Our Camp Directors
Northern Explorers
Katherine Fitzgerald is the Instructional Coordinator for Northern Schoolhouse and Northern Explorers. She has two decades’ experience with children in education and humanitarian work. Her studies in educational history, methodology, curriculum, and child psychology, along with her experience in the homeschool community, form the basis of the programs developed for Northern Schoolhouse.
Music, math, storytelling, baking, knitting, drawing, and gardening are among her many interests, and she shares her passion for doing and making with our Schoolhouse community.
Path of Harmony and Inspiration
Education
B.F.A. Nanjing Normal University
M.F.A. The Savannah College of Art and Design
Teaching Drawing, Arts, and Crafts classes at Northern Academy, with a background in traditional handicraft techniques, comprehensive materials, and decorative arts. Served as a stage director from 2006 to 2015 and was actively involved in costume and stage prop production. Additionally, experienced in jewelry metalsmithing during Master’s degree studies, with extensive knowledge of various materials used in handcrafting. Passionate about guiding students through the creative process, blending traditional crafting techniques with Fine Art to create meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Pathways of the Wild
Alvis has over 40 years of experience in outdoor education and adventure, starting as a counselor teaching archery, canoeing, and nature. After hiking the entire Appalachian Trail and furthering his education in naturalist studies, he led youth programs at Camp Thunderbird and Camp Riverlea, and eventually founded Walk Your Path Well Adventures in North Carolina. Now in Cuddebackville, NY, Al is the Summer Camp Program Director and Athletic Director at Northern Academy, where he also teaches strength and conditioning at the YMCA. Outside of work, he practices Kung Fu and meditation, while continuing to refine his survival and naturalist skills.
Pathways Entrepreneur
Mr. Anson Zhao is the President of Northern Horizon at Northern Academy, the director of Pathway Entrepreneur Summer Camp, a visionary leader with over 30 years of diverse experience in multinational corporations. Having joined the Northern Academy since 2016, Mr. Anson's expertise spans e-Commerce, computer programming, project management, and business management.
Inspired by a profound passion for education, Mr. Anson transitioned from his successful corporate career to become a dedicated educator at the Northern Academy. Recognizing the critical importance of guiding students in identifying the right career goals and paths during their college applications, he established the "CareerVenture Lab", a pioneering college-level program. This internationally acclaimed project-based learning initiative encompasses a comprehensive curriculum, including entrepreneurship, programming, marketing, web design, accounting, and more.
Mr. Anson earned his B.E. in Automation from Shanghai University, China, in 1995, followed by an MBA from the University of Sunshine Coast, Australia, in 2005. His commitment to excellence in both industry and academia reflects a dynamic journey driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a desire to empower the next generation of professionals.
Journey to Smash Champs
Dr. Tim Sun has been with Northern Academy of the Arts since its inception and currently serves as the high school principal. Before joining Northern Academy, Dr. Sun worked as an automotive engineer at General Motors, where he applied his expertise in electrical engineering.
An avid badminton player, Dr. Sun was an active member of badminton clubs in Michigan and New Jersey. His passion for the sport inspired him to start the badminton program at Northern Academy. As a coach, he is dedicated to helping students enhance their skills through engaging activities like fun skill games and tournaments, fostering both growth and enjoyment in the sport.
Dr. Sun holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a doctoral degree in Education. His unique blend of technical expertise and educational leadership fuels his dedication to cultivating well-rounded students and fostering a culture of excellence in both academics and athletics.
Classical Trio: Acting, Singing and Performing
Vivian Liu is a highly accomplished music educator and Pipa virtuoso with a Master’s in Music Education from Boston University. At Northern Academy of the Arts, she has transformed music education through her innovative teaching methods, delivering exceptional instruction in Pipa performance, ensemble music, music theory, ear training, and music creativity through technology. Her engaging and tailored approach inspires students to achieve excellence in both technical mastery and creative expression.
Vivian’s achievements extend beyond the classroom, where she has successfully organized major events such as graduation concerts, annual recitals, and cultural celebrations like the Chinese Moon Festival. Her ability to blend traditional Chinese music with modern educational tools has earned widespread recognition, cultivating a dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore their full musical potential.
Our mission is to nurture students to become well-educated individuals of exemplary moral character. To this end, we provide a rigorous college preparatory and classical arts education steeped in the traditional values of the West and the East.
We are accredited by the Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Institutions of the Middle States Association.
