Staff List

Sally Wu

Executive Director

Sally Wu is a renowned educator who has extensive expertise and knowledge in international related fields. She has been working with schools in the U.S. and East Asia in promoting exchange programs for cultural understanding and language learning since 1998. Ms. Wu has used her outstanding communication skills to help numerous students learn the necessary tools to be competitive and succeed in schools. Before joining Orion International Academy, Ms. Wu worked with international programs associated with cultural exchange, second and foreign language learning, academic preparation, teachers and administrators exchange events. She is also innovative in creating tailor-made programs that meet the schools’, parent, and student needs. Sally Wu received her Ph. D. from the department of Education Studies at Claremont Graduate University. Additionally, Ms. Wu has a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from California State University, Pomona, and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from National University.

Jelsomina Elsasser

Elementary School (Head of the Department)

This year will be my 4th year here at Orion and I love it here. Orion is my second home and I consider you and your child my extended family. I’ve been in the educational field for about 25 years. Teaching is my passion. I come from a background of educators, where both my sisters and brother in-law are in the education field. I attended California State University Northridge, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies. I’ve been married to a wonderful man for 24 years. We have no human children, but we do have Matilda, our fur baby. In my free time I love spending time with my family. As a hobby I love anything that has to do with the outdoors, like camping/hiking.

Cynthia Martinez

Elementary Teacher

With seven years of diverse teaching experience, including ESL, Spanish, and robotic engineering, I am excited to continue my role at Orion International Academy for my third year. My classroom is a place where curiosity thrives and potential is nurtured. I am passionate about creating engaging and innovative learning experiences that empower students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

Donelle Nepomuceno

Elementary School

My name is Donelle Nepomuceno or Miss N and I am the Orion International Academy as its Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher. I have been very fortunate to grow up travelling the world and completed both my Bachelor of Cultural and Social Analysis and Education Studies and Master of Education degrees in Sydney, Australia. I have been teaching for almost 9 years. I started teaching in Australia across Kindergarten to Grade 6 and I was also a Head Teacher for my grade at my previous school. In 2022, I made the big move here to California! I love teaching and learning and I hope to inspire students to also be life-long learners.

Kathy Nguyen

Elementary Teacher

I have been teaching for almost three years for a private school in West Covina, and prior to that I was a substitute teacher for the city of Santa Ana. I got my Bachelor’s degree at California State University of San Bernardino, and I obtained my teaching credential at University of Redlands. I went into teaching because of my love for children, and my passion for motivating children to reach their full potential. I want them to be life-long learners and never stop being curious or stop asking questions. I am blessed to have two wonderful girls of my own who also attend Orion International Academy. My career as teacher and my two kids keep me very busy, but on my spare time I do enjoy running, hiking, and watching old movies.  I am so excited to be joining the Orion family!

Grace Cham

Elementary and Science Teacher

My name is Mrs Cham. My passion is science and teaching. However on my free time, I love to hike with my husband. I am originally a native of Chicago, Illinois where I was born. But I only spent 1 year there before moving to Hong Kong. Again, I spent only 1 year there before returning to San Francisco where my father accepted a position to be a pastor of the Lutheran Church. During my time in the Bay Area, I received my bachelor degree from UC Berkeley from the department of Integrative Biology. After obtaining my degree, I moved abroad to experience the Mexican culture for 4 years. I returned to Los Angeles to live with my brother, and here I met my husband Chris who is also a teacher. We settled together in Southern California and have 3 wonderful dogs.

Christopher Osorio

English, Social Studies, and ESL Teacher

My name is Chris Osorio, and I am beyond excited to join Orion this year as a high school English teacher! I possess a master’s degree in English from Claremont Graduate University and plan to pursue a doctorate in English and composition soon. Before teaching, I tutored college-level writing at the University of La Verne and Chaffey College. As an educator, I am passionate about teaching students how to apply what they learn in the classroom to the world around them. I firmly believe that students are more than capable of transforming the world for the better if they are taught to live life dynamically and function at the highest level they can.

Vishali Rakheja

Math Teacher

Mrs. Rakheja, is passionate about teaching Mathematics with a focus on real life applications. Her background in Engineering and Finance give her a unique perspective while teaching High School Mathematics. She encourages her students to achieve perfection not only in Mathematics, but also in any endeavor that they undertake. She is the parent of Aviraj, and Amey who is pursuing Mechanical Engineering. In addition to encouraging students to excel in academics, Mrs. Rakheja promotes a healthy lifestyle by using her free time to bike and hike.

Raymond Rodriguez

English, Social Studies, and Science Teacher

My name is Raymond Rodriguez, I am from San Bernardino, California. I graduated from UC Irvine in 2020 with a B.A in Education Sciences. I am dedicated to creating an engaging learning environment for the students I teach and providing them with both the personal and academic skills necessary to become successful. I have been at Orion International Academy for almost a full year and have previously taught Creative Writing, Middle School Science, Biology, English 10, and World History.

Ruben Yuriar

Secondary Math Teacher/Cross Country Coach

I’m Ruben Yuriar, originally from Indio, California and I am a proud graduate of Cal Poly Pomona class of 2015, with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. This will be my second year at Orion and my third year teaching mathematics. I enjoy doing many activities such as running, boxing, and computer programming. I look forward to another year at OIA and I am excited to work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to provide the best educational experience our students deserve.

Libelyn Ong

Science Teacher

I am a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary and Education -major in Bio-Chemistry at the University of the East -Manila, Philippines and a graduate of Master in Teaching-Physical Science at Ifugao State University-Ifugao, Philippines. I have been teaching Science for over 21 years in the Philippines and have been the Schools Science Coordinator and Secondary District Science Coordinator of Malay District ,I was also fortunate to worked as a Preschool Teacher in London, England for 4 years and as a Lead Teacher of Discovery Preschool at KinderCare Learning Center, Chino Hills , California for almost 2 years. I also have California Teaching Credential(Teaching Permit to teach from Preschool to K-12 and to Adult Learners).
      I am so delighted to be part in shaping the minds and to share my knowledge and expertise to all learners of Orion International Academy.
      Dear students ,fellow educators, administrators and parents, see you in school! Good Vibes and Mabuhay!

Leslie Castillo

English, History, ESL and Spanish

Hola, My name is Leslie Castillo. I am excited to be joining the Orion family and excited for the new school year. I will be teaching US History, World History, English, Spanish and ESL. I have 10 years experience teaching K-12 and 20 years experience in education. Lastly, I am a proud Orion parent.

Timothy Brewer

English and Social Studies Teacher

My name is Timothy Brewer, and I am an English and Social Science teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. My goal as a teacher is to create a learning environment where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. I am passionate about helping students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them through the lens of literature and history. I look forward to guiding and supporting my students at Orion International Academy on their educational journey.

Kirill Rogovoy

High School STEM Teacher

Hello, my name is Kirill! I have obtained my bachelor degree in Civil Engineering field, and I am currently a M.S. Transportation Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona, and have joined the CIE in 2023, due to an interest in Chinese language and culture as well as the Engineering Discipline. Currently, I am employed as a research assistant in the Transportation Engineering field and seek to gain as well as share my (developing) experience in the Engineering field. Outside of Engineering, my hobbies include cars, swimming, and learning languages (I speak Russian and Portuguese!). Thank you!

Henry Lai

AP Calculus AB/BC and AP Physics 1/2/CM/CEM Teacher

Henry Lai has 33 years of experience teaching Math and Physics. He holds two master’s degrees, one in Electronics and the other in Electrical Engineering from UCLA and LMU. Every year, he effectively assists a large number of students in AMC, AIME, USAMO, F = ma, and USAPHO Qualifier. Every year, almost 90% of students scored a FIVE on the AP Calculus AB, BC, Physics, 1, 2, CM, and CEM exam. With Henry Lai’s guidance, tens of students were accepted into the IVY League every year. He has previously aided over 15,000 students in the areas of math and physics. He employed a straightforward technique, as well as an intriguing notion and a set of methods. He demonstrates how to conduct “thought” experiments and attempts to interpret the results. He is the best Math and Physics teacher ever. 

Wendy Liu

Music Teacher

Hello, I’m Wendy! I recently graduated from UCLA with a BA in music education. I’ve been playing the violin since elementary school and piano since the age of 4. During my college years, I studied both the violin and the viola. With 5+ years of teaching experience I’m ready to take on all types of students.

Julie Hamill

Student Relations & Dance Director

Julie Hamill has taught dance in the Orange County area for over 40 years. She is the founder and director of Fine Arts Academy of Dance. Established in 1979, Fine Arts Academy of Dance was the first dance school in Diamond Bar. Growing up in Orange County she was able to study with L. A.’s and Orange County’s finest teachers including Linda Sohl-Ellison, Leann Alduenda, L. A’s classics such as Jimmie DeFore, Stefan Wenta, Roland Dupree, Gus Giordano, Stanley Holden, and Joe Tremaine. Professionally Julie has appeared in many theatrical productions she was a principal dancer with the Orange County Dance Company in which she performed roles in Swan Lake, West Side Story, Oklahoma, and The Nutcracker. Of the thousands of students that have come through Julie’s classes, many have gone on to professional careers and have appeared in all facets of the business. Her students present and past have appeared in music videos with Usher and Justin Bieber, have appeared on popular shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, danced in the Macy’s Parade, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl, appeared on The Emmy Awards, VMA’s, and The Oscar Awards, danced in Balley’s Jubilee in Las Vegas, performed with Cirque du Soleil, also have appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, Professional Cheerleaders with the Los Angeles Lakers, have been awarded Miss California, danced in films Man in the Moon with Jim Carrey, and What Women Want with Mel Gibson, the television shows on Nickelodeon, Kids Incorporated, and many national commercials. Specializing in the area of Tap dance, Julie has been an award-winning choreographer year after year, Julie’s own choreography has been performed in the Pro Bowl, Hula Bowl and Macy’s Day Parade and has won high honors on the state and national levels. Julie’s goal is to train beautiful dancers that can dance anywhere in the world of dance and be proud of the quality of training they have received from the Staff at the Academy.

Camille Jung, J.D.

Global Marketing Director, College Consultant at Orion International Academy

Camille Jung, J.D. brings over 20 years of extensive experience in education and leadership to Orion International Academy. Her diverse background includes roles as a school teacher, college prep center director, law school vice president, and education columnist. Camille has also held director and advisory positions in various non-profit and corporate sectors, showcasing her versatile expertise and commitment to educational excellence. She firmly believes that every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her potential. Camille is excited to be part of the Orion team, where she looks forward to contributing to the academy’s global marketing initiatives.

Jing Ba

Chinese Language Teacher

I am Jing Bai, originally from China, with a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language andLiterature and a Master’s degree in Education. l hold a Chinese Higher Education FacultyTeaching Certificate and a Mandarin Proficiency Certificate. With 17 vears of experiencein teaching and administration at a Double First-Class university in China. l am known formy dynamic and engaging teaching style. l am passionate about education and committedto helping American students enhance their Chinese language skills while qaining a deepunderstanding of Chinese culture. l look forward to using my expertise and enthusiasm toinspire students and guide them in discovering the unique beauty of the Chinese language

Aaron Kim.

Music Teacher

Aaron is an experienced music educator and the director of Vibrant Music Lab, where he has developed a student-centered approach to music instruction that prioritizes “Love Before Learning.” With a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Calstate Northridge, Aaron has cultivated a deep passion for nurturing each student’s unique musical journey. At Orion International Academy, Aaron leads five contemporary bands, ensuring students develop their musical skills in a creative and supportive environment.

School Supplies

● Laptop with headphones
● #2 pencils
● 2 packs of printing paper
● I pack of 120 sheets of writing paper
● Pencil sharpener
● Erasers
● 1 box of 48 count crayons
● 1 pack of 24 colored pencils
● 12 inch ruler (inches and centimeters)

● 1 protractor
● 4 pocket folders
● Small hand sanitizer bottle
● 4 composition books
● 4 jumbo book covers
● 1 box of kleenex
● 1 bottle of elmer’s glue
● Multiple color construction paper 12”X18” or bigger