see the pictures and stories below.
真岡校オリジナルスタッフ
の3人のです。
左から、ひろみ、クリス、さかえ。
Chris Woods
Chris started the English language program at Takara Kindergarten in the mid 1990s. At first it was just a morning program. But, soon there was demand for after school classes, and thanks to the hard work the staff and teachers, it has blossomed into what Takara English School is today, with hundreds of students of all ages at locations in Mashiko and Moka.
Chris was born and raised in Canada and currently lives in Mashiko. He received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Western Ontario.
Chris has worked as a newspaper reporter, a carpenter, a scuba diving instructor, a potter, and as a wedding pastor performing hundreds of weddings for lovely couples who are, no doubt, living happily ever after!
In his free time, Chris likes to sing and play guitar at local events in a band called Apple Pie. He likes to ride bicycles and motorcycles and loves sunflower seeds.
Chris came to Japan in early 1990s and was initially planning to stay for one year, but he loved living in Japan and decided to stay. He and his wife Michiyo are raising three children, up in the gentle mountains of Mashiko.
クリス ウッヅは、1990年半ば, たからイングリッシュスクール開校時から、英語講師として英語を教えています。
クリスは、カナダで生まれ育ち、現在は、益子町在住です。ウエスタン オンタリオ大学にて、哲学の学士学位、ジャーナリズムの修士号取得。
新聞記者として新聞社に勤務後、大工、スキューバーダイビングのインストラクター、陶芸、結婚式場の牧師などをしてきました。
趣味では、地元の各イベントに歌とギター演奏で参加したり、細々と活動しています。
バイクに乗るのが好きで、ひまわりの種が大好物です。
クリスは、1990年初めに来日し、当初1年程の滞在の予定でしたが、日本での生活を大変気に入りそのまま在住することになりました。家族は、妻の三千代と3人の子どもたちがいます。カナダへ帰国のため、たからイングリッシュスクールは残念ながら退職。
Chris started the English language program at Takara Kindergarten in the mid 1990s. At first it was just a morning program. But, soon there was demand for after school classes, and thanks to the hard work the staff and teachers, it has blossomed into what Takara English School is today, with hundreds of students of all ages at locations in Mashiko and Moka.
Chris was born and raised in Canada and currently lives in Mashiko. He received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Western Ontario.
Chris has worked as a newspaper reporter, a carpenter, a scuba diving instructor, a potter, and as a wedding pastor performing hundreds of weddings for lovely couples who are, no doubt, living happily ever after!
In his free time, Chris likes to sing and play guitar at local events in a band called Apple Pie. He likes to ride bicycles and motorcycles and loves sunflower seeds.
Chris came to Japan in early 1990s and was initially planning to stay for one year, but he loved living in Japan and decided to stay. He and his wife Michiyo are raising three children, up in the gentle mountains of Mashiko.
クリス ウッヅは、1990年半ば, たからイングリッシュスクール開校時から、英語講師として英語を教えています。
クリスは、カナダで生まれ育ち、現在は、益子町在住です。ウエスタン オンタリオ大学にて、哲学の学士学位、ジャーナリズムの修士号取得。
新聞記者として新聞社に勤務後、大工、スキューバーダイビングのインストラクター、陶芸、結婚式場の牧師などをしてきました。
趣味では、地元の各イベントに歌とギター演奏で参加したり、細々と活動しています。
バイクに乗るのが好きで、ひまわりの種が大好物です。
クリスは、1990年初めに来日し、当初1年程の滞在の予定でしたが、日本での生活を大変気に入りそのまま在住することになりました。家族は、妻の三千代と3人の子どもたちがいます。カナダへ帰国のため、たからイングリッシュスクールは残念ながら退職。
Hiromi Sovjani
Hiromi became interested in learning English while she was in high school and attended English conversation classes almost every day.
After graduating from the Tokyo Rissho Junior College of English, she worked for an English conversation school and eventually married a charming young American man.
Hiromi taught English at a Junior High School, and she has been involved in teaching English at an English school for 16 years.
She lives in Mashiko and loves ceramics.
ソブヤニ 宏美は、高校在学中より英会話学習に興味を抱き、ほぼ毎日英会話教室へ通いました。
東京立正短期大学英米語学科卒業後、某英会話学校へ勤め、その後アメリカ人と結婚。
進学塾にて英語指導を経て、たからイングリッシュスクールで16年間英語学習指導に携わる。
益子在住で、陶芸が大好きな、一児の子育て中の母です。
Hiromi became interested in learning English while she was in high school and attended English conversation classes almost every day.
After graduating from the Tokyo Rissho Junior College of English, she worked for an English conversation school and eventually married a charming young American man.
Hiromi taught English at a Junior High School, and she has been involved in teaching English at an English school for 16 years.
She lives in Mashiko and loves ceramics.
ソブヤニ 宏美は、高校在学中より英会話学習に興味を抱き、ほぼ毎日英会話教室へ通いました。
東京立正短期大学英米語学科卒業後、某英会話学校へ勤め、その後アメリカ人と結婚。
進学塾にて英語指導を経て、たからイングリッシュスクールで16年間英語学習指導に携わる。
益子在住で、陶芸が大好きな、一児の子育て中の母です。
Sakae Murata
As a child Sakae loved Sesame Street and watched Elmo and The Cookie Monster a lot.
She felt a connection to English, so she I decided to work at an English language school.
Now she is in the middle of raising three strapping young men - what they call “Dango San Kyodai” in Japan.
村田さかえは、子供の頃セサミストリートが大好きで、エルモやクッキーモンスターをよく見ていました。
縁があって、たからイングリッシュスクールで働く事になりました。
只今、だんご三兄弟の子育ての真っ最中です。
As a child Sakae loved Sesame Street and watched Elmo and The Cookie Monster a lot.
She felt a connection to English, so she I decided to work at an English language school.
Now she is in the middle of raising three strapping young men - what they call “Dango San Kyodai” in Japan.
村田さかえは、子供の頃セサミストリートが大好きで、エルモやクッキーモンスターをよく見ていました。
縁があって、たからイングリッシュスクールで働く事になりました。
只今、だんご三兄弟の子育ての真っ最中です。
Katy Coe 2018 to Present
Katy comes from California and has worked as an English language teacher in Taiwan, Myanmar and Poland, as well as being a super popular teacher for an online English teaching service.
In Poland Katy worked as a full time kindergarten teacher and is doing a wonderful job with our students in the after school programs as well as in the kindergarten. She studied Drama in America and does entertaining presentations that the students get a real kick out of.
Katy is enjoying life in Moka and spends some of her free time making hundreds of amazing greeting cards that she sends to her friends all over the world.
Katy comes from California and has worked as an English language teacher in Taiwan, Myanmar and Poland, as well as being a super popular teacher for an online English teaching service.
In Poland Katy worked as a full time kindergarten teacher and is doing a wonderful job with our students in the after school programs as well as in the kindergarten. She studied Drama in America and does entertaining presentations that the students get a real kick out of.
Katy is enjoying life in Moka and spends some of her free time making hundreds of amazing greeting cards that she sends to her friends all over the world.
Jeff Wolfshohl 2019
Jeff comes from Texas but he has lived all over the world. He worked for many, many years with the Para-Olympics in Germany, handling their communications department. He has also lived in Iceland and Singapore.
Jeff has worked as a grade 1 teacher in America and as a personal fitness instructor for a fanous American fitness chain. He is really making the most of his time in Japan, exploring the food and traveling almost the entire length of the country by train.
Jeff is working full-time at both Takara English School locations where the students love his thoughtful and thorough classes.
Jeff comes from Texas but he has lived all over the world. He worked for many, many years with the Para-Olympics in Germany, handling their communications department. He has also lived in Iceland and Singapore.
Jeff has worked as a grade 1 teacher in America and as a personal fitness instructor for a fanous American fitness chain. He is really making the most of his time in Japan, exploring the food and traveling almost the entire length of the country by train.
Jeff is working full-time at both Takara English School locations where the students love his thoughtful and thorough classes.
Craig Forkner 2000 to present
Craig comes from North Carolina in America. After graduating from North Carolina State University he came to Japan to study at a university. I forgot which one. Anyway, while there, he became fascinated by Japanese pottery, started studying pottery on the side, and then met his Japanese wife, who was also into pottery, and together they moved to Mashiko and became potters.
Craig and his wife are now raising their three kids here in town. They are always selling their pottery at a stall near Takara English School during the “toki-ichi” pottery fairs held in Mashiko in the spring and fall.
Being soft spoken and thoughtful, Craig brings a nice gentle kindness to our classes. He is an excellent listener, but also spins a great yarn.
In his free time Craig plays keyboards in a nutty little Blues & Blues Grass band here in town called Apple Pie.
Craig comes from North Carolina in America. After graduating from North Carolina State University he came to Japan to study at a university. I forgot which one. Anyway, while there, he became fascinated by Japanese pottery, started studying pottery on the side, and then met his Japanese wife, who was also into pottery, and together they moved to Mashiko and became potters.
Craig and his wife are now raising their three kids here in town. They are always selling their pottery at a stall near Takara English School during the “toki-ichi” pottery fairs held in Mashiko in the spring and fall.
Being soft spoken and thoughtful, Craig brings a nice gentle kindness to our classes. He is an excellent listener, but also spins a great yarn.
In his free time Craig plays keyboards in a nutty little Blues & Blues Grass band here in town called Apple Pie.
Matt Sovjani 2017 to 2018
Matt comes from New York State. He graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio, and then came to Mashiko to apprentice as a potter.
He comes from an artistic family - his parents and his brother are all artists. Since coming to this area Matt has developed an amazing sculptural artistic style. He fires his pots in a wood burning kiln that he built by himself. He also built his own house and workshop. You can find him selling his pottery in the center of Mashiko during every “toki-ichi” pottery fair with his cute Japanese wife and child.
Matt has taught English here and there in this area for many years. He joined Takara English School in 2017 and is super enthusiastic about teaching. He is encouraging and kind to the students and is always trying to find ways to make his classes effective and interesting.
In his free time, of course, he is making pottery, but recently he has also made a wood burning pizza oven at his place. He also loves gardening around his house, which is perched up on top of a mountain in Mashiko with a great view of The Oba Valley. Check out Matt's pottery here.
Matt comes from New York State. He graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio, and then came to Mashiko to apprentice as a potter.
He comes from an artistic family - his parents and his brother are all artists. Since coming to this area Matt has developed an amazing sculptural artistic style. He fires his pots in a wood burning kiln that he built by himself. He also built his own house and workshop. You can find him selling his pottery in the center of Mashiko during every “toki-ichi” pottery fair with his cute Japanese wife and child.
Matt has taught English here and there in this area for many years. He joined Takara English School in 2017 and is super enthusiastic about teaching. He is encouraging and kind to the students and is always trying to find ways to make his classes effective and interesting.
In his free time, of course, he is making pottery, but recently he has also made a wood burning pizza oven at his place. He also loves gardening around his house, which is perched up on top of a mountain in Mashiko with a great view of The Oba Valley. Check out Matt's pottery here.
Jon Poleman 2017-2018
Hello everyone, my name is Jon. My Japanese name is まんじろ。
I've spent the last 5 1/2 years teaching English in Asia. Spent 1 year in 울산 Korea and 4 years in 张家港 China and now finishing up my year in 真岡 Japan. I often refer to these places as homes outside of home. Hands down, the best years of my life. Each and every student brought their own unique perspectives and personality into my classroom, making it some of the most memorable years of my life.
I am looking forward to what 2018, a new year, a new school, a new country has to offer, and the opportunity to reach out to new lives and make a real difference.
I come from Washington State up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, not to be confused with the capital. I graduated Western Washington University with a marketing degree and online TEFL certification. I spent some time in the guitar and piano program as well.
I absolutely love getting outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking or playing football. I use to be a guitar teacher in the states, and hence love incorporating music and other arts inside the classroom. Language is an art itself as music is a language, a world language.
At times I can’t help but agree with Einstein when he said “the only thing that interferes with my learning is my education” or Mark Twain “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” So from that I’d like to teach from a new perspective. To know that, in the words of Robert Frost, “I am not a teacher, but an awakener” and Margaret Mead “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think” Every students has a gift, a special kind of talent to be explored. My job is not to find it for them, but to be a resource for students. To help students find the means to explore what lies on the other side. The world is full of opportunity. Like my mom told me growing up, nothing is impossible. If there is anything I hope to leave behind with my students it is just that, nothing is impossible.
Hello everyone, my name is Jon. My Japanese name is まんじろ。
I've spent the last 5 1/2 years teaching English in Asia. Spent 1 year in 울산 Korea and 4 years in 张家港 China and now finishing up my year in 真岡 Japan. I often refer to these places as homes outside of home. Hands down, the best years of my life. Each and every student brought their own unique perspectives and personality into my classroom, making it some of the most memorable years of my life.
I am looking forward to what 2018, a new year, a new school, a new country has to offer, and the opportunity to reach out to new lives and make a real difference.
I come from Washington State up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, not to be confused with the capital. I graduated Western Washington University with a marketing degree and online TEFL certification. I spent some time in the guitar and piano program as well.
I absolutely love getting outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking or playing football. I use to be a guitar teacher in the states, and hence love incorporating music and other arts inside the classroom. Language is an art itself as music is a language, a world language.
At times I can’t help but agree with Einstein when he said “the only thing that interferes with my learning is my education” or Mark Twain “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” So from that I’d like to teach from a new perspective. To know that, in the words of Robert Frost, “I am not a teacher, but an awakener” and Margaret Mead “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think” Every students has a gift, a special kind of talent to be explored. My job is not to find it for them, but to be a resource for students. To help students find the means to explore what lies on the other side. The world is full of opportunity. Like my mom told me growing up, nothing is impossible. If there is anything I hope to leave behind with my students it is just that, nothing is impossible.
Andrew Whelan 2016-2017
I came to Japan in March. I am from England, having been brought up in Manchester. I was living in a town called Scarborough just before coming to Japan. I love Japanese food and Japanese culture, so I’m thrilled to be here. My favorite Japanese food is sushi. In England I enjoyed playing sports. My favorite sports were boxing, soccer and tennis. Here in Japan I’ve been playing soft-tennis and soccer. I did ballet in the UK, and have just started doing Whacking Dancing in Moka, which is great! I went to three different universities before coming here; Aberystwyth University in Wales, Hull University in England, and Bergen University in Norway. I studied Theatre firstly, and then Art History. I’m really enjoying my time teaching English here in Japan, and everybody has been great.
アンドリュー ウィラン
2016年3月に日本に来日。イギリス出身でマンチェスターで育ちました。
日本に来る前まではスカーバラーと呼ばれる町に住んでいました。日本料理と文化が好きなので、この国に滞在しているのは刺激的です。
好きな食べ物は寿司です。イギリスでは、スポーツをして楽しみました。ボクシング、サッカー、テニスが大好きです。日本では、ソフトテニスやサッカーをしています。以前バレエをしていて、真岡市ではワッキングダンスを始めました。とても楽しいです。日本に来る前は、ウェールズ、イギリス、ノルウェイの3つの大学で学びました。最初は演劇を学び、その後美術史を学びました。日本で英語を教えるのが楽しいですし、皆さんとても親切です。
I came to Japan in March. I am from England, having been brought up in Manchester. I was living in a town called Scarborough just before coming to Japan. I love Japanese food and Japanese culture, so I’m thrilled to be here. My favorite Japanese food is sushi. In England I enjoyed playing sports. My favorite sports were boxing, soccer and tennis. Here in Japan I’ve been playing soft-tennis and soccer. I did ballet in the UK, and have just started doing Whacking Dancing in Moka, which is great! I went to three different universities before coming here; Aberystwyth University in Wales, Hull University in England, and Bergen University in Norway. I studied Theatre firstly, and then Art History. I’m really enjoying my time teaching English here in Japan, and everybody has been great.
アンドリュー ウィラン
2016年3月に日本に来日。イギリス出身でマンチェスターで育ちました。
日本に来る前まではスカーバラーと呼ばれる町に住んでいました。日本料理と文化が好きなので、この国に滞在しているのは刺激的です。
好きな食べ物は寿司です。イギリスでは、スポーツをして楽しみました。ボクシング、サッカー、テニスが大好きです。日本では、ソフトテニスやサッカーをしています。以前バレエをしていて、真岡市ではワッキングダンスを始めました。とても楽しいです。日本に来る前は、ウェールズ、イギリス、ノルウェイの3つの大学で学びました。最初は演劇を学び、その後美術史を学びました。日本で英語を教えるのが楽しいですし、皆さんとても親切です。
James Loukes 2006 - 2017
James comes from Kamloops, BC, Canada. After graduating from university he came to Japan and taught English in Tochigi Prefecture for a few years before meeting and marrying his beautiful wife, and joining Takara English School as a part-time teacher. He then promptly opened his own school in Tochigi City, Japan, but graciously continued to work with us one day a week while he built up his own school, and during that time had a couple of wonderful sons with his wife.
James is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. He always has a bag full of fun educational games and activities for the kids!
In his free time he loves to play video games!
James comes from Kamloops, BC, Canada. After graduating from university he came to Japan and taught English in Tochigi Prefecture for a few years before meeting and marrying his beautiful wife, and joining Takara English School as a part-time teacher. He then promptly opened his own school in Tochigi City, Japan, but graciously continued to work with us one day a week while he built up his own school, and during that time had a couple of wonderful sons with his wife.
James is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. He always has a bag full of fun educational games and activities for the kids!
In his free time he loves to play video games!
James Harris May 7 - July 8 2017
James worked for us as a volunteer for about 2 months in 2017. He loved Japan, so he returned in 2019, and dropped in to hang out with us before heading up to Hokkaido where he is currently working as a English teacher.
James did an excellent job of playing with the kids, getting them ready for class, helping them with their question cards, preparing teaching materials and chatting with parents.
James is from England, but his parents came from South Africa. He has lived in Spain, Ireland, South Africa, England and Bulgaria.
He likes studying Japanese, rock climbing and is an excellent rock drummer.
James loves Japan and hopes to study at a Japanese university some day.
James worked for us as a volunteer for about 2 months in 2017. He loved Japan, so he returned in 2019, and dropped in to hang out with us before heading up to Hokkaido where he is currently working as a English teacher.
James did an excellent job of playing with the kids, getting them ready for class, helping them with their question cards, preparing teaching materials and chatting with parents.
James is from England, but his parents came from South Africa. He has lived in Spain, Ireland, South Africa, England and Bulgaria.
He likes studying Japanese, rock climbing and is an excellent rock drummer.
James loves Japan and hopes to study at a Japanese university some day.
Faylis Matos July 18 - Aug 10 2017
Faylis worked as a volunteer for us. She comes from Boston, USA. She had back-packing alone in Asia since April, 2017. She spent time in South East Asia, and worked as a volunteer English teacher at an orphanage in South Korea.
She has traveled in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. She loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, trying new foods and making people smile.
Back in America she worked as a Project Manager.
At Takara English School Faylis played with the kids, helping to get them ready for class, teaching them their question cards, making materials and chatting with parents.
She loves Somen noodles and is great at studying Japanese.
Faylis worked as a volunteer for us. She comes from Boston, USA. She had back-packing alone in Asia since April, 2017. She spent time in South East Asia, and worked as a volunteer English teacher at an orphanage in South Korea.
She has traveled in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. She loves meeting new people, hearing their stories, trying new foods and making people smile.
Back in America she worked as a Project Manager.
At Takara English School Faylis played with the kids, helping to get them ready for class, teaching them their question cards, making materials and chatting with parents.
She loves Somen noodles and is great at studying Japanese.
ネイティブによる英会話 栃木県真岡市