BA in Film, PGDE in Early Childhood Education
Mr. Russell is thrilled to be part of this community. It brings him immense joy to connect with each of you and contribute to the growth and development of your children.
He firmly believes that every child is special and unique, deserving of the same respect we would extend to an honoured guest. At the heart of his teaching philosophy is love, a fundamental element that nurtures all learning and relationships. Even on challenging days, he sees determination in every child’s efforts, whether they’re taking giant leaps or small baby steps. He celebrates their attempts and progress, recognising that they are all on their own unique journeys of wonder and discovery.
Originally from the USA, he moved to Hong Kong in 2010, where he has been immersed in early childhood education ever since. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Film, which has enriched his creative approach to teaching. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Hong Kong Baptist University.
He is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach and is a strong advocate for the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy, inspired by the teachings of Magda Gerber. To continually enhance his skills and knowledge, he actively participates in professional development opportunities, including his recent involvement with the Educator’s Neighbourhood at the Fred Rogers Institute.
He looks forward to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment at Malvern Pre-School, where your children can thrive and feel valued. Thank you for welcoming him into your community; he can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey together!
BSc (Hons) in Applied Child Development, MEd in Educational Administration & Management
Ms. Rose Kato serves as an Early Years Teacher (English) at the Island West Campus. Delighted to welcome families to Malvern College Pre-School, she feels privileged to be a part of their educational journey this academic year.
Ms. Kato graduated from The University of Hong Kong with First Class Honours in Applied Child Development and holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Management. She brings nine years of experience teaching children across various levels of English in Hong Kong, serving both as a Class Teacher and an English Teacher.
Her teaching approach places deep value on the questions and discoveries children make through child-led play, peer interactions, and engagement with their environment. She enjoys guiding young learners as they forge meaningful connections between themselves and their community, actively creating intentional moments in both structured and unstructured settings for children to share their learning experiences and build a collaborative space together.
She looks forward to growing, sharing new experiences, and learning alongside her pupils and their families throughout the school year.
MA in Education, PGCE
Mr. Storm will be the English teacher at the Island West Campus. He is looking forward to meeting your child and getting to know your family throughout the academic year.
He is originally from Cape Town, South Africa, and has called Hong Kong home for the past six years. He holds a Master of Arts in Education as well as a PGCE from the University of Sunderland. His studies have allowed him to specialize in curriculum development and professional education, with a strong focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
His educational philosophy is rooted in the belief that a child’s first school experiences shape their entire relationship with learning. Whether exploring through creative arts or tackling interactive numeracy, he strives to build the confidence and resilience that children will carry with them long after they leave K2.
In his spare time, he is a dedicated endurance athlete. You will often find him training for his next Ironman 70.3 or triathlon. He has a great passion for running, swimming, and cycling, and he has thoroughly enjoyed participating in local events like the Hong Kong Marathon.
BCom (Distinction), PGCE
Ms. Alexa Smith will be joining the Island West Campus as an Early Years Teacher (English) for K1, eagerly looking forward to embarking on this exciting learning journey with pupils and their families.
Originally from Durban, South Africa, she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree with distinction before moving to Hong Kong. Following her passion for Early Years teaching, she redirected her career path and pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
In her classroom, Ms. Alexa strives to create a supportive environment where children feel empowered to take risks, try new things, and build resilience. She focuses on fostering a growth mindset that encourages young learners to explore, ignite their curiosity, and collaborate—nurturing their development both individually and collectively.
She looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and celebrate their progress throughout the academic year.
BA, GradDip (Management Communication), iPGCE
At the heart of her teaching is a deep respect for each child; this respect shapes every interaction and learning experience in her classroom. She believes in recognizing the determination behind every child’s effort, whether they are making big leaps or taking small, steady steps. Every child follows a unique path of discovery. By celebrating every attempt and accepting them as “whole” individuals, we can strengthen their confidence and nurture their natural curiosity. She truly believes that by working closely with families and the wider community, we open the doors for a new generation.
Originally from the UK and raised in New Zealand, she first moved to Hong Kong in 2012 to pursue a career in fitness. After a period in Australia to be close to family, she realized her true passion lay in supporting children’s developmental milestones. Since returning to Hong Kong in 2019, she has been dedicated to putting this passion into practice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Management Communication, and an International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE).
She is deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy. She actively seeks out professional development to ensure she is providing the best possible environment for children to grow as capable, valued individuals.
She looks forward to fostering a nurturing and engaging environment at Malvern Pre-School. Thank you for welcoming her into your community—she can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey with you and your children.
M.Ed, B.Ed
Ms. Andria Han (Han Laoshi) will be the Mandarin teacher at the Island West Campus. Delighted to join the Malvern College Pre-School family, she is looking forward to meeting you and your child very soon.
Ms. Han holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong and brings seven years of experience teaching both Chinese-speaking and English-speaking children.
Passionate about early childhood education, she embraces the philosophy that children possess “a hundred languages” to express themselves, viewing her role as a facilitator, provider, and instructor. Her teaching combines a warm, welcoming environment with innovative methods that inspire pupils to reach their full potential.
She is thrilled to guide your child on their learning journey and looks forward to a wonderful year ahead together at Malvern College Pre-School.
MA, PGDE (ECE)
Ms. Shawna (Liao Laoshi) serves as the Pre-Nursery Mandarin teacher at the Island West Campus. Delighted to be part of the Malvern College Pre-School family, she is looking forward to meeting you and your child very soon.
Having earned her Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese as an International Language and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) from The Education University of Hong Kong, Ms. Liao also majored in Chinese Language and Literature (Teaching). She brings 7 years of Early Years teaching experience, working with both native and non-native Chinese-speaking children.
Driven by a strong passion for early childhood education, she embraces the belief that children possess “a hundred languages” to express themselves, viewing the teacher’s role as a facilitator, provider, and instructor. Her approach focuses on establishing a warm, welcoming environment while utilizing innovative methods to inspire pupils to reach their full potential.
She is thrilled to guide your child’s Mandarin learning journey and looks forward to a wonderful year ahead together at Malvern College Pre-School.
PGDE (ECE)
Ms. Aki (Wu Laoshi) serves as the Pre-Nursery Mandarin teacher at the Island West Campus. Delighted to join the Malvern College Pre-School family, she is looking forward to meeting you and your child soon.
Holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Ms. Wu brings five years of experience teaching both Chinese- and English-speaking children, having developed a deep passion for the early years.
Her educational philosophy is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, which celebrates the “hundred languages” children use to express themselves. Seeing herself as a guide and facilitator, she aims to set the stage for children to explore, discover, and shine in their own unique way.
By creating a warm and nurturing space, Ms. Wu supports children as they take their first confident steps in Mandarin, using play and exploration to help every pupil reach their full potential. She looks forward to embarking on this wonderful journey together at Malvern.
MA in Linguistics, PGDE (ECE)
Ms. Linda Zhou (Zhou Laoshi) warmly welcomes you and your family to an exciting year at Malvern College Pre-School. She is thrilled to be your child’s Mandarin-speaking class teacher.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from The University of Hong Kong, specialising in Early Childhood Education. This background enables her to create engaging learning environments.
With over ten years of experience with young children from diverse backgrounds in Hong Kong, she is passionate about early childhood education. She believes every child is unique and has their own strengths, and she nurtures their imagination and creativity in the classroom.
Her goal is to support your child’s learning in a safe and inclusive environment where they feel valued and encouraged to explore. Together, they will engage in activities that promote language skills and social-emotional development.
MA, PGDE (ECE)
Ms. Sunny Zhu (Zhu Laoshi) serves as the K1 Mandarin teacher at the Island West Campus. Delighted to join the Malvern College Pre-School family, she looks forward to welcoming both you and your child to the school community.
Ms. Zhu holds a Master’s degree in Chinese Literature, Language and Culture from Hong Kong Baptist University, alongside a PGDE in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong. With over 10 years of experience teaching young learners across diverse settings, she has worked extensively with both Chinese- and English-speaking children, giving her a deep appreciation for the varied ways young minds learn, communicate, and express themselves.
Driven by a passion for early education, she believes that every child is full of wonder, curiosity, and potential, and that a joyful, nurturing environment lays the ideal foundation for lifelong learning.
Viewing her role as an observer, guide, and careful listener, Ms. Zhu strives to create a warm, language-rich classroom where each pupil feels safe, seen, and celebrated. She weaves Mandarin naturally into the daily routine through songs, stories, play, and discovery—fostering confidence and joy so language can flourish naturally. She is excited to embark on this journey and is committed to making this an enriching, memorable year for every child.
B.Ed (ECE)
Ms. Cherine Fung serves as a Teaching Assistant at the Island West Campus. Delighted to join the Malvern College Pre-School team, she looks forward to welcoming pupils and their families this August.
Ms. Cherine holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education. Through teaching placements across both international and local kindergartens, she gained valuable practical experience designing creative, age-appropriate activities tailored to children’s unique developmental needs.
Passionate about interacting with young learners, she finds great joy in their natural curiosity and innocence. Believing that the learning environment acts as the “third teacher,” Ms. Cherine takes pride in setting up inviting, thoughtful spaces that encourage children to explore and think critically.
She considers it a privilege to support each child’s growth by nurturing positive values, building confidence, and inspiring creativity in a supportive environment, and looks forward to a wonderful year ahead together at Malvern.
PGDE
Ms. Faye Leung serves as a Teaching Assistant at the Island West Campus. Delighted to join the Malvern College Pre-School team, she eagerly anticipates meeting pupils and their families this August.
Ms. Faye holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and brings five years of valuable experience in early childhood education across both international and local kindergartens. This background has equipped her with a broad understanding of diverse educational approaches and the ability to cater to the unique learning styles of every child.
Driven by a genuine passion for working with young learners, her philosophy centers around play-based learning as a fundamental approach to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of discovery. She strives to cultivate an engaging, supportive environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and grow.
She looks forward to welcoming families to Malvern and creating wonderful experiences together throughout the school year.
BEd, (Honours) in Early Childhood Education
Ms. Bertha Luk will be joining the Island West Campus as a Teaching Assistant, eagerly looking forward to welcoming families to Malvern College Pre-School this August. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU).
During her studies, she gained valuable teaching experience through placements in both international and local kindergartens, where she was continually amazed by the creativity and curiosity of young children.She truly enjoys working with young learners and believes that early childhood is like a sponge—a foundational stage where children absorb knowledge, explore their surroundings, and begin to understand the world around them.It is a privilege for her to support their growth by nurturing positive values, building confidence, and encouraging curiosity and creativity within a supportive school environment.She is delighted to welcome you to Malvern College Pre-School and looks forward to meeting your family this August!
BEd, (Honours) in Early Childhood Education
Bringing a rich educational background and five years of summer leadership experience to the Island West Campus, Ms. Karen Ng steps into her role as Teaching Assistant, thrilled to welcome both returning and new families to the Malvern community.
Ms. Karen completed a Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education at CTIHE before earning her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education from Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education. As a fully qualified teacher, she has previously supported both K1 and K2 classes during her time at Malvern College Pre-School.
Working with young learners remains her true passion. Dedicated to fostering a warm and encouraging environment, Ms. Karen looks forward to meeting families and beginning another inspiring school year this August.
B.Ed (ECE)
With a passion for play-based discovery and STEAM education, Mr. Simon Wong steps into his role as Teaching Assistant at the Island West Campus, ready to welcome families this August.
Mr. Simon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education. During his studies, he gained extensive practical experience through placements across various local and international kindergartens, working with diverse groups of learners and witnessing the incredible creativity of young children firsthand.
Having participated in early childhood STEAM research projects, Mr. Simon is deeply committed to helping children discover their true passions and make progress at their own pace. He believes that learning should be an adventure and firmly trusts in the power of play, loving to guide young learners as they explore, grow, and discover their interests through joyful, play-based experiences.
CPA
Ms. Cynthia Chan is the Senior Administrative Officer at Malvern College Pre-School Island West. She brings vast experience in Management Accounting and Administration. She is a qualified Certified Public Accountant and has worked in Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong across various industries such as retail, resources, finance, and education.
She joined MCPS from a Reggio Emilia-inspired playgroup. Before that, she worked in the Senior School and University Guidance Office and as the Lower School Administrative Officer at two different Hong Kong international schools. She also worked at an international kindergarten handling admissions, accounting, attendance, bookkeeping, and ensuring students were well looked after.
Bachelor’s Degree
Ms. Stephy Li serves as the Administrative Officer at Malvern College Pre-School Island West. She is a proud graduate of Griffith University, where she obtained her degree from the esteemed business school. Throughout her academic journey, she developed a deep passion for working with children, and she considers it one of the most rewarding and fulfilling aspects of her professional life.
In addition to her genuine affinity for engaging with young minds, she also excels in the realm of administrative tasks. Over the course of her career, she has gained extensive experience in providing administrative support and assistance to executives and senior management teams. She understands the paramount importance of attention to detail and takes the time to ensure that every task is executed with meticulous precision. Moreover, she is adept at navigating and resolving any challenges that may arise while maintaining a consistently positive and supportive environment. Her ability to remain calm and level-headed in the face of adversity is a valuable asset that she brings to the Malvern College Pre-School community.
She is deeply impressed by the core values and mission of Malvern Pre-School, and she firmly believes that her unique blend of skills and experience makes her a valuable addition to the team. She is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the success of the school and the well-being of its pupils and families.
