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Greetings SCIS-Pudong community! Originally hailing from the Great Lake State of Michigan, I moved to China in 2004, where I began my career as an international educator at the American International School of Guangzhou (AISG). During my tenure at AISG I worked as an ESL and Homeroom Teacher for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. Additionally, I served as the Primary Years Program (PYP) Curriculum Coordinator for two years prior to becoming the Elementary Assistant Principal. I am ecsatic to be now serving as the SCIS-Pudong Lower School Principal. I hold a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of Michigan, as well as a master’s degree in Elementary Education. Currently, I am in the final stages of completing my Doctoral Degree focused on Educational Leadership. As the educational leader of the Lower School, I strongly believe that every child is capable of learning and thus deserves the right to develop his/her highest potential in a safe, nurturing and happy environment, an environment that respects and values the capabilities of all individuals. I am confident that by working together with parents, teachers and students we can further develop a powerful community of lifelong learners. Elizabeth Gale

University of Michigan & University of Nottingham, Principal | Pudong Lower School

I am pleased to have been Principal of the SCIS Lower School for the past four years. My personal learning journey began in Canada and has expanded with my family through Asia, the Middle East and parts of Europe. My initial interests in photography and filmmaking led to a degree in communications followed later by studies in environmental science and economics. Eventually a career in teaching led to a degree in Education followed by a Masters in Administration and Leadership. My principal qualifications came through the Ontario Principal Counsel. In the past I have been Learning Technology Coordinator in Hong Kong, and administrator in Canada and Kuwait. Coming back to China has been a wonderful experience with many more adventures yet to be had and many interesting people to meet. The SCIS Community is a wonderful group of people and I am proud to be part of it. Kevin Haggith

University of Windsor, University of Toronto, Nipissing University, Principal | Hongqiao Lower School

I am looking forward to starting at SCIS this school year, my 26th year in education. I am passionate about enhancing learning opportunities for all students, both in the academic and social/emotional areas. I hold master level degrees in special education instruction, school psychology, and educational leadership. I believe that students thrive in an inclusive learning community when provided the appropriate challenge and support.

My husband Jeff and I are coming to Shanghai from Copenhagen and are originally from the Seattle area. Together we have four children and five grandchildren all living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States. We enjoy travel, food and meeting new people.

Kristen Koehler

University of Washington, Seattle University and Washington State University, Director of Student Support Services |System Wide

Welcome to SCIS! I have been at the ECE campus since 2012 and am looking forward to another year at SCIS working with our youngest learners and their families. For over 20 years, I have taught in the United States as well as international schools in South America, Europe, and the Middle East before moving to Shanghai. While I have had the pleasure and privilege of working in many schools at various grade levels, none have offered the unique experience of our ECE campus. In addition to my extensive classroom experience, I hold a Reading Specialist, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and an ESL certification. I love learning and am always looking for ways to improve my understanding of child development, the ways in which children learn and the most current teaching practices. I am excited to be returning to my role as the ECE Campus Vice Principal and believe my years of education and experience will enable me to continue to support our students and faculty! When I am not working, I enjoy reading, running, cycling and practicing yoga. My weekends are spent exploring Shanghai and all this great city has to offer.

Heather Knight

University of Wisconsin, Mercery University, Central Michigan University, Vice Principal | Hongqiao ECE Campus

I am so very pleased to be part of the SCIS community as the Upper School Principal at our Hongqiao campus. I am originally from Canada and have held a number of teaching and leadership roles in Hong Kong, Toronto, and most recently Bangkok. I have an Honour’s B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Toronto, did my teacher education at Canisius College in New York, and received my MBA Ed. with distinction from Keele University in the U.K. I have spent a large part of my career working in IB schools and working directly with the International Baccalaureate Organization as a workshop leader, author, editor and resource developer, in particular with the IB Middle Years Programme. I was so very proud to be a part of the team that successfully brought the MYP to SCIS as we recently became a three-programme IB World School. My wife Jenna teaches at the ECE Campus and my children are receiving the very best education and all the opportunities SCIS has on offer with service, athletics and the Arts.

Barclay Lelievre

University of Toronto, Principal | Hongqiao Upper School

I’m thrilled to return to SCIS Pudong after over twenty years in international education. The youngest of six boys, I was raised in Winona, Minnesota. However, I now call the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Hendersonville, NC home. My bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education was earned from Valparaiso University in Indiana. It was then, I set off on this unique journey of international teaching in Cairo Egypt where I met my wife Laurie at the American International School of Egypt. While working at the Kaohsiung American School in Taiwan, I earned an MA in Educational Administration. After Taiwan, we joined the SCIS community as the founding faculty in Hangzhou (2002) before moving to SCIS Pudong in 2004-08. Having spent the last eight years at the American International School of Budapest (Hungary), Laurie and I are excited to be back as SCIS Dragons. We are joined by our three daughters Ella, Elise, and Mei Lee who spent many of their formative years with SCIS. As a parent, I am grateful my own children were shaped by the SCIS experience; professionally, I am humbled to be serving students by leading such a dynamic school community. Derek Luebbe

Valparaiso University & Capella University, Head of School | Pudong Campus

Greetings ECE families, I am thrilled to continue leading the SCIS ECE team and appreciate its commitment to impacting students early in life. My work and travels throughout the US, Europe, and parts of the middle east have prepared me well for this far east adventure. I have been teaching and leading early childhood/elementary students for over 20 years, both in private and public schools. My formal schooling is with James Madison University where I received my Early Childhood degree and Virginia Tech where I received my Administrative degree. My commitment is to collaborate with parents and teachers to hone an incredible learning environment for our students. My professional focus of observing, connecting and interacting with students and teachers at all levels continually influences our school instructional decisions and goals. Through our new accreditation as an IB Primary Years Program (PYP) we are expanding our student’s curiosity, interest and inquiry skills. In addition, we are strategic in developing students executive functions and conceptual understanding so they are better prepared for this exciting, challenging and dynamic world. Kevin, my husband, and I have four grown children that are living and working throughout the U.S. Therefore, the two of us are enjoying the rich cultural experience and adventures available throughout China and surrounding countries.

Melanie McClure

James Madison University, Principal | Hongqiao ECE Campus

Hello! My name is Kristie O’Brien, and I have been working at SCIS since July, 2015 along with my husband, Mathias. We have two children, and both attend school on the HQ-Main Campus as well. I am from Minnesota, USA, where I earned an undergraduate degree and elementary teaching license from Macalester College; a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language (ESL) and an ESL teaching license from Hamline University; and a Master of Education in Leadership in Education and K-12 Principal License from the University of Minnesota. Prior to joining SCIS, I taught elementary general education, elementary ESL, and high school ESL in Minnesota and Puerto Rico. I was also the ESL coordinator for a school district in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area for six years. My family and I love the vibrant city of Shanghai, and enjoy being apart of the warm community of SCIS! Kristie O'Brien

University of Minnesota, Vice Principal | Hongqiao Lower School

It is an honor to serve the SCIS-Pudong family as Upper School Vice Principal. I grew up sunny San Diego, USA, but have been living and working in China since the year 2000, with over 11 years at the International School of Tianjin. I have extensive experience with all three IB programs, and also act as a visiting team member and workshop leader for the IB. I have seen how IB implementation can unify a diverse international school around a conceptually rich and rigorous curriculum with a commitment to character development and international-mindedness. After completing my B.A. in History at Yale University, I earned my M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from San Diego State University, as well as both teaching and administrative credentials through my home state of California. My education laid the foundation for a lifetime love of learning, and I expect nothing less for each and every one of our students. My daughter Mengying and I enjoy reading, storytelling, and exploring the endless wonders of our China home. Naomi Shanks

Yale University & San Diego State University, Vice Principal | Pudong Upper School

I am Amy Valerio and with my husband Peter and my two children in the Upper School at SCIS, I am delighted to be a part of the warm community that is SCIS. I have served in many roles in very diverse school environments over the past 28 years. I have taught in grades 3-12 and been a Grade Level leader and Department Chair, Director of Student Affairs and Middle School Principal. Most recently, I was the Middle School and High School Vice Principal in Seoul, Korea. Although I am originally from the Washington D.C. area, I have lived in many regions of the United States. From a very early age, I knew I wanted to be in education and I have never thought I would rather be in any other field! I received my Master’s Degree from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts. After about 10 years in schools, my next stop was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership. My goals have always been to ensure that there are strong relationships between teachers and students in an environment that promotes happy, supported and involved students.

Amy Valerio

Simmons College & University of North Carolina, Vice Principal | Hongqiao Upper School

I am honored to lead the Upper School at SCIS Pudong. In my 16 years as an educator working in U.S. public schools and international schools in China, I have focused on school leadership, language acquisition, curriculum development, and student support services. I was drawn to SCIS because of its commitment to the International Baccalaureate Programs. I feel strongly that these programs best serve international school students. I completed my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of New Mexico in the United States. I am particularly interested in the science of learning. In addition, I hold master’s degree in in Special Education and School Counseling, and a certification in Educational Administration. As an undergraduate I earned my bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Political Science at Saint Michael’s College. When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife, Emily Williams (Librarian) and my daughters Cadence and Aria are here with me at SCIS. In the summer we split our time in the U.S. between my home state of Vermont and my adopted home of New Mexico. In my free time, I enjoy playing and coaching basketball, studying Chinese, traveling, and being active outdoors. Frank Volpe

Saint Michael’s College & University of New Mexico, Principal | Pudong Upper School