Norma Jean Adair is from New Brunswick, Canada. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BSc and a BEd, and received her Masters in Science from the State University of New York. She has been teaching abroad for more than 15 years. She has taught mathematics and science to students ranging from Grades 6 to 12. Norma Jean is passionate about helping our youth to reach their full academic potential so that they can make positive differences in our world.

Josh Arnold is from Silverton, Oregon where he developed a love for the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Josh studied Biology at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and later earned his MEd from Portland State University. Over the last 16 years, Josh has taught Math and Science in Grades 6 - 12 at public schools in Washington State, and internationally at Hong Kong Academy and most recently at International School of Latvia. Josh is passionate about the environment and helping students investigate our relationship with the natural world. His free time is often spent birdwatching and creating experimental music. He is joined in Hong Kong by his wife of 17 years, who is an elementary school teacher.

Brent MacEachern is from New Brunswick, Canada. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BA and a BEd, and received his Masters in Science from the State University of New York. He has been teaching Humanities, Math and Science to students in Grades 6 to 12 for more than 15 years. He is passionate about working with our youth and sparking their curiosity about our world.

Ryan loves inspiring students, exploring how the universe works and helping students become reflective, focused learners. He has 15 years of experience across three continents in public, private and international schools teaching students to think like scientists. Ryan studied Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California - Berkeley, earned a post-graduate teaching certificate and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. He enjoys participating in physical activities, coaching, and spending time with his family.

Christina Lin was born in Taiwan. She graduated from the University College London in the UK with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees studying Human Genetics. After spending some time in the research field, she discovered her new career as an international school teacher. Before joining CDNIS, Christina worked at the American International School in Hong Kong as a High School Science teacher. She is a passionate teacher who believes in supporting students in achieving their full potential, as well as helping them build connections and conceptual understandings between what goes on within the classroom to the world around them. Fun fact, she has a lovely and very funny Shiba-Inu at home!

Rachel Kirchner is from California. She earned a degree in Environmental Science at UC Berkeley and received her teaching credentials and Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of San Francisco. She has worked with students in Grades 3-10 throughout her 13 years in education, but her first passion is teaching Math to middle school students. Prior to coming to CDNIS she taught in California, Bangkok, and London. She has written online lessons and a Grade 6 instructional unit in Math. In her spare time she loves swimming, yoga, playing volleyball, and spending time with her three young children.

Kathryn Clouthier hails from the booming metropolis of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her Kinesiology and Education degrees are from Lakehead University, where she was fortunate enough to play for the university volleyball team. Ms. Clouthier then relocated to Ottawa in order to obtain her Masters of Sports Administration, with a focus on marketing and grassroots development. She began her teaching career as a homeroom teacher at a French school in Ottawa, Ontario for five years before starting her international adventures in Shanghai teaching Upper School HPE at Shanghai Community International School. Ms. Clouthier is looking forward to sharing her passion for sport with her students, and to having plenty of laughs along the way.

Annette Meier is from Nice, France. She completed her undergraduate studies and teaching qualifications at the University of La Sorbonne in Paris. She has been teaching French to students in Grades 6 to 12 for 19 years. Prior to coming to CDNIS, she worked in Normandy, Houston, and Beijing. Annette particularly enjoys helping children to discover their individuality and giving them the confidence to try new things.

Charlotte Charny Nielsen graduated with a B.Sc. in Biology from Yale University and an M.Sc. in Environmental Science from University of Maryland. After running her own environmental consulting firm in the United States for 10 years and working in the environmental sector on projects in Denmark and Jordan, she discovered her new career as an international school teacher. Charlotte has worked in international schools in Hungary, Qatar and Sweden. This is her fourth year at CDNIS where she teaches Grade 7 Science and English as well as Theory of Knowledge. She is also the Coordinator of the Student Advisory Programme in the Upper School. Her great passions include writing poetry and environmental advocacy.

Cecilia Wang is from Taiwan and is the department head of Upper School Chinese Studies. She holds two Master’s degrees in Chinese Literature and in Putonghua Education, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Hong Kong University. She is also an IBDP Chinese B HL Examiner. She started her teaching journey in 1995 and joined CDNIS in 2003. She has held various teaching positions at both public and international schools in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and has also been involved in developing course syllabus and teaching materials. She is devoted to ensuring that each student has a motivating and comfortable learning experience in her classroom. During holidays, she enjoys travelling, and spending time with her family in Taiwan.

Lu Chen is from Xi’an, China. She has a BA (Hons) degree in Education and MA degree in Linguistics. Before joining CDNIS in 2010, she worked in China and Hong Kong as a college English teacher and also as an elementary and high school Chinese teacher. She is passionate about teaching Chinese and promoting Chinese culture, and being able to cultivate a love of learning in students. Her interests outside the classroom include travelling, reading and baking.

Irene Gu is from Shanghai China and is the Upper School MYP and DP Chinese teacher. She has a Master‘s degree from The State University Of New York and BA degree from Shanghai Normal University. After graduating, she worked in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and HK. She has been teaching Chinese as a second language for 18 years. She joined CDNIS in 2012. As an IB educator, she strives to encourage students to gain competence in an additional language with the long-term goal of multilingualism.

Boris Wong is from Hong Kong. He has a teaching certificate from the College of Education in Hong Kong and an MA in Putonghua Education from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He joined CDNIS in 2006 and has been teaching Chinese language for more than 20 years. As an IB educator, his goals include fostering students’ curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.

Before joining CDNIS, Brenda Xing taught Chinese at HKIS for 19 years. She is originally from Tianjin, China. Brenda obtained her first degree at Tianjin Teacher University with a major in Chinese literature and her master’s degree in teaching Chinese as a second language from Beijing Language and Culture University. She loves working with students and is passionate about Chinese culture, history and society throughout teaching. Her teaching philosophy is to inspire students to not only learn Chinese, but also to appreciate Chinese culture and history. Brenda enjoys reading, travelling and writing about her personal journeys after travelling. She is looking forward to working and meeting everyone at CDNIS.

Kristen Pearson is an Ontario teacher who loves teaching and learning in both the English and Drama departments at CDNIS. She landed in Hong Kong after teaching at schools in Morocco, South Korea, and Indonesia. Kristen attended McMaster University where she received her honours BA in English and Theatre & Film Studies, followed by a post-graduate teaching certificate in Adolescence Education at Canisius College. She is passionate about teaching and strives to create spaces and lessons that spark the critical thinking, creativity, and assertiveness of her students. Kristen's interests outside the classroom include spending time outdoors, cooking, and trying to find the best Hong Kong-style milk tea.

Lily Chan is a proud CDNIS alumna. She has a BA (English) from the University of British Columbia and Bachelor of Education (with Distinction) from Western University. She has worked in Macau, Hong Kong, and recently joined the school after teaching at the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore. She is a certified Ontario and IB educator. She is excited to share her pride of the school and her passion for learning and teaching with the school community.

Joshua Lee was born in Hong Kong but spent most of his childhood in Vancouver, British Columbia. He graduated with a BA in English and B.Ed. in middle school education from the University of British Columbia. He is passionate about using a variety of media to tell stories. As an avid photographer and moviegoer, Joshua endeavours to connect visual storytelling to written and help students build a voice for themselves. 

Steve Myrden has been a teacher for 33 years, living and teaching in six provinces in Canada, as well as around the world in Dubai, Japan, New Zealand. He is thrilled to be teaching Grade 9 and 10 IB MYP English and Grade 11 IB DP English at CDNIS. Steve is originally from the province of Newfoundland and loves to get back to "The Rock" every summer; but his Canadian home now is on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland around the time dinosaurs roamed the earth. His wife Cait is also a teacher in Hong Kong. Steve loves to read, play basketball, hike, mountain bike, stand-up paddle board, play guitar, ski, camp and do yoga. 

Kristen Pearson is an Ontario teacher who loves teaching and learning in both the English and Drama departments at CDNIS. She landed in Hong Kong after teaching at schools in Morocco, South Korea, and Indonesia. Kristen attended McMaster University where she received her honours BA in English and Theatre & Film Studies, followed by a post-graduate teaching certificate in Adolescence Education at Canisius College. She is passionate about teaching and strives to create spaces and lessons that spark the critical thinking, creativity, and assertiveness of her students. Kristen's interests outside the classroom include spending time outdoors, cooking, and trying to find the best Hong Kong-style milk tea.

Charlotte Hill is from the United States and has taught music in schools in California, Japan and Washington State. She completed her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Miami and her Master of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University. Charlotte has taught instrumental music, choral music, general music and has directed the music for musicals. She started learning the violin at age four and music continues to be a passion in her life. Outside of the classroom, Charlotte enjoys hiking and trying new foods.

Liam O'Toole is from Christchurch, New Zealand. While living in New Zealand, he gained a Double Diploma in Jazz (Ara Institute of Canterbury), a Bachelor or Music Honours (University of Canterbury), and a Graduate Teaching Diploma (NZ Graduate School of Education). After traveling and teaching in Ankara, Turkey, Liam found himself in Kansas where he gained his Masters in Music Education at Wichita State University. As a teaching assistant at WSU, his main highlights were conducting the university bands and directing the Athletic Band for the college basketball programme. As well as conducting the Wind Philharmonic and the Stage Band, Liam coaches the Girls U20 Touch Rugby team at CDNIS.

Rob Aldridge is from Oxford in the UK and holds B.Sc. (Hons) from Oxford Brookes University in Education and Sociology. He spent a decade in the UK Higher Education Sector as an admissions and recruitment officer. He worked at Brookes, UWIC, the University of Bristol and also served as the Head of International Recruitment at the University of Reading. Rob was a University Hall Warden where he gained substantial pastoral experience. He spent six years with the British Army and loves outdoor activities. He is a Duke of Edinburgh Award (HKAYP) instructor and supports the school's AYP programme. Rob joined CDNIS in 2011.

Shalyn Tharayil is from Los Angeles, California. She joins CDNIS after working as a College Counsellor in California for 6 years, and at UCLA Admissions at the beginning of her career. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from UCLA, and a Master's in Education at USC.

In her spare time, Shalyn enjoys hiking, reading, travelling to new countries, and spending time with family and friends.

My Thanh Mac received her Bachelor of Arts in English at UCLA and her Master of Science in Counselling at San Francisco State University. In her undergrad and graduate programmes, My Thanh discovered her passion for youth work and community service. She has served as Head of College Counselling in a private secondary school in San Francisco, and most recently worked as a primary counsellor at Chinese International School. Currently, she helps coach the Hong Kong national team for the World Individuals Debate and Public Speaking Competition, and lectures Psychology at HKU Space. My Thanh is fluent in Cantonese and enjoys any opportunity to improve her Mandarin or Spanish. Her other interests include discussing growth mindsets, scrapbooking and discovering delicious local joints in Hong Kong.

Neil Anderson is from Caledon, Ontario, which is generally considered “farm country” just north of Toronto. He has an undergraduate degree in International Development from the University of Guelph, and earned his teaching certificate from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Mr. Anderson’s previous teaching experiences include working in Dubai for two years and Beijing for four. Most recently, he taught MYP Humanities, DP Economics, and was the CAS coordinator at the Canadian International School of Beijing. If you see Mr. Anderson around, feel free to strike up a conversation with him about camping, Margaret Atwood, or the future impact of your favourite economic policies.

Robert Holtet is from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and is the Grade 7 and 8 Humanities teacher. He received his Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina before pursuing his MA in Educational Leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. Prior to joining CDNIS, he and his family lived and worked in Canada, Korea, Malta, China, United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, and Malaysia over the last 20 years. He is a self-proclaimed 'life-long learner' whose focus includes extending student learning outside of the classroom through technology and integrating learning, experience and civic responsibility. His interests outside the classroom include playing ice hockey, baseball, golf, and travelling the globe. He is married and has two boys in the Upper School section.

For more than 15 years in education, Kirk Kahu has been a multifaceted Humanities teacher. He has taught courses in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Philosophy, Career Development, Civics, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Religion and Political Theory. Recently he has completed a Masters Program in International Learning Styles with a focus on technology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Born in Ontario, Kirk has a honours undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph in Philosophy and History and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Kirk has coached and captained the Hong Kong National Ultimate Frisbee team in three world championships. While coaching the U20 Boys Volleyball and U20 Girls Touch Rugby teams at CDNIS, these teams have won multiple championships and medals at the highest level, the South East Asia Student Activities Conference (one gold and four bronze medals). These teams have also won five gold medals and six silver medals in the International Schools Sports Federation Hong Kong. Kirk is a Google Certified teacher, Category Three Certified TOK teacher, Category Two Certified MYP Humanities teacher, and IB TOK Examiner.

Raymond Loo teaches DP/MYP Business Management and MYP Mathematics. Born and educated in Toronto, Raymond received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, specializing in Accounting. He attained the Chartered Professional Accountant designation and worked as a tax professional with The Toronto-Dominion Bank, KPMG, and the Canada Revenue Agency prior to teaching. Raymond is passionate about teaching and helping his students to think critically and accept responsibility for the outcomes and consequences of their decisions. Raymond looks forward to sharing his own work experiences to help his students understand real life application of the concepts and assist them in developing their applicable skills to reach their potential in this challenging curriculum. Raymond sees the importance of applying math in everyday real life. He hopes to help the students realize this by connecting the lessons to the real world and by instilling confidence and making it an enjoyable experience. He has tremendous patience and endeavours to spend as much time as necessary to help his students learn the fundamentals as well as the extended math.

Cait Redmond strives to inspire students to develop an appreciation for the world around them. Her career has taken her to Japan, as Nagasaki Prefectural Advisor and Cultural Liaison for the JET Programme; as well as Canada, New Zealand, Dubai, and Hong Kong as a Social Studies, English and Wellbeing teacher. Cait holds a BEd and an MA (International Development), and was the recipient of an Innovative Research Award from the Canadian International Development Agency, allowing her to pursue community research in Belize.

Cait’s background in nutrition led to the creation of a local food market, vegetarian cafe and wellness education business, with her husband, Steve Myrden. Cait cares deeply about social justice and the environment. She enjoys cooking, hiking, yoga, traveling, and summering in beautiful Nova Scotia.

Kenneth Tang was born in Hong Kong but raised in Toronto and Vancouver in Canada. He has a B.Comm(Hons) from Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto, majoring in Accounting and Economics and a PGDE from the University of Hong Kong. He is an OCT and a DP Examiner. He is now a DP/MYP Business Management and Economics teacher at CDNIS. Prior to embarking on a teaching career, Kenneth worked in the business sector at Ernst & Young in Toronto & Citibank in Hong Kong and enjoys sharing his work experiences with students in lessons. An IBDP graduate himself, Kenneth is eager to share his personal IB journey and support students through this challenging curriculum. His interests outside the classroom include travelling, badminton, music and never missing out on an Iced Capp from Timmies!

David Larson hails from Winnipeg, Canada. He graduated magna cum laude with a BSc in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin and earned an MA in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. He has worked and traveled widely in professional theatre, on a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship curriculum-writing semester in Ghana, and as an Apple Professional Developer. Before he joined the Learning and Teaching Technology team and Design Department at CDNIS in 2012, David taught Humanities, Language Arts, and Technology in Shanghai, China, and Wisconsin, USA. What David likes most about teaching is helping students find and amplify their voice. When he’s not at his computer, you can find David behind a camera, a book, or with his daughters on a hike through Hong Kong’s many trails.

Norma Jean Adair is from New Brunswick, Canada. She graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BSc and a BEd, and received her Masters in Science from the State University of New York. She has been teaching abroad for more than 15 years. She has taught mathematics and science to students ranging from Grades 6 to 12. Norma Jean is passionate about helping our youth to reach their full academic potential so that they can make positive differences in our world.

Aaron Ho is from Vancouver, British Columbia. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education degrees at the University of British Columbia and received his M.Ed. in mathematics from the University of Hong Kong. Aaron joins CDNIS from Renaissance College, where he taught PYP grade 3 and MYP/DP mathematics for seven years. As a committed educator who strives for continuous professional development, Aaron also works as an assessment author and examiner for the IB and a part-time lecturer for HKU. He is excited to continue learning from the CDNIS community and grow from the amazing experiences to come!

Christina Lin was born in Taiwan. She graduated from the University College London in the UK with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees studying Human Genetics. After spending some time in the research field, she discovered her new career as an international school teacher. Before joining CDNIS, Christina worked at the American International School in Hong Kong as a High School Science teacher. She is a passionate teacher who believes in supporting students in achieving their full potential, as well as helping them build connections and conceptual understandings between what goes on within the classroom to the world around them. Fun fact, she has a lovely and very funny Shiba-Inu at home!

Lucy Sadler is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland but has now lived more of her life in Hong Kong. She has over 15 years teaching experience, the majority of which has been in IB schools, teaching mathematics in both the MYP and DP. Her undergraduate degree is in Mathematics but she also holds an M.Ed. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Hong Kong. When not cycling in Tai Po with her three children, she spends her free time trying to learn to read Chinese.

Chris Young is from Cranbrook, B.C., Canada. He has an Electrical Engineering degree and a B.Ed. from the University of Victoria, and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary. He has worked in Canada, and Dubai as a high school science and IB Math teacher before joining CDNIS in 2011. His interests outside the classroom include cycling, travelling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Kathryn Clouthier hails from the booming metropolis of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her Kinesiology and Education degrees are from Lakehead University, where she was fortunate enough to play for the university volleyball team. Ms. Clouthier then relocated to Ottawa in order to obtain her Masters of Sports Administration, with a focus on marketing and grassroots development. She began her teaching career as a homeroom teacher at a French school in Ottawa, Ontario for five years before starting her international adventures in Shanghai teaching Upper School HPE at Shanghai Community International School. Ms. Clouthier is looking forward to sharing her passion for sport with her students, and to having plenty of laughs along the way.

Jon Kavanagh hails from Yorkshire, England and has been teaching for the past 11 years both in the UK and abroad. He studied a BA (Hons) in Physical Education and Sport at Liverpool John Moores University and worked in London before embarking on an international teaching career where he has worked in Vietnam, India and most recently Shanghai. Jon enjoys watching and playing many different sports but is most passionate about football, rugby, cricket and golf, as well as being a great lover of the outdoors. Aside from sport and physical activity, he loves to travel, sample cuisines from around the world and socialise with friends. Jon is very much looking forward to joining the CDNIS community and starting a new life in Hong Kong with his wife and their dog, Ernie!

Anne Boyle was born and grew up in Ireland but spent many years working on the west coast of Canada. She is fiercely proud of and strongly identifies with her Irish roots. She completed her BA (Hons) in German Language and Literature with a minor in French at Queen’s University, Belfast, Ireland. She found her first teaching job in England teaching French and German before moving to BC, Canada. Anne has taught almost every level from Grade 1 to Grade 12 and currently teaches MYP French and DP French Ab Initio. When she is not teaching, she likes to stay fit and loves to hike, cycle or run. If Anne were asked to describe herself, she would use three words; firm, fun and feisty.

Annette Meier is from Nice, France. She completed her undergraduate studies and teaching qualifications at the University of La Sorbonne in Paris. She has been teaching French to students in Grades 6 to 12 for 19 years. Prior to coming to CDNIS, she worked in Normandy, Houston, and Beijing. Annette particularly enjoys helping children to discover their individuality and giving them the confidence to try new things.

Josh Arnold is from Silverton, Oregon where he developed a love for the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Josh studied Biology at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and later earned his MEd from Portland State University. Over the last 16 years, Josh has taught Math and Science in Grades 6 - 12 at public schools in Washington State, and internationally at Hong Kong Academy and most recently at International School of Latvia. Josh is passionate about the environment and helping students investigate our relationship with the natural world. His free time is often spent birdwatching and creating experimental music. He is joined in Hong Kong by his wife of 17 years, who is an elementary school teacher.

Blair is a Canadian with 19 years teaching experience across all three IB programmes including the PYP, MYP mathematics, science and phys ed, and DP Environmental Systems and Societies. He has worked in Toronto, Zurich, Bali and is now proud to call CDNIS and Hong Kong home. Blair holds three degrees from Queen’s University in Canada and a Master’s in Education from State University New York. He leads green-thumb students in the horticulture club and has coached varied teams from soccer and volleyball to rock climbing and hockey. Blair enjoys hiking, adventure sports, and time spent relaxing with his family.

Mikel has a mission to instill a passion for lifelong learning in students by implementing an energetic and varied teaching methodology. He has experience of teaching in the public and private sector in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. He studied Chemistry at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, then gained a Ph.D in Chemistry and a post-graduate certificate in Education. He is active in the local Hong Kong music scene, playing in a few bands, and enjoys surfing.

Eric Lai, who received his degree in Physics at the University of Toronto as well as a degree in Education from Queen’s, has been working in Hong Kong since 2009. Before joining CDNIS, he worked at an IB world school for seven years, teaching IGCSE and IB Physics, as well as serving as the Head of Physics. Working at CDNIS is not completely new to Mr. Lai as he had previously done one of his teaching practica at the school, also working as a supply teacher. In his free time, Mr. Lai enjoys group activities such as badminton, card/board games, watching movies, and doing some easy hikes.

Christina Lin was born in Taiwan. She graduated from the University College London in the UK with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees studying Human Genetics. After spending some time in the research field, she discovered her new career as an international school teacher. Before joining CDNIS, Christina worked at the American International School in Hong Kong as a High School Science teacher. She is a passionate teacher who believes in supporting students in achieving their full potential, as well as helping them build connections and conceptual understandings between what goes on within the classroom to the world around them. Fun fact, she has a lovely and very funny Shiba-Inu at home!

Brent MacEachern is from New Brunswick, Canada. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BA and a BEd, and received his Masters in Science from the State University of New York. He has been teaching Humanities, Math and Science to students in Grades 6 to 12 for more than 15 years. He is passionate about working with our youth and sparking their curiosity about our world.

Brian is originally from Winnipeg, Canada and, during his more than 20 years in education, he has taught in public and private schools in Canada, Kuwait and Dubai. In addition to his experience teaching several social studies courses in Canada, since 2001, he has taught Theory of Knowledge, DP History and, at present, Global Politics. As well, he has coordinated the CAS, Extended Essay, TOK, Diploma and Career-related programmes. Brian has extensive experience in examining and curriculum and online course development both in Canada and, more recently, in IBDP Global Politics. In 2011, he co-authored the Canadian history textbook, Shaping Canada. He has two Bachelor’s Degrees from the University of Manitoba, a Master’s Degree in education from George Mason University and is currently completing his doctorate in curriculum at the University of Calgary. Brian coaches ball hockey and regularly trains for marathons. Brian enjoys spending time with his children, both of whom are MYP and DP graduates, as well as hiking with his wife. He is an avid hockey and Canadian football fan.

Dean Krawchuk joins CDNIS from Dubai where he previously taught MYP Theatre, DP Theatre Arts and TOK for two years at Dubai International Academy. Prior to that, he was living in Kelowna, BC having completed a BFA in Interdisciplinary Performance. There he focused on devising theatre, clowning, contact improvisation, photography, sculpture, theatre tech and more. Before living in Kelowna, Mr. Krawchuk was teaching Drama and Social Studies in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta at Victoria School of the Arts. His first teaching job was in Barking, Essex. He has recently started working with ISTA, and is looking forward to continuing his relationship with them.

Christopher Tyrrell is from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and is the TOK Coordinator and a Geography teacher at CDNIS. He graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Education and is qualified to teach Geography and Philosophy. He completed his Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies at HKU. He has taught for the past 12 years in Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. He joined CDNIS in 2015. He is passionate about his subjects and continues to develop professionally as an IB examining team-leader for TOK and as an examiner for DP Geography. He enjoys outdoor pursuits, travel, and learning languages.

Paula Pasanen is originally from Helsinki, Finland. She moved to the United Kingdom in 1999 where she gained her BA Arts Hons (University of Sunderland), before going on to completed her MA Media Arts (Manchester Metropolitan University) and PGCSE at UWE (University of West England). Before embarking on a career in teaching, she worked as a freelance photographer and studio assistant. She has been teaching in Khartoum, Sudan for the past two years and has a passion not just for arts but all the amazing cultures she has come across in her travels around the world. Paula believes strongly in providing opportunities to students to express themselves through art and creativity in a traditional manner, as well as in new innovative digital styles. She is looking forward to sharing her lifelong love of culture and art at CDNIS.

Iris Chang joined CDNIS in 2002 and is an Upper School Visual Art Assistant and Yearbook Coordinator. She graduated from Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, majoring in Graphic Design. Iris has a Postgraduate diploma in Education focusing on Early Childhood from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. Previously, she taught English and Art to high school students with special needs. Leading the Yearbook club, she trains editors and members in graphic design and desktop publishing and is proud that CDNIS won Hong Kong’s Print Awards 2016 for the best school yearbook. She is delighted to work with such talented professional colleagues and creative students. She loves animals especially dogs and enjoys doing arts and crafts and calligraphy.