Administration

Bruce Ashton
Director
New Zealand
Years of Educational Experience
39 Years
Degree
M.Ed., The College of New Jersey, USA
PgDip (Learning and Behaviour)., Massey University, New Zealand
Advanced Teaching Diplomas., Auckland College of Education and University of Auckland, New Zealand
Fun Fact
I have worked in 10 different countries.
Philosophy
Invitational education focuses on creating a school environment that encourages everyone to reach their full potential. It takes into account the diverse and interconnected nature of schools and aims to make the school experience more enjoyable, fulfilling, and meaningful for everyone involved.

Jazlyn Cai
Finance Manager
China
Degree
B.Mgt., South China Business College Guangdong University of Foreign Studies,China

Melody Chen
Purchasing Specialist
China
Degree
B.Mgt., Shantou University, China
B.A., Shantou University, China

Yanki Zhang
Admissions Assistant
China
Degree
B.A., Shenzhen University, China

Catherine Lin
Operations & Government Affairs Director
China
Degree
M.Com., University of Queensland, Australia
B.Ec., University of Queensland, Australia

Joy Xu
Admin Coordinator
China
Degree
B.A., University of Sydney, Australia

Boying Chen
Marketing Assistant
China
Degree
M.A., Newcastle University, United Kindom
B.A., Guangzhou Xinhua University, China

Serena Zhang
Academic Coordinator
China
Educational Experience
9 Years
Degree
M.Ed., Shantou University, China
B.A. in English Hanshan Normal University, China
Fun Fact
The bravest thing I've ever done was travel alone around the United States by Amtrak when I was a Junior.
Philosophy
I see education as a lifelong journey, and I strive to instill a love for learning in my students. I encourage them to be curious, critical thinkers who embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth.
Faculty and Specialists

Melanie Williams
Academic Director / G4&5 Homeroom Teacher
South Africa
Years of Educational Experience
27 Years
Degree
H.D.E., Durban College of Education, South Africa
B.Ed., University of South Africa, South Africa
M.A., University of South Africa, South Africa
Fun Fact
Lived in South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.
Philosophy
I believe in teaching with compassion and purpose, fostering curiosity and resilience so that every learner can grow in confidence and make a positive impact in the world.

Dwight McFarlane
Cambridge Curriculum Coordinator / HS Physics & Maths Teacher
Jamaica
Years of Educational Experience
20 Years
Degree
M.Ed., University of the West Indie, Jamaica
B.Sc., University of the West Indie, Jamaica
Previous School
Guangdong Country Garden School, China
Fun Fact
I love science and carrying conducting experiments. I enjoy playing volleyball, boardgames, and writing.
Philosophy
I am quite passionate when it comes to working with youth people; I love to see them develop. In my classroom, students become engaged in their learning process. Every child is valued and is given the opportunity to get involved, which helps to develop confidence and critical thinking skills.

Julia Dawson
K/G1 Homeroom Teacher
Canada
Years of Educational Experience
17 Years
Degree
B.Ed., Vancouver Island University, Canada
B. A.,Vancouver Island University, Canada
Fun Fact
My husband and I have two sons who are excited to be part of our GTAIS school community as well!
Philosophy
Every student possesses a distinct constellation of strengths, and my role as an educator is to intentionally design differentiated learning environments that unearth and cultivate those unique gifts. By tailoring instruction, assessment, and classroom culture to honor individual pathways, I aim to empower each learner to flourish academically and personally in their own authentic way.
Craig James Emmerson
MS Humanities Teacher
United Kingdom
Years of Educational Experience
10 Years
Degree
BSc., University of Salford, UK
Fun Fact
Loves hands-on crafts and DIY projects, enjoys organizing community gatherings, and is passionate about exploring the unique narrative charm in board games, tabletop RPGs, and classic films.
Philosophy
Views learning as a journey of exploring the universe, rather than a simple process of repetition. He compares knowledge to independent islands in a vast ocean, believing the true purpose of education is to equip students with analytical tools and personal confidence, helping them chart exciting new paths to new horizons.

Thomas Leigh
HS English (EAL) & Global Perspective Teacher
United States
Years of Educational Experience
11 Years
Degree
M.A., University of Northern Lowa, USA
B.A., Louisiana State University, USA
Previous School
Beijing 21st Century School, China
Fun Fact
I've traveled to Germany and Kuwait.
Philosophy
Rigorous standards and a lively classroom.
Deborah Yu
High School Economics Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
Multiple Years
Degree
M.A., Aalto University, Finland
Fun Fact
An elite competition coach who has guided students to outstanding results in top international events such as the National Economics Challenge (NEC) and the International Economics Olympiad (IEO). Her student teams have won Regional Gold Awards (Top 1%) and advanced to the Global Finals.
Philosophy
Committed to expanding the academic potential of outstanding students and helping them build key financial literacy competencies for modern society.

Winnie Lin
Chinese Teacher (PreK–G5)
China
Years of Educational Experience
11 Years
Degree
B.A., Huashang College, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, China
Fun Fact
I recently studied Chinese classical dance for a year which fulfilled a wish I had when I was a child.
Philosophy
Helping students grow into passionate and life-long learners.

Vivian Shen
Music Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
5 Years
Degree
M.Ed., Monash University, Australia
B.F.A., Xinghai Conservatory of Music, China
Fun Fact
I taught my cat to shake a paw.
Philosophy
Education is not to be viewed as something like filling a vessel with water, but rather, assisting a flower to grow in its own way.

Ceiba Wu
EY Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
2 Years
Degree
B.F.A., Shenzhen university, China
Fun Fact
One of my cats can play Frisbee and stand on its hind legs, and the other can pretend to be shot and fall.
Philosophy
Soak children's hearts with love, let them grow in love.

Kitty Wu
G2&3 Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
2 Years
Degree
B.A., Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Business English
Fun Fact
I love playing the piano.
Philosophy
Study hard, play harder.

Ying Lin
MS Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
Degree
B.Mus., Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, United Kindom
M.Mus., Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, United Kindom
Fun Fact
I love butterflies!
Philosophy
Every student is a unique star, and I am committed to helping them grow and shine!

Hannah Huang
High School Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
2 Years
Degree
B.A., Shenzhen Technology University, China
Fun Fact
I enjoy long walks and yoga.
Philosophy
I firmly believe every student has the potential to grow.

Tina Cooper
Director of Student Support & Safeguarding
New Zealand
Years of Educational Experience
31 Years
Degree
Bachelor of Education, Auckland University, New Zealand
Fun Fact
I love experiencing new things and I have a great sense of humor (I love to laugh).
Philosophy
I'm a passionate educator with a strong commitment to creating inclusive and supportive Learning Environments.

Sarah Dimalibot
EY Homeroom Teacher
Philippines
Years of Educational Experience
11 Years
Degree
B.Ed., Assumption College, Philippines
Previous School
Assumption College, Philippines
Fun Fact
We have a dog at home. His name is Lucio, and he is 4 years old.
Philosophy
I am committed to creating a nurturing, safe environment for each child, fostering lifelong learning through collaboration between teachers and parents.

Gustavo Maglioni
G2&3 Homeroom Teacher
Colombia
Years of Educational Experience
10 Years
Degree
M.Ed., University of the People, US
B.Ed., Universidad del Valle, Colombia
Previous School
Rochester School, Colombia
Fun Fact
I root for Manchester City, and I love to collect vinyl records and football trading cards.
Philosophy
I strongly believe that every student can succeed regardless of their circumstances. As educators, it is our responsibility to guide them on their learning journey while appreciating their individual uniqueness.
Jason Ramos Ballesteros
MS STEM Teacher
Philippines
Years of Educational Experience
16 Years
Degree
BEd., Pangasinan State University, Philippines
Fun Fact
Specializes in integrating physics, chemistry, and robotics into engaging, high-tech classroom experiences.
Philosophy
Student-centered and rooted in inquiry-based learning. Encourages students to explore, question, and discover through collaborative hands-on experiments rather than relying on traditional rote memorization. Committed to creating an inclusive and encouraging learning environment where every child feels safe, respected, and inspired to fully unleash their academic potential.
Sun Fei
Pastoral Coordinator / High School Chemistry Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
10 Years+
Degree
B.S., Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China
M.S., Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China
Fun Fact
Actively guides outstanding students in participating in various internationally renowned competitions, such as the UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO), Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC), and HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
Philosophy
I firmly believe in a pragmatic approach to education — focusing not only on grades, but more importantly on cultivating strong critical thinking skills and independent learning habits that will benefit students long after graduation.
Helen Chen
High School Chinese Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
10 Years+
Degree
M.A., Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Fun Fact
Her classes are known for being lively and well-organized, viewing language learning as a bridge toward global citizenship and deep cross-cultural understanding.
Philosophy
Driven by patience, dedication, and care, her educational philosophy focuses on inspiring students' intrinsic motivation for learning and supporting them in steadily pursuing their personal ideals. As a homeroom teacher, she is committed to creating a safe, orderly, and caring classroom community environment.

Maggie Guo
Chinese Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
11 Years
Degree
B.Ed., Tianjin Normal University, China
M.Ed., Moreland University, US
Fun Fact
I successfully challenged myself to ride a roller coaster though I was so terrified.
Philosophy
I always have passion of my job due to developments of children and I also believe that every child is special and has own strengths.

Doris Chen
Art Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
3 Years
Degree
B.Ed., Guangdong Ocean University, China
Fun Fact
I enjoy creating handmade crafts to give to others.
Philosophy
Creativity and imagination of children are boundless. Their artwork allows us to have a glimpse into a vivid and surprising world.

Jasmine Lin
K/G1 Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
3 Years
Degree
B.A., in Business Guangdong Business and Technology University, China
Fun Fact
I enjoy learning Korean and Spainish, and watching documentaries.
Philosophy
Educators not only teach subjects but also support students' exploration of themselves, society, and the world, respecting and empowering them with creativity and diversity.

Estelle Chen
G4&5 Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
1 Years
Degree
B.FA., Guangzhou University, China
M.Mus., The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), China
Fun Fact
I like to study herbal medicine.
Philosophy
I hope my students can learn and grow in a happy atmosphere.

Cindy Zhang
HS Support & Lab Assistance
China
Years of Educational Experience
3 Years
Degree
B.A., Guangzhou college of Technology and Business, China
Fun Fact
I once worked as a laboratory technician at an international school.
Philosophy
I aspire to be a student-centered, inclusive, and supportive lifelong learner and collaborator.




