Student Services

Junward (Jun) Soyosa - Secondary Learning Support Specialist

Our current Learning Support Teacher, Jun, has been supporting students with diverse learning needs since 2018, with experience in Thailand and now here in our school community.

Originally from the Philippines, he brings a background in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), and specializes in both academic and behavior interventions. He’s passionate about helping neurodiverse learners succeed and works closely with teachers to create inclusive, supportive classroom environments.

He believes strongly in collaboration and using evidence-based strategies to support students' academic and social-emotional growth.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys graphic design and photography, which bring a creative lens to his work with students.  Jun lives with his two friendly dogs— BeeTee a male Pomeranian and Emma a female Maltese. Jun can be contacted at jsoyosa@tasok.net

Taren Basset -  Elementary/Secondary Learning Support Specialist

Originally from South Africa, Taren joined TASOK a year ago, bringing with her a diverse background in education and a deep passion for inclusive learning. This is her first international school experience, following 17 years of service in South Africa’s school system—8 years as an ES teacher and 9 years as a LS specialist.

Taren has extensive experience supporting a broad spectrum of learners, including those with Dyslexia, reading difficulties, Dyscalculia, and sensory/occupational therapy needs. She is skilled in integrating various therapeutic and hands-on learning approaches, and is particularly passionate about sensory-integrated learning and reflex integration therapy.  She is passionate about a student-centered approach and always trying to meet the student where they are at.

She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues and values the inclusive, community-minded ethos that TASOK represents. Taren is married to Mr. Basset, one of TASOK’s secondary science educators, and together they have a daughter who is currently in Kindergarten at TASOK.  Taren can be contacted at tbasset@tasok.net

Anders Granberg - Elementary School Counselor

Our current elementary counselor, has been supporting students as a school counselor since 2013, with experience in the UK, the Netherlands, and now here in our school community.

He’s passionate about helping children grow emotionally and socially, especially during big life transitions like moving countries or adapting to new cultures. Having moved internationally as a child himself, Anders understands the challenges and opportunities that come with change, and brings empathy and insight to his work with students. He focuses on building strong emotional foundations, encouraging empathy, and helping students feel confident and connected in their school environment.

Anders speaks Swedish and English fluently, and also some French, which helps him connect with families from a variety of backgrounds. Anders can be reached at agranberg@tasok.net

Davon Campbell - Secondary School Counselor 

Davon joined TASOK after serving in the Cedar Rapids Community School District in the U.S. since 2017. With years of experience supporting students’ academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary growth, Davon brings a deep commitment to student success, inclusivity, and holistic development.

A strong advocate for wellness and personal development, he believes in the power of connection and works to create a supportive space where every student is seen, heard, and empowered.

This is Davon’s third year working abroad—an experience he has long dreamed of—and he is excited to immerse himself in the Kinshasa community while collaborating with students, families, and staff to foster meaningful growth.

Davon can be contacted at dcampbell@tasok.net

Carla Sanchez - Elementary English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher

Carla began her education career teaching English as a Second Language to Somali refugees in the United States. She later taught reading, writing, and Spanish at Murray State University before moving into international K–12 education. She has since worked in Jamaica, China, Iraq, and now in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she teaches EAL to students in Grades 1–5 at TASOK.

Originally from Venezuela, Carla is passionate about language as both a tool for learning and a path to identity. She helps students develop both social and academic language, recognizing that language is essential for self-expression, communication, and access to learning. She works closely with multilingual learners to build confidence, clarity, and independence in academic English. She also collaborates with colleagues to support instructional planning and promote inclusive, language-rich teaching practices.

With broad international experience and a deep understanding of the challenges of transition and belonging, Carla brings a calm, structured presence to her work. She values emotional clarity, cross-cultural understanding, and purposeful communication. She lives in Kinshasa, speaks Spanish and English, is learning French, and knows at least three words in Lingala. She has two children living abroad and enjoys music, reading, healthy living, gardens, and birds. Carla can be contacted at csanchez@tasok.net

Chris Guttridge - Secondary English as an Additional Language (EAL) Teacher

Chris has been a teacher for 16 years, focusing on English as an Additional Language (EAL) and Learning Support. He joined TASOK in August 2021 and has been teaching in American schools in Cameroon, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for ten years.

Before moving overseas, he taught in public schools in New York City and Boston for six years. Chris has taught EAL for eight years, and has a master’s degree in Special Education.

Given his earlier experience working at a rural school in The Gambia, a residential school for students with behavioral disorders, and teaching self-contained classes for students with autism, Chris is passionate about helping students to fully access education and learning.

Chris speaks English, French, and a little Lingala and Wolof. A former Peace Corps volunteer, Chris enjoys exploring Kinshasa and DR Congo with his wife and their two children. Chris can be contacted at cguttridge@tasok.net