Matthew is from a small town in New Zealand. He has taught English for more than seven years in Tokyo and Auckland. In his spare time he plays guitar (terribly), does cryptic crosswords, plays video games and likes to cook. He speaks decent Japanese and has started learning Portuguese. He took up surfing recently and totally sucks (but he might be getting better).

Matthew is co-founder of Poligo.

Johan has spent more than 10 years in Asia, primarily in China and Japan. He speaks both Japanese and Chinese, but considers himself more proficient in the former. He also likes to imagine that he can speak French and some German. He is trying to decide if he should focus on mastering one of the languages he already speaks, or if he should study a new one.

Johan originally hails from a university town in southern Sweden, but currently resides with his wife and young son in Taipei. He likes to read, spends too much time watching football, and wishes he got out more.

Kay Switzer is Poligo's Academic Director and is in charge of the accuracy of Poligo's content and work.

Kay is a registered teacher, with 20 years experience at school, polytechnic and university levels, including teaching English in Japan. Her qualifications include a bachelor's degree in business, a post-graduate diploma in applied linguistics and second language teaching, and a master's degree with first class honours in social policy.

Michael has a PhD from Harvard, and is an expert on Buddhism. For his work, he has had to learn (at least parts of) eight languages (and still counting). He likes poetry, running, movies, crosswords and making unattractive noises on the piano. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand, with his wife and two daughters.

Michael writes the Poligo group about poetry: Poetry (keeping it simple!).  It is about beautiful language in plain English.

Janine resides in Melbourne, Australia with her husband of four years and ten month old daughter, has taught English for the past five years in both Australia and Japan and loves all things creative. Such as a good book, intriguing movie or obscure song but in particular excellent food, wine and the pleasure of sharing these with friends. With a keen interest in environmental matters Janine is an avid gardener and is pro-active in reducing her environmental footprint in and around the home. She is one of Poligo's Editors.

Janine regularly writes for the Poligo groups Silver Screen (about movies) and Green Planet (about the environment).

Amanda is a psychosynthesis counsellor living in Wellington, New Zealand. She loves people, so she likes talking to them, and watching them grow and develop. She also likes to watch her garden and her children grow. She couldn't live without her yoga classes. Check out her website!

Amanda writes the Poligo group, Your Inner Self, about the fascinating world of our emotions, imaginings, thoughts and even intuitions to help us lead fuller, richer lives.