Our Faculty and Staff
Mr. Dongsheng Wei
Artistic Director and Dance Teacher
Mr. Dongsheng Wei is an internationally acclaimed dancer, master teacher, and Artistic Director of San Francisco High School of the Arts. He performed as a principal dancer with Atlanta Ballet for 14 years and brings more than 30 years of professional teaching experience to his students.
Under his guidance, students have earned numerous awards at prestigious national and international ballet competitions, including YAGP, UBC, WBC, ABC, and IBC. Mr. Wei is dedicated to developing strong classical technique, artistry, discipline, and performance excellence in the next generation of dancers.
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. Lucy Cui
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Lucy Cui earned her M.F.A. in Animation & Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and completed her undergraduate studies in Fine Arts at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.
Her work has received recognition at the Academy of Art University Spring Show, including Runner-Up for MFA Personal Work in Illustration in 2018 and the Best Category Award for Animation in Visual Development in 2019.
Ms. Cui brings a strong foundation in fine arts, illustration, animation, and visual development to her teaching. She has been a valued member of the HSArts faculty since 2019, helping young artists develop strong technical skills and their individual artistic voices.
Mr. John de Groot
Media Arts Teacher
Mr. John de Groot is an experienced video and media professional with expertise in video production, writing, and broadcast news editing. He brings extensive professional experience as a television video editor and incorporates real-world industry knowledge into his teaching.
Mr. de Groot earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Davis and has been a valued member of the HSArts faculty since 2019. He helps students develop technical and creative skills in visual storytelling, video production, and digital media.
Ms. Millie Hankinson
Visual Arts Teacher
Ms. Millie Hankinson is a figurative artist and instructor with a strong background in fine art and illustration. She studied Fine Art and Illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and is known in the Bay Area for her figurative drawing.
Ms. Hankinson has been teaching at HSArts since 2021, helping students strengthen their observational skills, drawing techniques, and artistic expression.
Ms. Felicity Hesed
Theater Teacher
Ms. Felicity Hesed is a creator, director, and producer specializing in the integration of theater and circus arts. She made her Off-Broadway directing debut with {IN}TANGIBLE at Theatre Row in Manhattan.
Ms. Hesed is also known for her work with Circus Center in San Francisco, including a theater-circus adaptation of The Secret Garden. She directed Circus Pop Ups!, which received the Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Circus International Film Festival. She brings a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to theater education, encouraging students to develop creativity, confidence, and expressive performance skills.
Mr. Mike Lai
Dance Teacher
Mr. Mike Lai is an experienced teacher of Classical Chinese Dance and a former professional dancer who performed on international stages for five years.
Mr. Lai specializes in Classical Chinese Dance technique and tumbling, working with both boys and girls to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and performance skills. He has been a dedicated member of the HSArts faculty for more than 10 years.
Mr. Brian Nieh
Math Teacher
Mr. Brian Nieh is an experienced math and science educator who has taught for more than six years. His background also includes professional experience in dance, choreography and production, giving him a unique understanding of students pursuing rigorous academics alongside intensive arts training.
Mr. Nieh has been a member of the HSArts faculty since 2020, supporting students in developing strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning skills.
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. Anne-Sophie Rodriguez
Ballet Teacher
Ms. Anne-Sophie Rodriguez is a French-born ballet educator with extensive teaching experience in both New York City and San Francisco. Her teaching experience includes Ellison Ballet, the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, City Ballet San Francisco, and San Francisco Ballet.
Ms. Rodriguez brings a strong foundation in classical ballet technique and professional dance education to her students. She has been teaching at HSArts since 2024.
Dr. Aubrey Tang
Violin Teacher
Dr. Aubrey Tang is an accomplished violinist and educator who earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from Texas Tech University.
She has performed as principal violinist with Moonlight Musical Company and with the Amarillo and Lubbock Symphony Orchestras. Dr. Tang has received numerous honors recognizing her artistry and contributions to education, including an Independent Artist ARPA Grant from the Lubbock Cultural Arts Foundation and recognition as one of the 2018 Top 10 California Contributors to Education.
Dr. Tang brings both professional performance experience and a deep commitment to music education to her work with young musicians.
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.
Mr. Min-Hai Wu
Dance Teacher
Mr. Min-Hai Wu began his ballet training at the Shanghai Ballet School at the age of nine and later joined the Shanghai Ballet Company as a principal dancer. He received the Gold Medal at the Second National Ballet Competition in China.
Mr. Wu later became the first Chinese dancer to join San Francisco Ballet and was promoted to soloist within two years. During his performing career, he danced principal roles in major classical productions, including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker.
Mr. Wu brings exceptional professional experience and classical ballet training to his students and has been teaching at HSArts since 2025.
Ms. Shannon Wolfe
Vocal Teacher
Ms. Shannon Wolfe holds a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied and performed opera and Baroque chamber music.
An experienced voice teacher and musical theater director, Ms. Wolfe works extensively with children and teenagers throughout the Bay Area. She brings a strong foundation in vocal technique, musicianship, and performance to her teaching and has been a valued member of the HSArts faculty since 2020.
Ms. Annabel Xia
Chinese Teacher
Ms. Annabel grew up in China, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduating, she pursued further studies in the United States, focusing on Education and Child Development. She has been a dedicated Chinese teacher at HSArts for the past six years, teaching both full time and after school students. Ms. Annabel is passionate about teaching and enjoys engaging with children in meaningful and inspiring ways. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and fostering an appreciation for Chinese language and culture among her students.
Ms. Joanna Xia
Chinese Teacher
Ms. Joanna holds a B.A. in Language Arts from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. Passionate about cross-cultural communication, she helps students build confidence and a lifelong love for learning Chinese.
Ms. Hanna Zhang
Young Artists Director & Dance Teacher
Ms. Hanna Zhang earned her undergraduate degree from Tianjin Normal University in 2019, majoring in Chinese Dance. She continued her education in the United States, earning a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from King's College in 2020.
Ms. Zhang has received numerous awards for her teaching and choreography. As Young Artists Director and Dance Teacher at HSArts, she combines professional dance training with her background in education to help young students develop strong technique, artistry, discipline, and a love of dance.
Ms. Rain Zhu
Chinese Teacher
With over 17 years of experience teaching Chinese, Ms. Zhu is known for her caring approach, professionalism, and deep understanding of how children learn best. She brings warmth and structure to the classroom, helping students build a strong foundation in Chinese language and culture.
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.
Mr. Sean Gwi
Physical Education Teacher & Coach
Mr. Sean Gwi is an accomplished track and field coach whose athletes have competed successfully at the highest levels, including winning California State Championships.
Mr. Gwi has taught and coached at San José State University and other educational institutions, bringing extensive experience in athletic training and student development. He joined HSArts in 2026, helping students develop fitness, athletic skills, discipline, and healthy lifelong habits.
Mr. Niko Zha
Dance Teacher
Mr. Niko Zha is a professional dancer and educator who earned his B.F.A. in Chinese Dance from the Shanghai Theatre Academy and performed as a principal dancer with the Shanghai Opera and Dance Theater. He later continued his training at St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts and the Martha Graham School in New York.
Mr. Zha has received numerous honors, including First Prize at the Tao Li Cup Dance Competition and the Shanghai Outstanding Performance Award. He brings extensive experience in Chinese dance, contemporary dance, choreography, and performance to his students.
Ms. Wen Xu
Dance Teacher
Ms. Wen Xu is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator who trained at the Beijing Dance Academy and the Martha Graham School in New York. She has taught and choreographed extensively in both China and the United States, including work with New York public schools and the New York Chinese Cultural Center.
Ms. Xu’s choreography has received recognition at the prestigious Tao Li Cup Dance Competition, and she choreographed for China’s National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, which earned a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Ms. Esther Chan
Piano Teacher
Ms. Esther Chan is an accomplished pianist and educator with more than 35 years of teaching experience. She earned her Master of Music with High Distinction from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music and her Bachelor of Music with Highest Distinction from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.
A certified teacher with both MTNA and the Royal Conservatory of Music, Ms. Chan has guided students to numerous honors in regional, state, and national competitions.
Mr. Matthew DePasquale
Band Teacher
Mr. Matthew DePasquale is an accomplished musician, conductor, and educator who earned his Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and his Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Montclair State University.
An active Bay Area musician since 2008, Mr. DePasquale has performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles and currently serves as a conductor while maintaining an active teaching career. He brings extensive performance experience and versatile musicianship to the HSArts Band program.
Ms. Isabella Grimes
Flute & Band Teacher
Ms. Isabella Grimes is a flutist and music educator who earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from Sonoma State University and is pursuing her Master of Music in Flute Performance at San José State University.
Ms. Grimes has extensive experience teaching flute, woodwinds, and beginning band, including serving as a teaching associate at San José State University and an instructor with the San José State Summer Flute Institute.
Mr. Yun Xu
Vocal Teacher
Mr. Xu is a tenor and vocal educator who earned his Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Domenico Cimarosa Conservatory of Music in Italy and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance in the United States.
Trained in bel canto and healthy vocal technique, Mr. Xu has performed internationally in Italy, South Korea, Australia, and China and has received awards in international vocal competitions.
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