Meet The Team
Tracee Patterson
Founder and Lead Japanese Instructor
“Although I have served in numerous professional capacities over the past 25 years, my work with Kids Explore Japan resonates with me the most. After eight years of providing this service to the community, I have seen its awe inspiring impact firsthand. Our children shine brighter with confidence and pride, and excel beyond societal expectations. That’s why I am committed to sharing this skill and language opportunity with all who are open to learn.”
Fumiyo Brunsell
Senior Japanese Instructor
“My passion is teaching. I have been teaching for 25 years and I look forward to helping more students grow.”
Stephanie Collins
Lead Japanese Instructor
“I love working at KEJ because the team is filled with creative, passionate, loving and caring individuals who have the same goal to help kids with their Japanese learning journey! Seeing a big smile on each student’s face when they achieve something in Japanese class, brightens my day!”
Shaekinah Cyrus
Lead Japanese Instructor
“My love of Japanese culture as a child paved the way for me to teach English in Japan for over four years. Now back in the United States, I want to take on a new challenge of introducing and engaging all students to explore the wonder that is Japan through its language and culture.”
Emma DeBeaussaert
Assistant Japanese Instructor
“Teaching at KEJ is important to me because I get to help the next generation discover more about the world and offer an outlet for those who have the common interest of Japanese culture and language. I am excited to be on board this education shinkansen!”
Ashley Rodriguez
Assistant Japanese Instructor
“I enjoy working with KEJ because it gives me the opportunity to share a gift that not many schools get to have. It is a rare opportunity to have Japanese as an elective, and I am glad to be a part of the KEJ team to create a productive educational experience for students.”
Torrey Slocum
Assistant Japanese Instructor
“I chose to join the KEJ team because I want to ignite and nurture that spark of wonder in our students that l felt while learning about Japan and Japanese culture. I had no programs available to me as a young student so I am honored to be able to help KEJ provide such a wonderful opportunity for our young scholars now. I am delighted to be apart of this passionate and dedicated team.”
Chris Craigo
Research & Digital Marketing Assistant
“KEJ’s goal of exposing Japanese foreign language education to children who might have never encountered the language otherwise is quite inspiring. Having that sort of exposure to a foreign language and culture at a young age is an incredible benefit, and I think that KEJ is effecting change for years to come through its work. After getting to learn more about what KEJ on a recent project, I just knew I wanted to try and be a small part of all that.”