Christopher Konitz

Principal

Christopher Konitz transitions to TYIS with over two and half decades of educational experience and education- including two Bachelors degrees, a Masters degree, and two post Masters advanced specialist degrees. Konitz is a licensed Coach, Teacher, School Guidance Counselor, School Psychologist, School Administrator (SDA), Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and Registered Nurse (R.N.). He has previous administrative experience consisting of Head of Science, English, and Math, Curriculum Coordinator, Vice Principal, and Principal. He also has direct classroom teaching experience consisting of AP Computer Science, Robotics, Health, Science, English, and Reading. He has had diverse international educational and leadership experiences in America, China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, and Africa (Egypt). Here at TYIS, Konitz's focus will be on leadership and professional development, curriculum, professional appraisal of staff, student success, and the overall development of our academic, social, and emotional academic programming.

Christopher Holland

Managing Director

With over two decades of dedicated service in the international education sector in Tokyo, Christopher Holland brings a dynamic and forward-moving energy that envisions the highest quality educational experience and future TYIS school.
Holding a Master's Certificate in Business Administration, he is committed to fostering the highest quality educational experience for our students and envisioning a bright future for our school. His focus lies in challenging existing processes, driving improvement and change, and prioritizing strategic investments in our people, programs, and facilities to ensure TYIS remains at the forefront of educational excellence.

Mariko Ikeda

Assistant Director

Drawing upon 18 years of experience with Frost Valley YMCA in New York and Tokyo YMCA, Mariko Ikeda is honored to infuse TYIS with the core values of the YMCA, including outdoor education and a commitment to inclusivity. Equipped with a Master's Degree in English Linguistics and extensive teaching experience in special needs classes in Japan, she is dedicated to ensuring that TYIS provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for all students, where each individual is valued and supported in their educational journey.

Hannah Takahashi

Lower Elementary School

With four years of experience at TYIS and holding a teaching certificate from New Jersey along with a Masters in Elementary Education, Hannah Takahashi is deeply committed to supporting students on their journey to becoming mindful global citizens. Having had the opportunity to live abroad and attend international schools herself, she is passionate about cultivating a supportive environment for our youngest learners.
At TYIS, the focus is on nurturing the curiosity, creativity, and academic growth of the students. The dedicated team of educators is committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment where each child can blossom. The curriculum is designed to foster a global mindset, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional development. Our lessons include engaging hands-on activities and personalized learning experiences for students to foster a love of learning.

Tatiana Robbins

Upper Elementary Coordinator

Tatiana Robbins is a dedicated educator with 12 years of experience at TYIS and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education. As the Elementary Teacher, Upper Elementary Coordinator, and Accreditation Coordinator she brings a wealth of knowledge to our community. She is also the creative force behind TYIS's Dance Team and continues to work passionately with our talented actors and dancers for the annual school concerts.
TYIS provides a rich array of services including camps, afterschool clubs, and performance opportunities like the Talent Show, Sports Day, and Concert. Our commitment extends to every student, with additional support programs available for those needing academic/language assistance. At TYIS, we believe in instilling core values such as respect, honesty, and peace, ensuring our students grow into responsible global citizens. Through our school wide learner outcomes, known as the Wolfpack, we foster problem solvers, active global citizens, critical and creative thinkers, and knowledgeable learners. Join us at TYIS and embark on a journey of holistic growth and learning.

Dan Gossel

Middle School Coordinator

After earning the Social Sciences Teaching Credential in California, he holds over a decade of combined experience as an educator in the United States and Japan. By cultivating curiosity and critical thinking skills, he aims to empower students to become lifelong learners and independent thinkers ready to tackle any challenge.
The TYIS middle school program is led by a team of dedicated subject-specialist teachers, guiding students in both individualized instruction and collaborative project-based learning. Whether through hands-on lab science projects, exciting outdoor education experiences such as boating, swimming, and archery at our campground on Lake Nojiri, or helping to plan our annual 3-day field trip together with their classmates, here your child can grow and thrive as a well-rounded learner in a supportive school environment.

Yukako Funahashi

IT Coordinator

With more than a decade of experience as a music and IT teacher, and serving as the IT Coordinator at the school, Yukako Funahashi brings a wealth of expertise to our school community. Holding a Master's Degrees in Music and Education from the U.S., she is committed to nurturing student development and achievement.
At TYIS, technology is seamlessly integrated into our curriculum. From an early age, students utilize technology daily, including creating lesson products and accessing our digital library system during reading activities. Utilizing technology in lessons allows students to engage in practicing essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. We aim to cultivate empowered learners prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.