Matthew Kakimi – Graduate Consultant

Matthew is a first year MA student at the Second Language Studies department at UH Mānoa. Previously in Japan, he was a director for dramatic productions such as plays and musicals, performed by Japanese students and taught English to students in academic settings. He is interested not only in how he can help students improve their English but also in exploring unconventional learning methods that may better suit his learners on a personal level beyond the academic context. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and listening to music such as power metal, musicals, and J-pop.

Ayano Kawasaki – Graduate Consultant

Ayano is a PhD candidate in the Second Language Studies department at UH-Mānoa. She graduated with an MA in TESOL from Teachers College, Columbia University as a Fulbright Scholar. She has taught English at Japanese high schools, an international university, and the Community Language Program (CLP) in New York. She is currently teaching ESL students at the Hawaiʻi English Language Program (HELP). Ayano is very passionate about language teaching and her research interests include instructed second language acquisition, task-based language teaching, fluency enhancement, and teacher training. Beyond academics, Ayano enjoys playing musical instruments (piano & oboe) and watching Disney movies and American sitcoms.

Learn more about Ayano from this link! 

Seungeun Lee – Graduate Consultant

Seungeun is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She began teaching English in South Korea to students with different levels, from elementary school students to adult learners. Seungeun has also engaged in ESL teaching in higher education settings, assisting international students in undergraduate courses which aimed to improve their English speaking skills. In addition to her teaching experience, her intellectual interests revolve around second language acquisition, World Englishes, and task-based language teaching/assessment. Beyond academics, she enjoys watching Korean reality television series and walking while listening to music.

Yessie Lee – Graduate Consultant

Yessie is an MA student in the Second Language Studies department at UH Mānoa. Originally from Korea, she has extensive experience tutoring English to Korean students and teaching Korean to English speakers and heritage learners in classroom settings. She is passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections through language education and is excited to support your journey in the program. In her free time, Yessie enjoys playing thought-provoking games like The Liar Game and Would You Rather, as well as spending time exploring new ways to connect with others through fun and creativity.

Jeanine Markley – Graduate Consultant

Jeanine is a first year MA student at the Second Language Studies department at UH-Mānoa. She has taught academic English at the Hawaii English Language Program at UH for 4 years, especially focusing on Writing, and Listening and Speaking. She has also taught communicative English at several private English language schools in Hawaii and has served as a paraprofessional tutor with EL students at Roosevelt High School. Jeanine enjoys using her musical background as a professional violinist to enhance her teaching of spoken English.

Emma Mason – Graduate Consultant

Emma is an MA student in the Second Language Studies department. She began teaching English in Hyogo, Japan with the JET Program. She holds a BA in Second Language Studies from UH Mānoa. Emma is committed to creating lasting cross-cultural connections through English learning and is excited to make your experience at CASE memorable. In her freetime, she enjoys listening to 90’s music, going to the movie theater with friends, and relaxing on the beach.