Bio's - Executives
1. Yongin Chapter President
Daniela Trinks
Originally from Berlin, Germany, our chapter president has called Korea home since 2006. Her journey began as a student, but over the years, she seized opportunities to teach at prestigious institutions such as private academies, Seoul Foreign School, and Myongji University. In 2014, she proudly earned her Ph.D. in Baduk (Go) Studies. Since 2015, she has been a dedicated tenure-track professor at the Department of Baduk Studies at Myongji University's Yongin campus. Her teaching portfolio encompasses a range of subjects, including teacher education, Baduk culture, and Baduk...
2. Yongin Chapter First Vice-President
André Jacobs
Yongin Chapter's First Vice-President holds a diverse academic background in Psychology, English Literature, and Philosophy. His journey led him to Korea, where he has resided and taught for the past two decades, primarily within the hagwon industry. During this time, he dedicated three years to teaching at a Korean university and ventured into public school and business English instruction. His base for most of his Korean journey was in Gangneung on the East coast, where he ran a hagwon for a decade and played a role in establishing a volunteer organization.
Throughout...
3. Yongin Chapter Second Vice-President
Christina Tsoy
As a newcomer to the teaching profession, she is a proud member of KOTESOL's Yongin Chapter, where her teaching journey began less than a year ago. Her experience has been greatly enriched and made more intriguing thanks to our Yongin Chapter.
In 2023, she made substantial contributions to public relations and website support for the 2023 KOTESOL National Conference held in Yongin in November. During this period, she had the privilege of meeting numerous inspiring individuals who continue to motivate her to work harder and deepen her passion for her profession.
...4. Yongin Chapter Secretary
Wesley Martin
In his first year with the Yongin Chapter, it was a wonderful experience for him to join such a dedicated community of educators and to contribute to the 2023 National Conference, where he served as a Volunteer Coordinator. To that end, he created spreadsheets to maintain records of volunteer assignments and contact information, as well as an efficient system to communicate volunteer responsibilities.
As Secretary, he is committed to continuing his dedicated work and fulfilling the duties of the role. Additionally, he will strive to make the Yongin Chapter an even more...
5. Yongin Chapter Treasurer
David D.I. Kim
David D.I. Kim brings his understanding, perspective and wisdom from various teaching and leadership experiences. Within local efforts of KOTESOL and as part of the national leadership teams, he has contributed to the recognition of Korea TESOL as a professional organization. Specifically here at Yongin, he was a founding Chapter President and remained in that position for four additional years. He understands the need for a balanced budget while also thinking creatively about how to make a difference with the finances. His willingness and passionate spirit to work...
6. Yongin Chapter Graduate Student Representative
Martin Todd
Martin has held several positions on the Yongin KOTESOL executive since 2013, including President, 1st and 2nd VP. He was also the National KOTESOL Secretary for two terms. As the Graduate Student Representative, he will help advocate for members who are graduate students. He will also help provide continuity and a voice of experience as newer members take on more responsibility.
7. Yongin Chapter Undergraduate Student Representative
Joseph Curd
Boasting 15 years of extensive teaching experience, Joseph currently operates as a self-employed professional, holding a Master's in Education and the prestigious Cambridge Delta certification. In addition to his teaching prowess, he also serves as a Cambridge Speaking Examiner, bringing his expertise to evaluate language proficiency.
8. Yongin Chapter's Member-at-Large
Gregory S. Lewis
Our new Member-at-Large brings a deep passion for teaching English at University, emphasizing student motivation to speak, record their speeches, and enhance their language skills.
Since January 2020, he has effectively hosted the YoKo Podcast, and his dedication extended to serving as the host of the Yongin Chapter’s Monday and Sunday Night Meet-ups from September 2022 until November 2023. In 2023, he left a significant mark on the Yongin Chapter by serving as the Second Vice-President and creating an exceptional program as the Program Chair for the KOTESOL...
9. Yongin Chapter Immediate Past President
James G. Rush, II
James has been involved with Yongin KOTESOL since late 2016. First as a member, presenter, and manager with the national Publicity Team. Then, he turned his focus towards the local chapter and has held positions of Workshop Coordinator, Regional Conference Chairperson. He often describes KOREA TESOL as being "Professionally Social and Socially Professional". As his predecessors have encouraged: "We won't let you fail." Beyond that, he looks forward to seeing you enjoy our workshops, Summer BBQ, and conference in November.