About the Team

Education & Certifications

  • M.Ed.Tech, Boise State University (2016)
  • B.A. Biological Sciences, Wellesley College (2010)
  • California Multi-Subject Certification (2014)
  • Massachusetts Teaching Certification (K-6) (2010)

Lee Hanae Ung

Founder & Lead Teacher

Born in Los Angeles, California, Ms. Lee has been working in education for over a decade and living in Japan since 2012. After working in private & public schools in the United States and Japan, she decided to open a learning center designed to support Japanese and international learners in Kobe, Japan.

Ms. Lee brings her unique, professional experiences as a California & Massachusetts certified classroom teacher, science researcher and education specialist to Learning Lab Kobe with the hope of making innovative education accessible to the English-speaking communities in Kobe.

Education & Certifications

  • B.S. English Studies — Language Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman (2011)
  • Certificate — Fundamentals of Graphic Design, California Institute of the Arts (2016)
  • Certificate — Introduction to Typography, California Institute of the Arts (2016)
  • TESOL Certificate — Tesol Asia (2020)
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Katrina Yutani

Lead Teacher

Ms. Kat is an experienced English and IELTS teacher with a bachelor's degree in English Studies from the University of the Philippines and has been working as an educator since 2011. A self-taught artist and published writer, she believes creativity is both innate and learned, and that with the proper mindset, instruction, and guidance, every student can become a good writer and artist. 

Since 2013, Ms. Kat has been drawing, calligraphing, designing, and sharing her work online under the moniker The Paper Cat. She has worked as a freelance artist and has also taught calligraphy and watercolor workshops. Her calligraphy and illustrations have been used on invitations, greeting cards, posters, and stationery.

Education & Certifications

  • IB Diploma, Canadian Academy Kobe (2017)
  • Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies: Communications and Computer Science, Ateneo de Manila University (2021)
  • Masters of Arts in Advanced Teaching, University of the People (2023) 

Kikoy De Leon

Teacher

Originally born in the Philippines, but raised internationally in Japan. Mr. Kikoy graduated from Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines with a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focused on Communications and Computer Science. Currently, he is taking up his Masters in Education. Last year, he worked as a teacher at an after-school learning center in Kobe.

Mr. Kikoy's hobbies include going on long walks, digital art, and making home-cooked meals for his friends and family. 

Education & Certifications

  • Certificate, Introduction to TEFL (2016)
  • IB Diploma, Canadian Academy (2018)
  • MA History of Art (Hons), University of Edinburgh (2023)

Hana Stevenson

Teacher

Born in Kobe, Ms. Hana completed her undergraduate degree in the History of Art at the University of Edinburgh. After graduation, she is eager to pursue a career that combines her love for the arts and education. During her time in school, Ms. Hana earned the 2018 Procter & Gamble Design and Technology award for her contributions and leadership within the school's media and publication groups. She also has experience working in international schools across Hyogo, teaching English and Science from Kindergarten to early Middle School.

In her free time, you'll often find Ms. Hana in a gallery, outside hiking, or inside with a good book or watching Netflix.

Education

BCom Accounting, University of British Columbia (1987)

Mark Robinson

Office Administrator

Mr. Mark was born in Canada and graduated from the University of British Columbia. He moved to Tokyo in 1988 to teach English conversation at Sundai College. In 1991 he moved to Kobe to be the Head English Teacher at a new school Sundai opened that year on Rokko Island. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Mark was the Administrator of Community House and Information Centre. He then worked for Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel for six years. In 2007 he joined IKEA where he held many positions including, Project Controller and Project Operations Manager in Japan and the United States. 

Mr. Mark enjoys spending time with his family, whether that be relaxing at home, skiing in the winter, or camping in the summer. His biggest adventure to date was when he and his family spent 6 weeks traveling across the United States in an RV. He has 3 sons, two of which are in College in Canada. In his spare time he enjoys biking around town. He loves dogs and is looking to rescue another one soon. He is a certified dog trainer and is pleased to help others train their dogs.