Math Teacher
Brian J. Gross, PhD
Brian J. Gross, PhD – Expert in Mathematics, Statistics and Economics
Dr. Brian J. Gross is a dedicated educator with extensive experience teaching economics, statistics, and mathematics at the university level. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural & Resource Economics from UC Berkeley and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia.
Currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at Willamette University, Dr. Gross teaches courses in statistics, econometrics, energy and climate change, environmental economics, and economic law. His previous roles include faculty positions at Whittier College and instructional leadership for executive training programs in revenue analytics and price optimization. He has also taught internationally, including in Shanghai, China.
With a passion for student success, Dr. Gross offers tutoring in mathematics (Calculus, Algebra, Statistics, and more) and economics. His expertise spans AP, IB, and college-level coursework, and he is committed to helping students excel in their academic and professional journeys.
Chinese Teacher/Director
Xi Liu, PhD
Xi (Cici) Liu – Chinese Teen Program Director & Teacher
Dr. Xi (Cici) Liu is the Director and a teacher at Worldplus Chinese Learning Program. A native Chinese speaker with deep knowledge of both Chinese and Western cultures, she holds a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in Psychology from Wesleyan University.
With six years of college teaching experience, she was voted "Teacher of Excellence" based on student evaluations. She has also taught math, Chinese, and college application prep. Xi follows Confucius’ philosophy of 因材施教 ("teaching according to the student's ability"), tailoring lessons to each student’s needs and inspiring intrinsic motivation to learn Chinese.
At Worldplus, Xi teaches Intermediate Chinese (pre-AP) for middle schoolers and leads test prep for AP Chinese, STAMP, and HSK. An avid language learner herself, she understands the challenges and rewards of mastering a new language.
Chinese Teacher
Fang Sheehan
Fang Sheehan – Chinese Program Director & Teacher
Fang has over 10 years of experience teaching Chinese and is the founder of Worldplus Education and Cultural Exchange. A Sichuan University graduate in database management, she has pursued early childhood education since 2007. She taught at local Chinese immersion schools before starting her own program, dedicated to promoting Chinese language and culture.
Fang specializes in engaging, interactive teaching methods, tailoring lessons to each student’s needs. Well-loved by students and parents, she fosters inspiration and encouragement in learning.
Beyond teaching, Fang enjoys ancient Chinese philosophy, space science, ecology, and psychology. She loves traveling, gardening, and sustainable living, always seeking to connect cultures and nurture young minds.
Chinese Teacher
Jing Liu
Jing Liu – Chinese Teacher
Jing holds a Bachelor of Medicine from Xi’an Jiao Tong University and a Master’s in Clinical Medicine, specializing in diabetes treatment. She gained medical experience at Peking University Shougang Hospital and Beijing Anzhen Hospital before moving to the U.S. to focus on family.
A native Chinese speaker with teaching experience in the U.S., Jing is passionate about making Chinese fun and accessible through games, songs, and cultural activities. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chinese history, literature, and art.
In her free time, Jing loves reading Chinese literature, playing tennis, and traveling. She is excited to help students achieve their language-learning goals!
Chinese Teacher
Cuiwei Zhao
Cuiwei Zhao – Chinese Teacher
Cuiwei graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Chemistry from Beijing University of Science and Technology and later earned a master’s degree in Computer Science from OGI after moving to the U.S. in 1998. She has worked in IT since 1999 while also tutoring math and Chinese to elementary and middle school students at a Sunday Chinese school.
Although not a professional teacher, she has always been passionate about education, having served as a teacher’s assistant during her school years. Despite her background in science and technology, she has a deep love for literature and history. She enjoys reading, writing, and engaging with children, hoping to share knowledge, inspire learning, and bring joy to her students.
Chinese Teacher
Hui Xu
Hui Xu – Chinese Teacher
Hui holds a Master’s in Wireless Communication from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and worked as an Engineer and Project Manager for eight years before moving to the U.S. in 2016.
As a mother of two bilingual children, she is passionate about teaching Chinese and sharing culture at home and in the community. She has hands-on experience helping children learn Chinese reading and writing while adapting to English, making language learning engaging and effective.
Hui loves working with kids, nurturing their curiosity, and patiently guiding them in mastering a second language. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and playing board games with her children.