Angie Yin, Ph.D., M.A.T.
Founder of Raft Education
Director of After School Program

Angie is the founder and director of Raft Education. Originally trained as a materials scientist, her passion for education led her to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching. She holds a New York State World Language (K–12) teaching certification, a 0–3 bilingual CAD credential, and a Montessori Early Childhood (3–6) certificate. With her unique combination of scientific training and educational expertise, Angie is dedicated to creating high-quality, immersive learning experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning in children.

Marisa Rae
Director of Raft Trilingual Montessori School
Lead Toddler Teacher 

Marisa Rae is the Director of Raft Trilingual Montessori School and serves as the Lead Teacher for the Infants and Toddlers program. With over twenty-five years dedicated to understanding and guiding young children, she brings deep experience and heartfelt commitment to her work. She is an instructional guide for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS), where she supports new Infant and Toddler guides through their certification journeys. With fifteen years of experience in Montessori guide education, Marisa also partners with the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) to assist in the certification of new Montessori schools around the world. In addition, she is certified in Upper Elementary Education (ages 9–12) and has operated a private consulting business specializing in curriculum development and homeschooling.

Marisa completed her Infants and Toddlers training with the Center for Montessori Teacher Education (CMTE) under the mentorship of Carole Korngold and Ginny Varga. After Ginny’s retirement, Marisa stepped into the roles of program coordinator and lead instructor, continuing their legacy by training the next generation of Montessori guides. She also led CMTE’s first Infant and Toddler training program in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2017.

Guided by the principles of Montessori peace education, Marisa believes deeply in honoring both the individual and the community. Service plays a significant role in her life; she is actively involved with the Cascadilla Boat Club and the local chapter of Sea Scouts. Marisa lives in Candor, New York, and is the proud parent of two teenagers.

Jiarui Han, M.M.
Music Teacher 

Jiarui Han is a dedicated music educator with a strong commitment to cultivating a genuine love of music in her students. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Ithaca College, where she developed a solid foundation in both piano performance and music pedagogy. Known for her distinctive teaching approach, Jiarui blends traditional Chinese cultural elements with Western music theory, creating an enriched and inspiring learning environment. She has guided students to success in multiple concerts, including directing a featured performance on the Cornell University stage. Through her patient, compassionate, and high-expectation teaching style, Jiarui strives to provide meaningful musical guidance that empowers every learner to grow with confidence and joy.

Shengjie Shi, M.Ed.
Chinese Language Teacher

Shengjie Shi brings both creativity and warmth to her classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Hosting and a master’s degree in Education, grounding her work in strong communication skills and a deep understanding of how students learn. With years of teaching experience across middle school, high school, and college levels, she has developed a passion for helping students build confidence and expressive ability. Her classes are lively, engaging, and rich with opportunities for fun, self-expression, and meaningful learning. Ms. Shi believes every student is unique and thrives when teaching is joyful and personalized. She is excited to share her love of language and learning with our afterschool community.

Jing Xiao
Art Teacher 

Jing Xiao is an art teacher.She is a talented Chinese photographer and the bestselling author of The Days with You Are the True Moments of Time. Bringing creativity and artistic sensibility to her classroom, Jing inspires children to explore and express themselves while fostering a love for learning.

Tina Tian, M.A.
Chinese Language Teacher

Ms. Tina Tian holds a Master’s degree in History and is passionate about teaching and inspiring young learners. She brings two years of experience teaching high school history and eight years of experience working in children’s education, giving her a strong foundation in both subject expertise and child development. Tina is dedicated to helping children build strong Chinese language skills, cultural awareness, and confidence through engaging and meaningful instruction.

Yan Liu, M.A.
Art Teacher

Yan Liu holds a Master’s degree in Graphic Design from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Art Design from the University of Jinan in China. With a strong academic foundation and years of experience in higher education, Yan brings both creativity and empathy into her teaching. Her international study experience has shaped an open-minded approach, allowing her to integrate Eastern and Western educational perspectives. She is passionate about guiding students to explore their potential, think independently, and express themselves with confidence through art and design.