Our Faculty and Staff
Mr. Dongsheng Wei
Artistic Director
Mr. Dongsheng Wei is an internationally acclaimed dancer and dance teacher. He was the principal dancer of Atlanta Ballet for 14 years. He has been teaching dance for over 25 years. He is the Artistic Director at San Francisco High School of the Arts. Mr. Wei teaches ballet fundamental classes to the intermediate and advanced dance students.
Ms. Lona Lou, M.A.
Academic Director
Ms. Lona Lou received an M.A. in Finance Management from the University of Cambridge. Before coming to High School of the Arts, Ms. Lou taught Finance and Investment at Henan University of Finance and Economics, and later worked in several non-profit organizations in the Bay Area.
Dr. Shalina Fung
College & Academic Counselor
Dr. Fung has many years of experience working with education leaders and college admission directors. She has organized many college fairs, and has worked as the Chief Editor for a Chinese educational magazine. Dr. Fung completed the Certificate Program in College Admission and Career Planning through UC Berkeley, where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Cell Biology. She holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California.
Mr. Qining Cai
Chinese Teacher
Mr. Cai was a professor of Chinese in China before coming to High School of the Arts. He has taught Chinese language for thirty-five years. He also taught media production and also has extensive knowledge in Chinese literature and culture.
Ms. Erica Campbell
English Teacher
Ms. Campbell grew up in the Bay Area and lived and taught in Las Vegas for 32 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education English and a Masters in Education Administration. She continues to take classes to learn and broaden her knowledge of current pedagogical practices and recently earned her TEFL certificate that enables me to work with English Language Learners. She's very excited to join HSArts and looks forward to a very rewarding school year.
Mr. Ray Chen
Science & Mathematics Teacher
Mr. Ray Chen received his Master of Science degree from Purdue University. He brings decades of work experience from global enterprises like Apple and Oracle, as well as years of experience from teaching previously at High School of the Arts and at other private schools.
Ms. Dana Crigler
Dance Teacher
Ms. Dana Crigler was a professional dancer and has danced the roles of Sugarplum Fairy, Spanish, Snow, Puss N’ Boots, Blue Bird, Pas de Deux and Pas de Trois in Le Sylphide, and numerous original works by various choreographers. She received her early dance training in Matteson, IL and continued her professional training with Boitsov Classical Ballet School under the direction of Madame Elizabeth Boistov, a graduate and professional dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre. She performs all styles of dance including ballet, modern (Duncan), tap, and jazz with ballet being her strength and passion.
Ms. Lucy Cui
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Cui is a freelance storyboard artist and illustrator. She received M.F.A of Animation & Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She also studied B.F.A in Century Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. In 2018, she was the Runner-up For MFA Personal Work in school of illustration in the Academy of Art University spring show.In 2019, she was received the award for The Best Category Award For Animation in school of Visual Development in the Academy of Art University spring show.
Mr. John de Groot
Media Arts Teacher
Mr. de Groot is an experienced video professional with special expertise in producing, writing and editing broadcast news. He received a Bachelor of the Arts degree from UC Davis. Mr. de Groot also does freelance work as a producer and editor.
Ms. Millie Hankinson
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Hankinson is a figurative artist and instructor. She studied fine art and illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has been teaching throughout the Bay Area since 2013.
Ms. Sherry Hu
Dance Teacher
Born in the United States, Ms. Hu grew up with a passion for dance, piano, and the arts. Her love for dance and piano began at the age of 4, participating in many parades and small-scale performances throughout her childhood. She completed her training in classical Chinese dance at Fei Tian Academy of the Arts New York and made her debut as a professional dancer in 2006 with Shen Yun Performing Arts, performing over thousands of shows in major cities around the world. Ms. Hu joined HSArts as a dance instructor and choreographer in 2010. Her teaching experiences in the U.S. and abroad has given her a vast array of knowledge that makes her a highly successful teacher and mentor. Several students under her tutelage have gained positions as professional company dancers.
Mr. Mike Lai
Dance Teacher
Mr. Lai graduated from Fei Tian Academy of the Arts in New York and received a B.F.A. in Dance Pedagogy from Fei Tian College. He trained and performed with the world-renowned dance group Shen Yun Performing Arts for five years. He is an experienced choreographer and teacher of Classical Chinese Dance.
Mr. Brian Nieh
Dance Teacher
Mr. Brian Nieh holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance production from Fei Tian College in New York. An artist growing up in a family of teachers and musicians, the concert pianist turned 3rd-place winning dancer (2009 NTDTV Dance Competition) trained and toured with Shen Yun Performing Arts for ten years, performing in dozens of cities and countries around the world. He then returned to his alma mater for several years as an instructor, teaching a variety of subjects. In 2019, he took his talents to San Francisco to join HSArts in providing quality education in arts and academics.
Mr. David Qiao
PE Teacher
Mr. David Qiao is a lifelong athlete, full marathon finisher, and an avid aficionado of basketball, tennis, and table tennis. He is excited to join HSArts and help students learn about the benefits of exericse, including building strong bodies, having fun, and working together! Mr. Qiao received his Master of science degree from University at Buffalo.
Mr. Lee Randazzo
History & Science Teacher
Mr. Randazzo has an M.A. in ESL teaching for all ages and is certified in general education elementary school teaching (for all subjects, K-6). He is a licensed teacher with more than 20 years of teaching experience in public and private schools.
Ms. Joan Shalit
Music Ensemble Teacher
Joan Shalit is a San Francisco-based free-lanced violinist. She has performed with ensembles such as the Livermore Valley Opera, Contra Costa Chamber Chamber Orchestra, Fox Valley Symphony (WI), Weidner Philharmonic (WI), and served as Associate Concertmaster of the Green Bay Civic Symphony and Concertmaster of the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra (WI). She has gained teaching experience at schools in the Bay Area, Cazadero Music Camp, and the Golden Gate Philharmonic. Joan holds a Bachelor’s Degree with majors in Violin Performance and Music Education from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music.
Ms. Anne Sohn
Events & Front Office Manager
Born into a family of artists, Ms. Sohn has had a passion for the arts from a young age. At the age of six, she started learning traditional Korean dance. In 2006, she was accepted to Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, New York, where she received training in classical Chinese dance. She toured with Shen Yun Performing Arts for two years and then went to study abroad. Upon returning to the United States, she began teaching Chinese dance at High School of the Arts in 2010. After finding great interest in early childhood education, Ms. Sohn joined HSArts' Extended Education program in 2015 and is currently pursuing a degree in education.
Mr. DaXi Song
Vocal Teacher
Mr. DaXi Song is a dedicated educator with a passion for music, holding a strong academic foundation as an honor student majoring in music theory, voice, and related subjects at SFSU. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his aspiration for 100% success in both his own musical journey and that of his students. With expertise in vocal techniques, pedagogy, music theory, and a talent for motivating students, Mr. Song creates a positive and creative learning environment.
Mr. Mario Su
Visual Arts Teacher
Mr. Junhao (Mario) Su is a freelance concept artist and background painter, recognized for his contributions to the animation industry. With a wealth of experience, he has lent his talents to numerous television and film projects. Mr. Su's artistic prowess extends beyond animation, as evidenced by his notable achievements in fine art. He has been honored with awards and exhibitions, including the NTD 2024 International Figure Painting Competition Merit Award, the NTD 2019 International Figure Painting Competition Youth Award, and the NOAPS 29th Best of America Exhibit Merit Award. Through his diverse work, Mr. Su continues to captivate audiences and inspire fellow artists with his talent and dedication to the craft.
Dr. Jason Totzke
Violin Teacher
Violinist Jason Totzke has performed in the United States, Canada and Europe. He has been heard on WXXI Radio Rochester (NY) and as soloist with the Boston Chamber Ensemble, the Kensington Symphony Orchestra (CA), and the Pro Arte Chamber Ensemble of South Florida. He is a former member of the Syracuse Symphony (NY), the Erie Philharmonic (PA), and performed with the Rochester
Philharmonic (NY) for nearly a decade. Mr. Jason plays on a Dutch violin made c. 1765 by Johannes Cuypers. Dr. Totske completed his prestigious Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music.
Ms. Vera Wang
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Wang studied visual arts from a very young age. In 2013, she graduated with a BFA from the Kharkiv Academy of Design and Arts in Ukraine, majoring in easel painting. In 2015 she began her studies in professional illustration in the US, alongside self-studies in classical oil painting. Ms. Wang has more than five years of experience in youth arts education.
Ms. Ginnie Wu
History & English Teacher
Ms. Wu graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.S. Environmental Economics and Policy as well as B.A. Chinese. She attained teaching credentials from SFU. Ms. Wu is a skilled teacher in history and economics.
Ms. Hanna Zhang
Young Artists Director & Dance Teacher
Ms. Hanna’s love for Chinese dance began when she was only 9 years old. She graduated from Tianjin Normal University in 2019, majoring in Chinese dance. Ms. Hanna continued her education in the U.S., receiving her Master of Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from Kings College in 2020. Ms. Hanna worked at Tianjin TV Station as a dance teacher and choreographer, preparing many dances and fairy tale spectaculars for children of all ages. She has participated in CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala and the National Dance Performance competitions multiple times.
Mr. Peter Zhang
College & Guidance Counselor
Mr. Zhang is a graduate of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and an alumni of Harvard University. He has served as an interviewer for the Admissions Office at Harvard University, and has many years of experience as a licensed K-12 guidance counselor. Through providing thoughtful, individualized guidance and strategies, Mr Zhang has enabled many students around the world to fulfill their college dreams.
Ms. Allison Yang
Piano Teacher
Pianist Allison Yang has garnered much acclaim for her performances in the "Love Letters" concert series across the United States and Europe. She has taught at the Young Academy of Music for 17 years and served as a judge in international youth piano competitions. Her piano students have been admitted to prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München in Germany, among others. Allison has remained active on the stage for many years, and her classical music series, "Love Letters" piano concerts, began touring North America in 2023, earning the admiration of audiences of all ages and prompting the addition of more performances.
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