ABOUT US
Inspired by their own after-school chess experiences growing up, Stanley Wong and Henry Lien created Checkmate Academy to share the joy of chess and inspire the next generation of thinkers.
Our Mission
At Checkmate Academy, we believe that everyone should have access to the benefits of chess. That's why we strive to make our programs and camps accessible to all members of our community.
Meet The Directors
Stanley Wong
Executive Director
Born in Shanghai, China but raised in Marin County, Stanley was first introduced to the world of Chess in an after-school Chess program at Reed School and Bel Aire in Tiburon. Stanley has won consecutive championships in Marin County and was Ranked Top 10 in Northern California.
Stanley is passionate about teaching and believes in making chess accessible to students of all backgrounds. Co-founding Checkmate Academy allowed him to combine his love for the game with his desire to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers. Outside of chess, Stanley enjoys eating out, spending time with his dog, and working on his virtual reality startup.
Henry Lien
Advisor
Henry Lien was born and raised in Mill Valley, Marin County. He discovered his love for chess at the age of six and quickly became a top competitor, winning the CalChess Scholastic State Championship and excelling in regional tournaments. In 2023, he was honored with the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award for his contributions to chess education.
Before Checkmate Academy, Henry founded ChessPals, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to chess for children. Under his leadership, ChessPals grew to 10 chapters nationwide, reaching thousands of students. Currently a student at Stanford University, Henry continues to promote chess education and its lifelong benefits.
Henry Xiao
Director of Operations
Henry Xiao began playing competitive chess in 6th grade and quickly developed a passion for the game. By his freshman year of high school, he launched his own chess class at the local Chinese school, where he inspired a new generation of players. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he adapted to the times by continuing his teaching via Zoom, ensuring that his students stayed engaged and progressed despite the challenges.
Currently serving as the Director of Operations at Checkmate Academy, Henry takes pride in nurturing students' ability to think strategically and solve problems creatively through chess. His efforts have helped students discover the game's potential to shape their approach to challenges both on and off the board. Outside of chess, Henry is an avid reader who enjoys exploring new experiences .
Sophia Ramirez
Regional Director of San Diego
Born and raised in Germany, Sophia later moved to San Diego to study Robotics Engineering. She was first introduced to chess through her high school chess club and became involved with Checkmate Academy through her growing interest in education, community building, and student development.
Sophia is passionate about connecting schools with programs that create meaningful and accessible learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds. At Checkmate Academy, she focuses on building strong, lasting relationships with school communities and ensuring programs have a meaningful and lasting impact. She is especially motivated by seeing how educational enrichment can foster critical thinking, confidence, and curiosity in students, both in and out of the classroom and beyond.
Ashley Pang
Regional Director of Southern Bay Area
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Ashley Pang discovered her passion for chess through an after-school program and quickly advanced in competitive play. She has competed in local, national, and international tournaments, earning the title of Woman Candidate Master and ranking among the top female players in the United States. Her achievements include winning the CalChess Women’s State Championship and representing Team USA at the World Cadets Championship.
Ashley is committed to expanding access to chess, especially for girls and underserved communities. She has worked as a coach and organizer, helping students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Currently a student at Stanford University, she enjoys running and creating art pieces.
Jacob Schneiderman
Regional Director of Oregon
Jacob Schneiderman is a dedicated leader in the chess community, currently serving as President of the University of Oregon Chess Club and Regional Director for Checkmate Academy. With a deep-rooted passion for the game, he has been instrumental in expanding chess education throughout the Eugene area.
As a student at the University of Oregon, Jacob balances his academic studies in business and marketing with a mission to make chess accessible to the next generation. He is committed to fostering critical thinking and strategic skills, managing a team of instructors to deliver high-quality after-school chess programs. Outside his role, Jacob follows football and explores data science and entrepreneurship.
Leesean Joseph
Regional Director of Massachusetts
Leesean Joseph was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, by his mother and grandmother who immigrated from St. Lucia. He started playing competitive chess in 4th grade and has continued ever since. Chess introduced him to some of his closest friends and allowed him to travel across the country to compete in national tournaments. He founded his high school chess club and discovered a passion for teaching along the way.
Currently a senior at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and president of the chess club there, Leesean attributes many of his accomplishments to the game of chess. This inspired him to co-found Checkmate Academy, aiming to teach students from all backgrounds the lessons chess offers, which are essential for navigating both academic and personal life. Outside of chess, he enjoys basketball, weight-lifting, and spending time with family.