Andrew So is a dedicated educator and mentor whose diverse experiences have shaped his unique approach to teaching. As a bilingual (Cantonese) instructor at the Center for Caregiver Advancement (CCA), he brings a natural flair for teaching to his in-home caregiver training courses. Andrew feels that he is enriching the lives of his students through education and personal connection.
Transitioning from Entrepreneur and Music Teacher to Caregiving Teacher
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew moved to Los Angeles for his studies. He spent eight years there before returning to Hong Kong. He later married and worked in his home city. He even started his own business — a café offering specialty coffees. However, he and his wife decided to raise their family in the United States, settling there after briefly considering Canada.
With a degree in music composition, Andrew has a strong background in the arts. He has taught music extensively. He transitioned into providing training for in-home caregivers at CCA through a mixture of luck and personal experience. A friend told him to consider applying to CCA because of his role as an in-home caregiver for his grandfather, who had dementia. This firsthand exposure to caregiving fueled Andrew’s interest in learning more about the field. He now finds great fulfillment in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to care for others effectively.
“I see that I am having an impact on my students and on the care consumers they serve.”
Andrew has discovered that teaching, regardless of the subject, is his true calling. Whether he is mentoring college students in music, training people in coffee brewing, or educating caregivers, Andrew finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge. Today, he teaches in-home caregiving courses to Cantonese-speaking students at CCA. He also conducts coffee brewing workshops for at-risk youth, providing them with practical skills and a constructive outlet.
Teaching Caregiver Students of All Levels Has Challenges and Rewards
For Andrew, the most rewarding aspect of teaching caregiving is witnessing the impact it has on his students. He often receives messages of gratitude from graduates who have successfully applied his teachings in their caregiving roles. The heartfelt messages he receives, especially during Chinese New Year, affirm the value of his work. He takes pride in knowing that he is helping caregivers provide compassionate and competent care, particularly for individuals with dementia.
“In-home caregivers are not very highly paid workers, but they are people with good hearts. I am very touched by my students, and I’m grateful for the connections I form with them.”
Teaching Cantonese-speaking students at CCA comes with its challenges, due to the wide disparity in educational backgrounds among his students. Some students have advanced degrees, while others struggle with basic literacy and technical skills. Andrew addresses this challenge by taking a step-by-step approach in his classes. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, become proficient in digital learning technology by the end of a 6-8-week course.
Andrew has developed a deep appreciation for the emotional connections he forms with his students. Although he considers himself an unsentimental person, he finds the compassion and care that his students bring to their work very moving. Reflecting on his own caregiving journey, he wishes he had received the type of training that CCA provides, which would have better equipped him to care for his grandfather.
CCA Training Offers Value, Resources, and a Community of Supportive Caregivers
In addition to CCA’s caregiving courses for the elderly, Andrew highlights CCA’s unique offering of courses on autism and spectrum disorder care. He sees these as invaluable resources for parents and caregivers alike. Beyond providing essential caregiving knowledge, CCA classes also serve as a support network, where caregivers can share their experiences and challenges in a safe environment. The sense of community fostered in these classes helps caregivers navigate the emotional and physical demands of their work.
With a deep commitment to education and caregiving, Andrew So continues to inspire and empower his students at CCA. His journey — from being a music educator and café owner to caregiver instructor — reflects his adaptability and passion for teaching. Whether he is guiding students in caregiving, or mentoring youth in coffee brewing, Andrew’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, changing lives one lesson at a time.
Andrew So was recently recognized by CCA leadership for his teaching contributions to the CCA training programs, with a promotion to Lead Instructor.
