Dr. Kim has been an educator for 20 years. He received his B.A. from Dartmouth College and Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University. He began his educational career at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego, where he taught four years as an assistant professor of economics. He then moved to Korea to teach at the Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University. As a tenured professor, he taught at Yonsei for 15 years. In 2015, Dr. Kim resigned from the university to devote himself completely to his role as the founding director of both the APIS Seoul and Hawai'i campuses. Having been an international educator all his professional life, Dr. Kim is a strong proponent of the role that international education plays in nurturing future leaders of the New Pacific Century. APIS’ unique educational philosophy and mission reflect Dr. Kim’s conviction that international education should not simply teach about issues that are global but also provide authentic global learning experiences and contexts. Following this belief, Dr. Kim founded APIS Seoul as the campus of the East and APIS Hawai'i as the campus of the West, allowing our students to move freely between two campuses to take advantage of APIS’s global learning environment.

Dr. Kasmarick completed a bachelor's degree in music education at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and a master's degree in educational leadership at Cardinal Stritch University. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Wisconsin Madison with a specific emphasis in cultivating systems for equity and excellence. Dr. Kasmarick taught music at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels in Wisconsin and New York City before serving as an elementary principal for 16 years in three high performing Wisconsin school districts. With a strong commitment to authentic and engaging learning for all students, her work has always centered around building a strong and connected learning community with empowered and values-driven students at the center. Dr. Kasmarick’s dissertation topic of system-wide coherence and alignment remains a guiding force in her leadership approach, and she is honored to now serve the mission of APIS. Dr. Kasmarick enjoys music, reading, fitness, and travel and exploration of all kinds.

Mr. Jacobsen graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from San Francisco State University and began his career in education first as a general music teacher followed by many years in both lower and upper elementary homeroom positions before receiving a master's degree in instructional technology from East Carolina University. Mr. Jacobsen has since taught technology integration and most recently STEM for the past five years at Korea International School in South Korea. In 2021, Mr. Jacobsen was recognized as International Teacher of the Year by KORCOS. Mr. Jacobsen enjoys seeing his students become passionate about their learning through creating a fun and engaging environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. In his spare time, Mr. Jacobsen enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring with his wife Jessica and daughters Cadence and Aria.

Mrs. Jacobsen graduated with her master’s degree in educational administration from Campbell University in North Carolina and her bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University. She has taught in California and North Carolina in elementary school, grades kindergarten through 4th grade. She also served as an assistant principal at an elementary school in North Carolina. Recently she taught kindergarten at Korea International School, where she led the early childhood education team in designing and implementing a program where students were able to use their interests and passions to lead their learning through projects and play. She has mentored many aspiring teachers and is a strong advocate for the rights of children in education. Additionally, Mrs. Jacobsen has led extracurricular activities based on student excitement to deepen understanding and growth. She believes in a strong school, family, and community connection to build young learners. She enjoys reading, baking, animals, exploring, and spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Johnson joined APIS from Sunset Beach Elementary, where she taught 5th grade. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, she lived in Southern California and has now called Oahu home for more than 15 years. Angela credits growing up with the rich diversity in Utah and being stationed among the many different families in the military in helping her develop a true love of culture and people. Being a mom to a child who was tested “gifted” and another child with a learning disability has helped her develop a strong teaching pedagogy focused around individualized learning. Mrs. Johnson understands that each child has their own path of development, and she is passionate and excited to help each student reach their fullest potential along their individual path of learning. When not in the classroom, you can find Mrs. Johnson spending time with her family and friends, traveling, or doing an activity that brings her close to nature. Her love of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, the outdoors, and nature is a constant presence in her personal and professional life.

Mr. Kasmarick graduated from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in education, and from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse with a master’s degree in professional development. Additionally Mr. Kasmarick earned his principal certificate from Marquette University. Serving in a variety of roles in his over-20-year-career in education, including social studies teacher, athletic & activities director, and teaching & learning instructional coach, it is in the classroom where he finds the most fulfillment. Educationally he was an active member in the implementation of the college preparedness 'AVID' program and utilizes its core strategies. He focuses his teaching practice on collaboration and inquiry-based learning to engage all learners. Beyond the classroom Mr. Kasmarick has coached a number of varsity sports, most notably winning four state championships as a member of the track & field staff. In his free time, Mr. Kasmarick enjoys family time, running, live music, Italian professional soccer (Juventus!), travel, and studying the philosophy of Stoicism.

Mrs. Kim graduated from the University of Hanyang in Seoul, Korea, with a master's degree in education of the Korean language and a bachelor's degree in Korean language and literature from Sookmyung Women's University, where she completed a course in teacher education. She has taught and led Korean language programs, including Korean literature and history, for multilingual students in grades kindergarten through 12. She was at APIS Seoul campus for more than 15 years, serving as the Korean department chair. Before that, Mrs. Kim worked in Korean private high schools in Seoul for five years and led various activities like the school magazine, photography club, Model United Nations, and culture exchange club. She is passionate about engaging with students in and out of class and loves to cook Asian foods and share her paintings in her free time.

Ms. Kirby started working at APIS in 2021. She graduated from Bethlehem College & Seminary with a bachelors in Biblical Theology and Cross-Cultural Ministry. While in school, she served as Head of House to college women, intern to the middle school director at her home church, and a middle school girl’s basketball coach at her alma mater. Ms. Kirby has taught and worked with grades kindergarten through 12 through various camps, teams, educational institutions, and ministries in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Her passion is student discipleship on the local and global levels. Ms. Kirby believes youth have an abundance of potential not only to be future leaders but also to glorify God in all they do. Her hobbies include playing sports, baking, spending time with friends and family, exercise, traveling, and watching movies.