Core Leadership Team

I have been an educator for almost 30 years. For the last 15 years I have held leadership roles in international schools in Hong Kong SAR and Beijing. My goal is to help develop the unique character of SSIS students through education. This is the character they will spend their lifetime sharpening and developing so that they make their own positive contribution to our global community. 

I feel privileged to be Head of SSIS. My alignment with the school’s philosophy, values and mission is the reason I have joined SSIS. To truly make a difference in a global school community is a unique gift. This journey is something I look forward to celebrating with the wider school community, as together we support our future leaders, creators and thinkers.

I have been an educator since I stumbled into teaching in the year 2000. Over time, I realised that teaching is my passion and calling. I started my teaching career in a Secondary School in Singapore, specializing in English and Mathematics.

The opportunity to start my own learning centres to help students achieve and maximise their potential allowed me to develop skills to differentiate, customise learning and tap into technology to enhance the overall learning results.

After two decades in this profession, I am still on my journey to learn and I yearn to expand my horizons with a growth mindset.

I graduated with a degree in Human Biology from the University of St Andrews and holds a PGCE in Secondary Science Education from King’s College London. Furthering my expertise, I studied Applied Educational Leadership at the Institute of Education, University College London.

I firmly believe that the heart of SSIS lies in the academic development of its students within an inclusive and supportive environment. I am passionate about empowering students with powerful knowledge, enabling them to explore, nurture, and develop their talents, passions, and interests. Beyond academic excellence, I am dedicated to fostering behaviours that build character, preparing students to become informed citizens and leaders on the global stage.

As Senior School Principal, I am committed to supporting the entire SSIS community, working collaboratively to deliver outstanding student outcomes and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

I am from New Zealand and joined SSIS since 2015. I believe that students are an important part of our future and should have the opportunity to develop holistically so that they can reach their full potential. It is important that students develop and learn in a caring and nurturing environment.

Before entering the field of education, I was a professional basketball player for eleven years. This taught me how to work effectively in a team. Competing in two Olympic Games (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004) are my greatest achievements.

I believe that, as educators, we have a duty to not only develop students academically but also to instil in them social and emotional attributes which will better prepare them for an ever-changing world.

I have been working in international education for over twelve years. I have previously worked as an IB School Principal, Academic Manager, Year Level Leader and teacher. I am an Iranian American and I was raised in the United States where I obtained my Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Technology.

Working with young children has made me a strong advocate of play-based and inquiry-based learning. I strive to cultivate a learning environment that fosters creativity and academic excellence; one that equips our young learners with the confidence, knowledge and skills to become resourceful, independent and caring problem-solvers.

I have 30 years of teaching English across different continents; starting in London, then Africa -Europe - The Middle East and finally China. Traveling and teaching abroad has made me an open-minded and global citizen who embraces new cultures. I hold a Bachelor of Paedagogie degree majoring in English and Human Movement Studies, an Honors degree in English & Educational Management and Qualified Teacher Status. In my various roles as teacher of English, Head of Department, Head of Grade, Head of Pastoral, IGCSE Coordinator and Assistant Principal, I believe that ‘Every Child Matters’. I am passionate about nurturing holistic students who drive both their academic and personal goals and who understand that 'Knowledge is Power'. Finally, I love to travel and make precious memories with my beloved son, Alexander, and I am so happy and proud to work at SSIS; my home-away-from-home.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education, Georgia State University

I am from the USA and have 15 years of experience in education. In my previous roles, I served as a teacher, literacy coach, and Assistant Principal. I believe that education should be a transformative and inclusive experience.

Throughout my career, I have empowered students to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners. To be successful in today’s world, children must possess not only the necessary knowledge and skills, but they should also be inspired to self-initiate independent learning beyond the classroom.

As I transition to support the Primary School division at SSIS as Assistant Principal, I am excited to help foster a nurturing environment where students can develop their passion for learning. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, exploring diverse cultures, and staying active by playing tennis and snow skiing with my family.

I have been an educator in international schools and local schools for more than 27 years. My various roles were: teacher, department head, deputy principal and curriculum director. I like learning advanced teaching methods and school management.

I mainly focus on the following: curriculum planning and setting, effective teaching and learning strategies, the achievement of students' comprehensive abilities, cultural immersion and the improvement of cultural literacy, and teachers’ professional development.

At SSIS we plan and design high-quality Chinese language and Chinese culture courses, and form a unique SSIS CLASS model. Having been in SSIS for more than 12 years, it has been an enriching journey. SSIS has broadened my horizons as an educator. I truly love my job and believe that learning is endless.

I am from Kyiv, Ukraine. My international education career started in 2002 and I quickly realized my passion for building solutions with technology. I have several years of corporate business experience in managing  ERP/WMS/BI/eLearning/web/consulting projects. From 2014 till 2018 I worked in Myanmar - what an adventure!

As much as I love work, learning and exploring, I enjoy good times with family and friends, gratefully cherishing every moment.

My hobbies are tinkering, fixing and building things, technology and Psychology. I’m happy to be a part of SSIS family!

I have studied cello (Suzuki) since age four, electric bass since 13, and double bass since 18. I have a wealth of musical experience as a performer, composer and educator. Arriving in Shanghai in 2005 initially to continue my performing career, I began teaching full-time in 2012, where I taught IB, GCSE, and key stage three music, as well as served as Head of the Department for three years.  
 
I have given workshops on teaching music as well as running a music department at international schools and have led several ensembles throughout my time at the above schools. As a strong believer that while external achievements are important, the musical process is its own reward. I like to keep students engaged in activities that lead them toward becoming lifelong lovers of music. I look forward to serving as the Director of Aesthetics at SSIS. 

I was born and raised in Mexico. I attended an international school and graduated as an IGCSE-IBDP alum. As a witness to the power of international education, I began my career as an international educator in South Korea, teaching primary and early years students as a classroom teacher for her first two years. I grew a passion for inclusive education and have spent the next six years working as a Learning Support Specialist and Counsellor. I have a strong focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create safe learning environments for all and connect well with international students as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) myself.  

Social skills and life skills are vital components for all students to manage through school life. I hope to collaborate with the SSIS community to enhance differentiated instructions and well-being throughout all divisions. Outside of school, I spend time doing pilates and yoga and enjoy downtown trips with her dog and traveling.  

This year (2024), I join SSIS after serving as the Head of PE at Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School in New Zealand, where I also held the roles of Dean of Internationals and Careers Guidance. Prior to my time in New Zealand, I taught at Shanghai American School PUXI for several years and previously at New Cairo British International School in Egypt. I’ve also taught in the UK. This will be my 23rd year of teaching.

I believe it is important that all students are given multiple opportunities to develop resilience, confidence, and self-efficacy, allowing them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our world.

In my spare time, I love being active through road cycling, running, and exploring the outdoors. I am also a keen supporter of Arsenal Football Club and anybody wearing black on the international stage (proud Kiwi)!

I am thrilled to join the SSIS family and be a part of the journey where students and the school can reach their full potential.