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 from the University of St Andrews with a Human Biology degree and from King’s College London with a PGCE in Secondary Science Education. I am currently studying at the Institute of Education, University College London, for a Masters in Applied Educational Leadership.

I believe the beating heart of SSIS is the academic development of its students in an inclusive and supportive environment. Our students learn powerful knowledge which they can use to explore, nurture, and develop their talent, passion and interests. As well as academic excellence, SSIS students develop behaviours for character, so that they become informed citizens and leaders on the global stage.

I am looking forward to supporting the whole SSIS community as we work together to deliver outstanding student outcomes.

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 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 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. 

Growing up in South Africa I was exposed to a melting pot of different cultures including Southeast Asia. From a very young age I was eager to explore and communicate with a plethora of individuals from all walks of life. This desire motivated me to obtain an Honors in Marketing Communications from the University of Johannesburg. Once I completed my degree, I set sail to Taiwan where I taught for 4 years. After teaching in Taiwan, I moved to South Korea where I taught for another 2 years and dove deep into language immersion. Once my journey was finished in South Korea, I moved to Beijing where I studied Mandarin part-time for 3 years and completed my HSK 6. Upon completing my HSK 6, I have been determined to utilize my unique skills to the fullest by passionately working in Education Management and consulting for the past 9 years throughout China.

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.

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.  

My name is Joseph ATTYA and I will be joining SSIS in the upcoming academic year as the Director of Sports and Activities. I hold a Bachelor of Education Degree in Physical Education and have had quite a few years of teaching experience in Canada before I started my journey working internationally 8 years ago.
I’ve spent the last five years in Guangzhou where I am currently working as a Director of Athletics and Sports Academies in an international school. I look forward to being part of the SSIS community and contributing to the growth of the Athletics and After School Programmes.
Go Sabres!