Mr. Mike & Ms. Erika
Hi. We are happy that you are here visiting our website.
Scroll down to learn a little bit more about our family.
For the past 20+ years, we have been living the nomadic life. We have lived in Venezuela, Honduras, Macau, Burkina Faso, China, Cambodia, and for the past 3 years, Dakar, Senegal. Along the way, we have met amazing people from all walks of life. We have been blessed beyond belief and are thankful for all the wonderful experiences we have shared as a family. Below you can learn a bit more about each of us.
Mike McCann
Mike is an experienced international educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience across seven international schools. Throughout his career, he has taught a variety of ages and subjects, including many years as a PYP primary homeroom teacher. Drawing on his lifelong passion for the arts and his experience as a professional photographer, Mike naturally brought his creative interests into the classroom as a primary visual arts teacher. This transition has allowed him to combine his love of art with his passion for teaching children and has become one of the most rewarding chapters of his career.
Mike brings creativity, enthusiasm, and a strong understanding of how children learn to his classroom. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to create a fun, welcoming, and engaging learning environment while maintaining clear expectations, structure, and positive classroom management. He takes pride in the strong relationships he builds with students, creating a classroom where children feel valued, supported, and excited to learn.
Beyond the classroom, Mike is an active contributor to the school community. He has led after-school art activities, organized student art exhibitions, mentored colleagues, and contributed his photography skills to school events and publications. An enthusiastic musician and songwriter, he also enjoys bringing people together through music, including organizing and hosting community open mic events.
Mike believes that meaningful relationships, creativity, and a sense of humor are essential ingredients for successful learning.
Conor McCann
Our son Conor is a 3rd year student at the University of Hong Kong. He is studying biology and loves gaming, music and sports.
Erika Huayanca
Erika is a passionate and dedicated Early Years educator with more than 20 years of international teaching experience. Originally from Peru, she brings warmth, enthusiasm, creativity, and a wealth of experience to her classroom. She is known for creating nurturing, engaging, and well-organized learning environments where young children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
Erika's journey into education began at a small international school in Venezuela, where she worked as a business manager after earning her degree in accounting. It was there that she discovered her passion for education and met her husband, Mike. She later earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, beginning a rewarding career working with young learners in international schools around the world.
Throughout her career, Erika has developed a strong understanding of early childhood development and the importance of play, inquiry, and meaningful relationships in children's learning. She has also taken on leadership responsibilities as a team facilitator, supporting collaboration, curriculum planning, and the professional growth of her colleagues.
Outside the classroom, Erika enjoys cooking, gardening, dancing, and traveling. Proud of her Peruvian heritage, she loves sharing her culture and traditions with others, especially through food!
Erika believes that patience, kindness, consistency, and a genuine love of children are the foundations of a successful Early Years classroom.
