Executive Director & Volunteer Director – Dr. David Choe

Dr. David Choe has over 30 years of experience working at leading IT companies, including Samsung Telecommunications, T-Mobile, Adaptive Broadband, and Intelligent Monitoring Systems at the senior software engineer and director levels. He earned his PhD in Computer Engineering from New Mexico State University in 1992. His vast technical experience and leadership roles have honed his business acumen and strategic decision-making abilities. Dr. Choe has always had a passion for education, serving as the Vice President of the Dallas Korean School in 2007 and the Director of the New Song Children’s Choir in 2017. He founded Light and Salt Children’s Ministry, Inc. in 2018, bringing his passion for empowering the next generation of Americans to Light and Salt Academy.

​

Executive Assistant – Jinny Aum

Jinny Aum, a current teacher at the academy, has developed her administrative and educational expertise through years of experience in diverse roles. Her time at Kumon Math & Reading Center, her work in administrative roles within the Dallas Korea Baptist Theological Seminary, and her involvement with The Council of Korean Southern Baptist Churches in America have contributed significantly to her business acumen and understanding of the unique needs of our student demographic.

​

Development Director – Dr. Heewon Soh Azad

Dr. Heewon Soh Azad holds a doctorate in international education, bringing critical insights into global educational systems and the unique challenges faced by our refugee students. Additionally, she brings over 20 years of experience in finance, real estate, and non-profit management to our team. As CFO of ZAD Design and Manufacturing for 15 years, her strategic planning and financial analysis skills were instrumental in the company's growth. Her experience as a commercial real estate agent further refined her ability to navigate complex transactions. Dr. Azad is also a founding member of Light and Salt Academy, her passion for education serving as a guiding force in implementing impactful programs for underserved communities.

​

Program Director – Yeonsook Choe

Yeonsook Choe supports program development at Light and Salt Academy by helping design educational initiatives that promote academic growth, practical life skills, healthy lifestyles, and student well-being. Her work includes developing Career and College Readiness (CCR), AI-assisted learning, Accelerated Reading (AR), financial literacy, student growth assessment, nutrition education, family wellness programs, and reading and writing summer camps. She earned a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from New Mexico State University in 1991 and previously served as a nutritionist with the New Mexico Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.

 

Director of Music Education – Hee Sun Kim

Hee Sun Kim serves as the Director of Music Education at Light and Salt Academy, where she helps develop music programs that foster creativity, discipline, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She is committed to providing students with a strong musical foundation through individualized instruction, performance opportunities, and age-appropriate music education. She has taught piano for more than 30 years, guiding students as they participate in music competitions and festivals. Through these experiences, she encourages them to strengthen their technical skills, deepen their understanding of music, and grow both artistically and personally. She also organizes annual concerts to support missionaries and mission organizations. For the past 10 years, she has served as the pianist of the Parakaleo Trio, which was founded with this mission. In addition, she serves as an accompanist at Dallas Hanuri Church, the Dallas Master Chorale, and Killian Middle School. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas.

​

Director, Light and Salt Children’s Choir – Kowoon Kim

Kowoon Kim is an accomplished soprano and serves as the Choir Director at Light and Salt Academy. She leads the Light and Salt Children’s Choir and prepares students for concerts and special performances while fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love of music. With more than 20 years of experience in choral and vocal instruction, Director Kim teaches age-appropriate vocal techniques, healthy singing habits, music theory, rhythm, pitch, harmony, ear training, musical expression, and stage presence. Through group instruction and individualized guidance, she helps students build musical knowledge and become confident, expressive performers. As an active soloist and conductor, she has performed in numerous opera productions and directed a variety of choral ensembles. Director Kim holds Texas Education Agency Statements of Eligibility in Music for Early Childhood through Grade 12 and Special Education for Early Childhood through Grade 12. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas.

 

HR & Finance Director – Joshua Choe

Joshua Choe supports Light and Salt Academy by developing organizational policies, coordinating staff and volunteers, assisting with budgeting and financial recordkeeping, tracking income, donations, and program fees, preparing financial reports, and helping ensure that nonprofit funds are managed responsibly. His leadership and management experience, along with his successful oversight of high-budget research projects, makes him a valuable asset in maintaining the organization’s financial health and supporting the well-being of its staff and volunteers. Joshua is currently a PhD student in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program at Harvard Medical School.