Who we are
At Pilco, we love asking questions.
We believe playful exploration is key to fostering genuine curiosity.
We see language as the vessel for thinking, and that all children are natural thinkers.
We find inspiration in the world around us, in the changing seasons and the natural world.
We celebrate creativity and are committed to fostering the creative voices of children.
We seek to cultivate cultural literacy, encouraging an understanding of the perspectives of others.
The Pilco team brings together diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for designing and facilitating experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. We are deeply committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and positive environment for our learners.
Meet Our Team
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Angela
Founder & Director
With over 15 years of experience as an educator internationally spanning from Toronto, Hong Kong to Jeju, Ms. Angela still finds it exciting to discover and learn something new every day. Her career includes developing ed-tech user testing in New York, teaching K-5 at an international school in Jeju, and supporting displaced families from conflict zones in Greece. Her passion for creating meaningful learning experiences inspired her to start Pilco Studio in 2019, a place where learning is synonymous with joy, wonder, and creativity.Ms. Angela holds a B.A. from University of Toronto and a M.A. from New York University.
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Min
Writer
Mr. Min is a writer and literary translator from Seoul. His multicultural upbringing, having spent his formative years in Malaysia, Singapore, and Egypt, led him to pursue higher education at New York University and the University of Oxford, with a focus on sociology and education policy. As the Pilco writing mentor, Mr. Min's gentle spirit encourages children to discover and trust their own creative voices. Mr. Min also enjoys playing chess with Pilco children and deeply believes in treating animals with kindness and dignity. -
Kylie
Storyteller
Originally from New York, USA, Ms. Kylie is an educator specializing in improvised comedy, storytelling, and Jeju culture. Since 2012, she has lived in Korea, where she has taught learners of all ages through engaging and interactive learning activities. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Kylie is a trained haenyeo (female diver) and dives alongside the women divers of Jeju, immersing herself in the island’s rich traditions. At Pilco, she leads Reader’s Theatre workshops, crafting (often hilarious) play scripts for children, and hosts podcast episodes exploring fascinating topics—from ghost particles (neutrinos!) in space to the captivating mythologies of Maui! -
Mayor Jenna
Visiting Educator - Ms. Jenna served as the first female mayor in the borough of Royersford, Pennsylvania from 2018 until 2023. As mayor, she focused her efforts on mental health wellness, serving as a pubic advocate for kindness and community building, supporting small businesses, and connecting NGOs to the general public. Currently, Ms. Jenna is a writer podcaster highlighting her insights and experiences living in Korea as an American, transracial adoptee. Ms. Jenna is an encouraging mentor and leads speech making and public speaking workshops with children at Pilco. Ms. Jenna earned her MS in education at Bucknell University.
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Leslie
Visiting Educator - Leslie is a birder and naturalist from Vancouver, Canada. He graduated with a BSc in Biology and had a wide range of experiences working with wildlife and science education in Vancouver. He has been living on Jeju Island for over three years, and dedicates much of his time observing and documenting the wildlife in Jeju. He has a passion for sharing his knowledge of nature with others.
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Dasha
Program Manager
With experience in the U.S. and Australia’s arts industries, Ms.Dasha effectively manages learning programs at Pilco and leads the team through strategic thinking and collaboration. A strong communicator in English and Korean, Ms.Dasha also leads and manages partnerships with government and overseas organizations. -
Hilda
Designer & Illustrator
Holding a Master’s in Illustration from Kingston University, UK, Ms. Hilda has worked in London, Berlin, and Seoul, drawing inspiration from diverse cultural influences. Her work spans digital media, acrylic, embroidery, and collage, and she has collaborated with various brands and musicians in Korea. As the lead illustrator for Pilcozine, Ms. Hilda has a talent for bringing stories to life through her whimsical artworks.
Our boutique studio, located in Jeoji-ri, Jeju, is five minutes from the Jeju Contemporary Art Museum. Visits are welcomed by appointment!