It is with great excitement and pleasure that I joined SSIS in 2020. In 1989 I received my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and in 1998 my master’s degree from the University of Bath (UK) in International Education. In 2019, I was awarded a fellowship from Columbia University Teachers’ College (USA) for heads of schools to work collaboratively on perspectives in international education. Over the last thirty years I have worked in international schools in the Middle East, Africa, UK and Italy. Most recently I was the Head of School at ICS Milan, and before that I was the Head of School at the International School in Genoa. I served as the Principal at the American School of Milan and Head of Mathematics at the International School of Tanganyika and The Amman Baccalaureate School. I have experience with the Advanced and Ordinary Levels, IGCSE, APs and SATs and the IB. My most extensive experience is in IB schools, and I introduced one or more of the IB programmes into several of the schools in which I served as an educational leader. I also worked at the International Baccalaureate Organization in Cardiff as the Subject Area Manager responsible for the curriculum and assessment of Mathematics and Computer Science. For the past nine years, I organized and hosted Education Across Frontiers, staff development workshops focused on coaching, inclusion and Adaptive School, which were attended by over 800 educators and school leaders from more than 50 countries. I met my wife, Elizabeth, who is also an educator, while working at the American School in Milan. We have two children, Tarik James (age 11) and Zayne Edward (age 6). Both boys were born in Italy and are true representatives of multicultural children. As an international educator, my dedication and passion have focused on inclusion and differentiation of instruction to ensure that all students and teachers are successful and building a truly united school community where the students are at the centre of all that we do.

I joined SSIS in 2020. I graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA with a Masters in Educational Leadership. I have spent the last 22 years as an international educator in Italy, where I met my husband, Samer Khoury, and where our two children Tarik and Zayne, were born. My background is in elementary education, and I began my career as a teacher of fifth and sixth grades in Richmond, Virginia, USA. At the American School in Milan, I served as the Middle School Principal for five years and then Elementary School Principal for three years. I also have experience as a Director of Teaching and Learning and most recently I worked as an Instructional Coach for grades Nursery through Grade 12 at the International School in Genova, Italy.

I am thrilled to join SSIS in August 2025 as the Elementary Principal. With over a decade of leadership experience and nearly 30 years in international education, I am eager to bring my passion for learner-centered and inquiry-based learning to the SSIS community. I have a BS in Elementary Education from Ball State University and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey. I recently completed the Certification in School Management and Leadership with Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. My journey began at the American International School of Budapest, where I spent over 20 years as a teacher and administrator. I later served as the founding Elementary Principal of a start-up school in South Korea, where I helped build its curriculum and programs from the ground up. Most recently, I have been proud to lead the elementary division at the Pan American School of Bahia in Brazil. As Elementary Principal, I remain committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive. I firmly believe in the power of inquiry-based learning to ignite curiosity, empower students, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

I joined SSIS in 2024 as the Elementary Assistant Principal. I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor's degree in psychology. I also hold a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction and a Doctorate in School Improvement. Long before moving to Suzhou in August 2024, I taught Kindergarten in the U.S.A., China Taiwan, and Panama. I also have gained experience while teaching upper elementary students in Kazakhstan. As a teacher, I believe learning should be fun!

My experiences beyond the classroom have been invaluable. As a literacy coach, ESL coordinator, Assistant Principal, and Instructional Facilitator, I have learned alongside some of the most dedicated and passionate educators. These experiences have been a source of inspiration for me and have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I am passionate about empowering students to become inspired and curious learners. It is an honor to be a part of the SSIS community and contribute to shaping a bright future for our students.

I joined SSIS in 2024. I am an international educator from Canada. I am a dedicated, caring, and student-centered professional with 16 years of experience in international education. During this time, I have had the privilege of building school cultures focused on positive relationships, social-emotional well-being, inquiry, and service. This culture is achieved through a shared vision of inclusive education centered on collaboration with students, teachers, and parents - we are better when we work together.

My previous international experience includes positions at the American International School of Kuwait (Grade 4, PYP Coordinator, Math Coach), and Esbjerg International School, Denmark (Grade 4, PYP Coordinator, Head of Primary, Head of School). I hold a B.PE from Acadia University, a B.Ed from the University of Windsor, Principal Certification from PTC, and I am currently completing an M.Ed in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Toronto.

I am thrilled to join SSIS in August 2025 as the Secondary Assistant Principal, marking my 20th year as an educator. I began my career in the United Kingdom as a music teacher after receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Performing Arts from York St John University and my teaching qualification, PGCE in Music, from Leeds University.

In 2012, I moved overseas with teaching and leadership positions in Bermuda and, most recently, Singapore. I am a proud advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive education and have dedicated many years to my own professional learning as well as leading professional development for other teachers and administrators in these areas.

I am very excited to join the SSIS community!

I joined SSIS in 2022. I have been working in schools around the world for the past 28 years. I began my career in the United States as a Special Education teacher after receiving my Masters in Education from the University of Southern Maine. After many years in Special Education, I took on my doctoral studies in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University. Combining these fields, I have worked as a teacher and school leader in schools in Costa Rica, India, and China since 2003. I have taught in the IB Diploma Programme, with many years teaching Theory of Knowledge. I am joining SSIS after 5 years as part of the leadership team at EtonHouse International School, Suzhou. I am very excited to be part of the wonderful team of educators here at SSIS.