Sean’s love for chess began at the age of six, when his grandfather first set up a board and patiently taught him how the pieces moved. He played casually throughout childhood, but it was during his college years—at the Marshall Chess Club and the Chess Forum—that his passion for the game was truly reignited. Around the same time, Sean regularly volunteered at his mother’s preschool, where he discovered how much he enjoyed working with children. Combining his enthusiasm for chess with his experience in early childhood education, Sean found his calling as a chess instructor.
In the classroom, Sean prioritizes keeping students engaged and helping them develop a genuine passion for the game—something he believes is essential for real learning. His teaching style is pragmatic and accessible, guiding students to look for good moves in each position and to think critically about the game. Across all phases—opening, middlegame, and endgame—he encourages students to improve their position, generate ideas, and anticipate their opponent’s plans.