GET TO KNOW GESS – AY2025/26 New Staff

I’m from Liverpool, UK and I have a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from Liverpool John Moores University. I have been a Design and Technology teacher for 31 years in schools in England, Thailand and Singapore. I enjoy teaching students to be creative, problem solvers and most importantly, to find their passion. I have taught students from grades 6-12 throughout my career and led the teaching of IB Diploma Design Technology in previous careers. I’m excited to be part of GESS and look forward to knowing my students and colleagues.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a major in Language Arts, a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, and a Drama Education Certificate. I began my teaching career in Michigan, USA, spending five years teaching kindergarten through grade 3. I later joined Shanghai Community International School, working as a kindergarten and grade 2 homeroom teacher. In addition to my classroom roles, I taught after school activities in drama and dance and supported several performances as a choreographer and assistant director. After Shanghai, I joined the American International School in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where I initially taught Grade 2 for several years, then launched the primary performing arts drama and dance programme, becoming its first teacher. I transitioned to teaching high school drama and the DP Theatre programme. During my time in Riyadh, I directed multiple performances across both the primary and secondary divisions. My past year was spent teaching drama and dance to preschooler through grade 8 students at XCL American Academy in Singapore, directed grade 5–8 plays, created a Halloween dance showcase, and co-directed the Christmas Performing Arts showcase. I am passionate about inspiring creativity, collaboration, and confidence in students through the performing arts.

I have been teaching for more than twenty years, a rewarding journey that began with my participation in a volunteer programme in Eastern Europe just after university. From there, I went on to work in Greece and Japan. I gained qualifications in teaching English as an additional language, a postgraduate qualification in Education, as well as an MA in Applied Linguistics. I have worked in an international school setting in Singapore for the last 16 years, and am very familiar with the MYP curriculum.

I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in Business Studies before going on to Manchester University where I undertook my PGCE in Business Education. I taught for a few years in Blackburn, UK at a public school, then moved to Shanghai for eight years teaching both Business and Economics at two different international schools. I came to Singapore towards the end of COVID and have been working at the Canadian International School the past three years. I am also an examiner for the IB Business Paper 2 and International Assessment.

After finishing my studies at Bielefeld University in Germany, I completed my second state examination for teaching at primary schools. So far, I have worked at a primary school in Germany as a class teacher for grades 1-4, teaching subjects like German, Mathematics, General Studies, and Physical Education. In addition to classroom responsibilities, I have been involved in various projects focused on curriculum development. One of my greatest passions is integrating digital media into education, enabling students to develop independent learning skills in a dynamic and interactive way. I am thrilled to be part of the GESS community and look forward to connecting with staff and students at GESS!

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, I attended Coppin State College (now University) on a track and field scholarship. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Hunter College in NY City, Master’s Degree from Loyola College in Maryland, and Specialist and Doctoral Degrees from Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. I have earned my NCC (National
Certified Counsellor) and LPC (Licensed Professional Counsellor) certifications to better assist my students as they pursue next steps towards their future. My number one goal is to build positive relationships with GESS students. Let’s work together towards a great school year!

Born and raised in the South of France, I studied in Paris, pursuing a Master’s in International Education and Master’s in Social Studies, at Paris-Sorbonne and EHESS Paris. I was a teacher for History, Cinema and French at the Lycee Français de New York. Subsequently, I was a French teacher and coordinator of the French Section at United Nations School in NYC. My last stint before GESS was teaching French at XCL Singapore.

I am delighted to return to GESS as Head of Physical and Outdoor Education. From 2018 to 2021, my wife and I proudly called this community our home, during which I led the Physical Education Department, supporting the transition to this Dairy Farm Campus and guiding the team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I bring over 25 years of teaching experience as a Physical and Health Educator, Athletics Director and Head of Sports. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Physical Education and a Postgraduate Degree in Education. Throughout my career, I have been committed to designing inclusive, engaging programmes that promote student participation, wellbeing and a lifelong love of movement and healthy living. My teaching and leadership journey has taken me across the globe, counting Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia and now back to Singapore again. This international experience has shaped a culturally responsive, student-centred approach rooted in thoughtful planning, collaboration, and respect for diversity. I was a professional and semi-professional footballer for over 13 years, playing in the national leagues of Argentina and Brazil. I have also led football development workshops for teachers and coaches in Tokyo, Beijing and Tianjin. I continue to bring the values of discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork and resilience from the pitch into my teaching.

I began my career in Queensland, Australia and later moved to West Vancouver, Canada where I was a teacher, IB coordinator and eventually principal of Mulgrave School, ranked number one in the province under my guidance. I also spent two years in the British Virgin Islands, where I led Cedar International School through IB accreditation. More recently, I was an MYP teacher at the Canadian International School in Singapore. I completed my initial teacher training in Queensland, Australia and completed a degree in British Columbia, Canada, majoring in Counselling, Psychology and English. Of my over 36 years of experience, 14 were in teaching MYP Language & Literature and Individuals & Societies.

I am an experienced educator specialising in Math and STEM instruction for diverse student populations. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics, collectively providing me with a deep understanding of both student development and effective instructional strategies. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching in the US and Kuwait, working with students from various cultural and educational backgrounds. This international experience has equipped me with a flexible and inclusive teaching style, allowing me to effectively meet the unique needs of each learner. Whether teaching foundational math skills or exploring advanced STEM concepts, I strive to create a classroom environment that is both engaging and supportive. My teaching philosophy centres on inspiring students to become innovative problem solvers — not only in the classroom but in the real world. I encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, aiming to spark curiosity and a lifelong passion for discovery. Through hands-on projects, real-world applications, and technology integration, I help students see the relevance of what they’re learning and how they can apply it to solve meaningful challenges. Above all, I believe that every student has the potential to succeed in math when given the right tools and encouragement.

My teaching career has spanned over 12 years from kindergarten through grade 8, with my most recent role at Bavarian International School in Munich, Germany, where I was the Department Head of MYP1. During my five years in MYP1, I taught four core subjects — Mathematics, Science, English, and Humanities – while serving as a homeroom mentor. In addition, I have also been a Personal Project supervisor, assisted in the Duke of Edinburgh Expedition and worked with an after-school MYP4-5 math support group. I hold a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialisation of Gifted Education from Regent University, along with a teaching licence from Pennsylvania State University.

As an international arts educator, I was previously Head of Arts Faculty of a top international school in Singapore and later as Director of Arts in a renowned international school in Salzburg, Austria. I have established links with the International Baccalaureate Organisation as a consultant and senior examiner for the IBDP Music course, and also delivers workshops to international schools on programme development and course implementation. Aside from being a passionate educator, I am a flexible musician, a wind specialist and singer, passionate about contemporary, vocal jazz and world music, having performed across the UK in a previous life, and across Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia in various ensembles throughout my years abroad. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the vibrant and collaborative GESS community!

Born and bred in Singapore, I have been a swim coach for 7 years, in both local and international schools. I founded and managed a Learn To Swim Academy back at Nexus International School Singapore, working with students from nursery to secondary levels. My expertise spans swim instruction, sports development and physical conditioning, with a strong focus on building technical skills, water confidence and athletic performance.

Brought up on a farm in rural Northumberland, UK, I developed a love for the outdoors, long walks, fishing, cycling and rugby. Graduating from King Alfred’s College, Winchester with a BEd in Geography and Primary Education, I spent 20 years teaching upper primary and later special-ed with a stint in business. I moved to the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania in 2010, where I found my passion for Design teaching. Eight years of safaris later, I moved to Singapore where I’ve been Head of Design at Gems, now XCL World Academy for the past eight years.

I’m excited to be in GESS as Middle School Science Facilitator. Originally from Michigan, Detroit, my formative years were spent growing up in North Georgia, not far from the headwaters of the Appalachian Trail — which probably explains my love of walking and hiking. I have a Bachelor in Science/Mathematics and a Master’s in Technology from Wayne State University Detroit Michigan. I’ve been lucky enough to work with students in middle school science in the US, Shenzhen China, Jakarta Indonesia, and most recently Kuwait, and I’m passionate about making classrooms engaging, hands-on, fun and a space for collaboration with students. I believe learning works best when students are curious, challenged, and laughing along the way. My interests are varied and my reading runs from history, current events, science, or just a good bit of fiction. I’m also a bit of a tech gadget nerd, a proud foodie, and — despite my love for good food — a really terrible cook (but I try!). I’ve spent time in Singapore before and am thrilled to be back in such a vibrant, diverse city. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone, sharing ideas, and helping our students discover how awesome science can be.

My academic experience includes being a secondary teacher in Germany back in 2011, in subjects of German and History. I was also involved in extension support for kids with special needs in 2014. In 2017, I went to the German School Shanghai Hongqiao and was Head of Middle School, later becoming Vice Principal from 2022.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Education from Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. I have been teaching for 30 years in a range of roles, for Grade 2-9, including 10 years as an Assistant Principal (Primary). I have been teaching internationally since 2016, in Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and now Singapore.
Initially trained as an elementary teacher, I transitioned to a middle school mathematics and science teacher about eight years ago. Along with my main passion of mathematics (with science as a close second), I hold a Graduate Certificate in Accounting Foundation Practices, and had my own bookkeeping business.

I bring with me over 20 years of international education experience across three continents. I spent nearly a decade of that time supporting students’ wellness, career planning, and university admissions in IB schools. Passionate about positive education and intercultural engagement, I am a certified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practitioner and an active member of professional communities such as ISCA and IACAC. Outside school, I enjoy cooking, fitness, and travelling with my family.

I am delighted to be part of the GESS School Counselling Team. Originally from the North East of England, I have enjoyed many years of school counselling internationally in Southeast Asia and Europe, and am excited to be back in Singapore. My passion lies in wellbeing and therapeutic work with children and young people. I am also an enthusiastic advocate of social and emotional learning, embedded within early years school curriculum. For these reasons, I extended my education to become further qualified in Guidance and Counselling within the educational context specifically. I feel extremely privileged to have this opportunity to be part of students’ journeys at GESS and to support, encourage and advocate for them regarding their safety and personal, social, emotional and academic development.

Born and raised in New Zealand, I have been teaching English at secondary level for the last 17 years. Having taught three different curricula, including IB, my first school was St Peter’s College, an all boys catholic school. After seven years there, I moved to Singapore to teach at UWCSEA. Subsequently I moved back to New Zealand after 6.5 years to take on a position at Rangitoto College – the largest college in the country. And now, it’s back to Singapore again! I have worked as a Head of Grade as well as Head of English. As a classroom teacher, I value building positive and genuine relationships with my students in an environment that is focused and collaborative. I am a passionate reader, in particular enjoying historical and speculative fiction. Sharing and encouraging this joy for reading is something I believe is fundamental to my role as an English teacher. I look forward to meeting my students at GESS and feel privileged to be a part of their learning journey as well as a new member of the GESS community.

I hold a BSc in Biology, a PGDE(S) in Science and Biology, and an MEd in Pastoral Care, Guidance, and Pupil Support. Over the past 16 years, I have taught across Scotland, Malaysia, the US, and now I’m back to Singapore! With experience in IB, IGCSE, AP, TEKS, NGSS, and CofE curricula, I also lectured and led lab sessions at Southern Methodist University during summer programmes. My roles have included teaching Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Physics, and TOK, as well as serving as Head of Science in Dallas, Texas, and Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Born and raised on the Emerald Isle, I began teaching abroad in 2006. Since then, I have taught in Korea, Canada, China, Madagascar, and Qatar. I have had the good fortune of teaching a variety of curricula, but the IB remains my passion. Finally, my doctoral research was on improving learning at international schools, but from what I have gathered, it is likely I who will be learning a lot from the GESS community.

Originally from Hanover, Germany, I studied in Kiel, London, and most notably Heidelberg before completing my teacher training in Stuttgart. In 2012, I moved to Hamburg, where I worked in my subjects and initiated city-wide teaching and school development projects at the State Institute, until my move to Singapore. I am very much looking forward to my new responsibilities as well as exciting and inspiring encounters at GESS.

I bring with me over 15 years of teaching experience across the beautiful countries of Germany, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore. Originally from the US, I hold a Ph.D. in Media and Communications from the UK, alongside a M.Ed. and BA from the US. I also worked with the International Baccalaureate as an examiner, teacher workshop leader, course reviewer, and school evaluator. A coffee-loving beach bum, I am excited to join the GESS family!

I completed my teacher training at Humboldt University in Berlin and at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris. My first teaching experience abroad was at the German School in Valencia, Spain, before returning to Germany about 11 years ago. Since then, I have worked at a secondary school in Brandenburg and most recently at a secondary school in Berlin. At this last stint, I was the contact person responsible for exchange programmes with France. Additionally, as the dyslexia representative, I supported and advised students and colleagues in handling reading and spelling difficulties. I am very much looking forward to getting to know my students and colleagues!