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
Accountant
China
Degree
B.Mgt., South China Business College Guangdong University of Foreign Studies,China

Melody Chen
Purchasing Assistant
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 Manager
China
Degree
M.Com., University of Queensland, Australia
B.Ec., University of Queensland, Australia

Joy Xu
Administration Specialist
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 Specialist
China
Educational Experience
9 Years
Degree
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

Tina Cooper
Student Support Coordinator
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
Early Years 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.

Andrid Petersen
Grade 1 Teacher
South Africa
Years of Educational Experience
7 Years
Degree
M.Ed., Liverpool John Moores University, United Kindom
B.A., Cape Peninsula University of technology, South Africa
Previous School
Taicang Kaixin Kindergarten, China
Fun Fact
I have traveled to 9 countries. I love exploring new cultures and experiencing different ways of life around the world.
Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is centered around creating a supportive and safe environment for students to be themselves, fostering hands-on learning experiences, and promoting effective communication. I stress the significance of integrating creativity and critical thinking into the educational journey.

Gustavo Maglioni
Grade 3 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.

Thomas Leigh
Middle School Humanities 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.

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.

Wanqi Li
Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
3 Years
Degree
B.A., Beijing Normal University - Hong Kong Baptist University UIC, China
Fun Fact
I'm a big fan of regimen.
Philosophy
Teaching and inspiring young minds to become independent learners and active thinkers.

Estelle Chen
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.

Ceiba Wu
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.

Cindy Zhang
Teaching Assistant
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.

Melanie Williams
Academic Coordinator / Grades 4 & 5 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.

Odette Paulsen
Kindergarten Teacher
South Africa
Years of Educational Experience
10 Years
Degree
M.Ed., North West University, South Africa
B.Ed., North West University, South Africa
Previous School
BASIS Bilingual School Shenzhen, China
Fun Fact
My favorite book is Twilight written by Stephanie Meyer.
Philosophy
I focus on building close ties with kids and their families to make learning fun and positive. I aim to create a safe, happy space where all children feel important and get the help they need to grow. Through differentiated instruction and scaffolding, I ensure that each student's unique needs are met, fostering a love for learning and encouraging exploration and inquiry.

Aileen Alfeche
Grade 2 Teacher
Philippines
Years of Educational Experience
24 Years
Degree
M.Ed., Moreland University, USA
M.Ed., West Visayas State University, Philippines
B.A., West Visayas State University, Philippines
Previous School
Shekou International School, China
Fun Fact
Experiencing nature is important to me. When I was a child my favorite activity was camping.
Philosophy
I firmly believe that children are pure and eager to learn, and it brings me immense joy to guide them on their educational journeys. My goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of their unique needs or abilities, are empowered to reach their full potential.

Dwight McFarlane
Middle School STEM 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.

Winnie Lin
Chinese Teacher
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.

Amigo Yu
PE Teacher
China
Years of Educational Experience
12 Years
Degree
Level C Coach of Asian Football Confederation
Level D Coach of China Football Association
Level E Coach of China Athletics Association
Level E Coach of China Basketball Association
Fun Fact
I like to read books to develop my thinking skills, and I enjoy all kinds of sports.
Philosophy
Have fun and grow up together!

Jasmine Lin
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.

Ying Lin
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!

Alexis Guo
Teaching Assistant
China
Years of Educational Experience
8 Years
Degree
B.B.A, Nanchang Hangkong University, China
Fun Fact
I like cats so much.
Philosophy
Every child is unique and the best way for kids to learn is through play.