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.

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.

Brent MacEachern is from New Brunswick, Canada. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BA and a BEd. He recently finished a MS from the State University of New York. He has been teaching Humanities and Science to students in Grades 6 to 12 for more than 14 years. He is passionate about working with our youth and sparking their curiosity about our world.

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. 

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.

Blair is a Canadian with 17 years teaching experience across all three IB programmes including the PYP, mathematics and sciences in the MYP 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 is currently studying for his Master’s degree in Educational Technology from State University New York. Blair supervises green-thumb students in the horticulture club and has coached varied teams from soccer and volleyball to rock climbing and downhill skiing. Blair enjoys adventure sports and time spent relaxing with his family.

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.

Cissy Li is from Shanghai, China and she teaches MYP and DP Mandarin at CDNIS. She holds a BA from Shaanxi Teacher’s University, China and an MA in Education, majoring in teaching Chinese as a Second Language from Hong Kong University. She has served as a Mandarin Department Head of Dulwich College International School in Shanghai for three years, a Coordinator/Grade Head for two years in ISF in Hong Kong, and a co-department Head of the Upper School Chinese Department at CDNIS for two years. She has also taught children ranging in age from Preschool to Grade 12 for more than 25 years. Her interests outside the classroom include reading, hiking, keeping fit, singing, swimming and travelling. She is very passionate about teaching and enjoys cultivating a love of learning in students.

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.

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.

Theresa Hull is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English as well as a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Manitoba. Currently, she is continuing her education by pursuing her passion for literature as a graduate student. Theresa is also an IB examiner for both the Extended Essay and English Literature - Paper 2. Her experience as a DP teacher has been enhanced recently as she is now the proud mother of a newly minted Diploma programme graduate while her younger daughter begins the journey in August. In addition to her seemingly inexhaustible love for literature, Theresa also enjoys travelling, hiking and is an avid runner.

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. 

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.

Nikolai Joyce is from New Zealand. He graduated from high school in Malaysia and attended university in Australia. He holds a Master’s Degree in education and has recently begun further studies in screenwriting. For many years, he worked professionally as a photographer and then as a videographer. He worked in marketing, publications and development while teaching media related courses at international schools in Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Nikolai was last team-teaching MYP Design in Nanjing International School’s purpose-built design centre with a product and a systems specialist. His area is digital/media design.

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 and Career Counsellor at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, and at Alliance Charter Schools as a High School Guidance Counsellor prior to that. She also worked in undergraduate admissions at UCLA at the beginning of her career. Born in Saudi Arabia, Shalyn grew up in Northern California. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from, UCLA, and a Masters in Education at USC.

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.

Kirk Kahu is from Kitchener, Canada. He has a Masters of Science in International Learning Styles from State University of New York, a Bachelor of Education from University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and History from the University of Guelph. He has lived and taught in Sofia, Bulgaria and Bangkok, Thailand and has been teaching abroad for more than 15 years. Kirk coaches varsity girls touch rugby at CDNIS. Outside of school, Kirk has captained the National Ultimate Frisbee team and played in three world championship tournaments representing Hong Kong.

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.

Stephen Smeed in from Vancouver, Canada. He has a BA in Geography from Simon Fraser University and Bachelors of Education from the University of British Columbia. After graduating, Stephen worked in Korea before moving to Hong Kong where he has been teaching for the past 11 years. In his years at CDNIS, he has taught all grades in the Upper School in courses ranging from Humanities to DP Geography. He is also heavily involved in the planning and implementation of the Model United Nations. His interests outside of the classroom include performing improvisational theatre, playing hockey and raising his two girls.

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.

Anthony Jackson, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2006 with an Advanced Major in History and a double minor in English and Sociology. Anthony received his Bachelor of Education degree from St. Francis Xavier University and obtained his teaching certification. His teacher-training focus lies within the Middle School and Secondary streams of education and his concentrations are Social Studies and English. Anthony also completed an intensive program in Middle Years Education as an addition to his current Bachelor of Education degree.

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 B.Sc. and a B.Ed. She has been teaching abroad for more than 10 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Blair Schmalenberg is from Ontario, Canada. He graduated from Queen’s University with a Physical and Health Education (Hons) degree and a minor degree in Biochemistry. He stayed at Queen’s to complete his teaching certification. He has been a teacher of Grade 4, Grade 8, elementary and high school Physical and Health Education, Mathematics and Science. He taught in public and private schools in Canada, a college and an international school in China before coming to CDNIS in 2010. Blair’s professional goal is to continue finding new ways of teaching P.E. and motivating students to enjoy being active. Blair loves coaching but is also a music lover who wishes he had more time to play guitar.

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.

Véronique Nobert is from Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada, teaches MYP French, and is the Grade 8 Team Leader. She obtained her Bachelor of Education and Certification in Educational Psychology from Université du Quebec. Prior to moving overseas, she spent eight years teaching in elementary and secondary schools in both Quebec and British Columbia. In 2011, she started teaching French as a foreign language at Concordia International School in Shanghai, China, and most recently at CDNIS for the last five years. She's most passionate about sharing the beauty of her native language and finding creative ways to engage her students. Outside the classroom, Véronique loves taking pictures around the city, discovering amazing food, hiking local trails with friends, or traveling to the many exotic destinations in and around Asia.

Denise Berry is from Toronto, Canada, and teaches DP Chemistry in the Upper School. After graduating from Queen's University (Kingston, Canada) with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Life Sciences and a B.Ed., she worked in microbiology and cancer research labs before moving to full time teaching in Toronto, France, India and Hong Kong.

Julie Cook is from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and is the MYP Coordinator and a Science teacher. She first attended the University of Guelph where she received his B.Sc. (Human Kinetics) before completing a Bachelor of Education at York University. Later, she completed a M.Sc. (Interdisciplinary Studies in Education). Julie has taught high school science in Ontario as well as Sofia, Bulgaria and Bangkok, Thailand for grades 9-12. She has been teaching for over 17 years. Julie is a Middle Years Programme curriculum reviewer for the IBO as a part of the Building Quality Curriculum team. Julie is passionate about facilitating the learning of all students with the goal of making the world a better place. Her professional interests involve curriculum development and the use of data to improve education.

Throughout 22 years in education, Melanie Kellis has been a Math, Science, and IB Chemistry teacher, an IGCSE Coordinator, a Boarding Coordinator, an AP Coordinator, Dean of Studies, and MS/HS Principal. For 7 years, she was Dean of Studies at Canadian International School, Bangalore, overseeing curriculum development and working closely with all whole-school programmes. Melanie has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Prince Edward Island, a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Thomas University (Fredericton, New Brunswick), and recently completed the Advanced Leadership Program with the National Excellence in School Leadership Initiative (Melbourne, Australia). She is an Apple Distinguished Educator, IB Chemistry Examiner, Apple Professional Learning Specialist, Apple Teacher, and a Google Certified Teacher.

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.

Tracie Liu is from Mississauga, Ontario. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a BSc (Hons) before completing her B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. She joins CDNIS after four years at the Canadian International School of Beijing, where she taught MYP Science and DP Biology.  Her role as Science Department Head gave her the opportunity to help develop an MYP Science Fair framework. She presented this initiative at the 2016 IB Regional Conference in Spain, indulging in both her love of science and delicious tapas. Prior to teaching internationally, she spent six years teaching Biology in Ontario. Now abroad, she returns home in the summers to enjoy time with her family and watch the Toronto Blue Jays in action.

Anthony Jackson, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University, in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2006 with an Advanced Major in History and a double minor in English and Sociology. Anthony received his Bachelor of Education degree from St. Francis Xavier University and obtained his teaching certification. His teacher-training focus lies within the Middle School and Secondary streams of education and his concentrations are Social Studies and English. Anthony also completed an intensive program in Middle Years Education as an addition to his current Bachelor of Education degree.

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.

Danielle is from the UK. She has a MEd in Practitioner Inquiry, a MFA in Creative Writing, and a PGCE, from Newcastle University. This is her fifth year at CDNIS, though she has also taught in the UK, China and Vietnam. In her spare time, she is a writer and the host of her own podcast, called 'Heart in Art’. She loves the literary arts, and hopes to engender this same passion in her students.

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.