Workshop Presenters Biography
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PHOEBE BARASH
Biography: For 36 years, Phoebe Barash has worked in education as a teacher, administrator, and trainer. After leaving her position as a school administrator, she began her own business in mediation and conflict management. Areas of focus include: family/divorce mediation, special education mediation, group facilitation, training in conflict management. Experience in school gives Phoebe a unique window into what is important in the world of school and the pressures faced by school staff, children and families. Phoebe is Vermont certified school administrator. She is and has been an adjunct faculty member at colleges in Vermont. She received her BS in Education from Wheelock College in 1972, her MA in Education from Western Carolina University in 1980 and her certificate in Mediation in 2001. She is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), Educator’s for Social Responsibility (ESR), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the Vermont Mediator’s Association (VMA).
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KAREN BURKE
Biography: During the past 15 years, Dr. Karen Burke has been involved with research in learning styles ranging from the assessment of individual learning preferences to the determination of the effects of utilizing instructional strategies responsive to individual students’ learning-style strengths. Specifically, the range of these activities extended from applications of a newly designed identification instruments for middle-school students to utilization of instructional resources in instructional leadership, curriculum, and both pre-service and inservice teacher education. Dr. Burke’s research with learning styles has extended to staff development programs conducted in the United States and more than 15 other countries. Learning Style: The Clue to You! (LS:CY), the learning-style assessment that she coauthored, currently is being utilized in various countries and throughout the United States. The original paper and pencil version is now available online at www.cluetoyou.com. Having been deeply immersed in the research concerned with brain-based learning and individuals’ learning-styles for almost a decade, Dr. Burke has seen how each new data set contributes to an expansion of the conceptualization of these constructs and an increasing number of practical (hands-on) applications over time. Those insights resulted from the various research projects with which she have been involved. The latter projects subsequently lead to more than 40 scholarly publications in educational journals and edited books. Dr. Burke is currently an Associate Professor in the Instructional Leadership Doctoral Program at Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT. Her prior professional experiences include early childhood teacher, middle school math teacher, elementary administrator, and professor in undergraduate and graduate educational programs.
JARIK CONRAD
Biography: Dr. Conrad is President of the Conrad Consulting Group, LLC, which helps organizations solve complex people-related challenges. He has held senior positions with various Fortune 500 companies including transportation, retail, food and beverage, financial services, sports, chemicals, aerospace, and nonprofit companies. He received a Doctor of Education degree from University of North Florida, MBA and MILR degrees from Cornell University, and a BA from the University of Illinois. He is an adjunct professor at Jacksonville University and regularly teaches in the department of continuing education at the University of North Florida. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS). He has published his dissertation, The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Intercultural Sensitivity. He was also featured in The Master of Success with notable authors Ken Blanchard and Jack Canfield.
KATHY DAULTON
Biography: Kathy Daulton was most recently Director of Curriculum and Planning at the American School in Lima, Peru, where she coordinated the administrative team and faculty to implement their Strategic Plan and instructional programs. She is the author of A Model: International School Curriculum Management; How to move curriculum forward rather than in circles, which was published in 2007. Kathy is very familiar with the EARCOS region. She served as a curriculum coordinator both in the International School of Kuala Lumpur and Taipei American School. After leaving Asia, she became elementary school principal at the American School of Warsaw in Poland. Kathy takes a ‘big picture’ and practical view of curriculum development and management in her book and in her workshops, offering ways to systematically create effective, efficient, and sustainable curriculum over the life of the school, without running in circles.
RALPH DAVISON
Biography: Dr. Ralph Davison is Senior Consultant for Carney, Sandoe and Associates, the largest US firm dedicated to teacher placement, executive search and strategic consulting services for Boards of Trustees and their schools worldwide. His consulting and search experience includes North America, Asia and Europe. He served as the Associate Headmaster of St. Anne’s-Belfield School (VA), the Assistant Headmaster of St. Stephen’s School (VA), and for 20 years as the Headmaster of Greensboro Day School (NC). He founded the Triad Association of Non-public Schools (NC), served as the President of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, served on the boards of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and currently serves on the Collegiate School (VA) Board of Trustees and the corporate board for Kindermusik International. He served on the local boards of First Union (one year as Chairman) and Wachovia Banks (1991-2005) and currently is a faculty member of the NAIS Financing Schools Institute.Ralph graduated from the Maret School, an international school in Washington, DC. He holds a BA in music and French from Hamilton College, a MA degree in medieval French literature from Middlebury College, and a PhD in history and education from the University of Virginia. His doctoral work centered on the missionary education work of the Episcopal Church with rural southern African-Americans (ca. 1907-1940) and the Appalachian Mountain people in Virginia (1888-1948).
ANDY DAVIES
Biography: Andy is currently the High School Principal at International School Bangkok. Prior to this, Andy lived and worked in the UK and Australia. Andy is completing his doctorate at the University of Bath, specializing in international education.
DOUG HELGESON
Biography: Doug Helgeson spent the first 26 years of his educational career as a teacher and administrator in the Kent School District just outside Seattle, Washington. Doug then took a principal position in Montana for the next 9 years of his career. In 2001, he “retired” from education and moved to Bangkok with his wife who had been hired as the Choir Director at International School Bangkok. Retirement didn’t last long and Doug soon became Dean of Students at ISB.
MARILYN GEORGE / MARGARET ALVAREZ / EVA KAMPITS / WANG YAN
Biography: Dr. George has been the associate executive director of WASC since 1987. In addition to her knowledge of accreditation and school improvement, her areas of expertise are curriculum/instruction and staff development. She has been a classroom teacher, staff development specialist, trainer, consultant, and a high school district administrator of staff development and state/federal programs. She has worked extensively with the California State Department of Education in the areas of program quality reviews, the mentor teacher program, and staff development programs. She has given presentations and written and other publications in the areas of staff development, mentoring, and accreditation. Her degrees are from Westminster College (B.S.), University of Wisconsin, Madison (M.S.), and UCLA (Ed.D).Mrs. Alvarez has a Master of Arts degree from St Andrews University (UK), a Masters in Educational Administration from Sheffield University and a Diploma in Business Administration from Singapore Institute of Management. She has spent most of her career in international education, working in Europe and in Asia. She has been a foreign language teacher, a high school principal, a school head, and has served on the EARCOS Board of Directors. She is the Associate Director of Accreditation Service for the Council of International Schools. She is currently based in Singapore.
Dr. Kampits, active in NEASC since 1980, she is director of NEASC’s Executive Office. Appointed in 1994, she promotes educational collaborations, contributes to public policy, engages in research and develops assessment/evaluation models worldwide. Her career spans administration and teaching at M.I.T. (Artificial Intelligence Lab.; Lab. for Computer Science; The Media Laboratory), and chief academic officer for a women’s college. Consultancies, publications and keynotes range from educational technology to accreditation. She guides NEASC partnerships with Ministries of Education (China, South Africa, Thailand, U.A.E). Born in Hungary, Kampits holds degrees from Harvard (B.A.), Boston College (M.A.., Ph.D.) and University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Wang Yan, I am a local Chinese, living and staying at Beijing, P.R. China. Since 2000, I have been working at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) as the Business Manager. My job's function is more on the areas of government, local public, legal and HR affairs rather than on school accounting and finance. Before I worked for WAB, I worked for the World Bank China Office as the Administrative Officer (1993 to 2000) and also China Ministry of Education as Senior Administrator (1991 to 1993). I received my MA and MEd degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University (1986 to 1991, NYC, USA). I have been actively involving in NCCT's accreditation project since 2000 and providing key assistance in NCCT's partnership with NEASC, CIS and WASC. This year, I was appointed by NCCT as NCCT Accreditation Committee Member.
BILL GERRITZ / TOM BAKER
Biography: Bill Gerritz is currently the Head of School at International School Bangkok. He has been a grade 1 teacher, a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley and a researcher at the Far West Labs for Educational Research. Since becoming international, he has held leadership positions at Escuela Campo Alegre in Caracas, The International School of Curacao, and The American School of The Hague. He has served as a board member of the Academy of International School Heads, the European Council of International School, the Council of International Schools, and the International School Association of Thailand. Aside from his family and the outdoors, his abiding passion has been finding and implementing processes and systems that will systematically improve learning, teaching, and schools.
Tom Baker has been an administrator at International School Bangkok for the past twelve years, nine years as Elementary School Co-principal and three years as Deputy Head of School of Learning. Prior to moving to Thailand he was an elementary school principal for twelve years in Washington State. Tom holds an Executive Leadership & Washington Superintendent Certificate from City University of Seattle, a Masters degree in Educational Policy, Governance, and Administration from the University of Washington, and a Bachelors degree in Social Science Elementary Education from Whitworth College. Other overseas experience includes teaching posts in Helsinki, Finland and at International School Moshi in Tanzania.
WALT GMELCH
Biography: Dr. Walt Gmelch is the Dean of the School of Education at University of San Francisco. Formerly he served as Dean, Professor, and Department Chair of Educational Leadership at Washington State University and Iowa State University. As educator, management consultant, administrator, and former business executive, Gmelch has conducted research and written extensively on the topics of leadership, team development, conflict, and stress and time management. He has published over 200 articles, 20 books, and numerous scholarly papers. Gmelch is author of three books on team leadership and two on management and stress.
Walt Gmelch earned a Ph.D. in the Educational Executive Program from the University of California (Santa Barbara), a masters in Business Administration from the University of California (Berkeley), and a bachelors degree from Stanford University. He has received numerous honors including a Kellogg National Fellowship, the UCEA Distinguished Professor Award, the Faculty Excellence Award for Research, and the Education Press Award of America. In addition, he served in the Danforth Leadership Program; has been an advisor to the Salzburg Seminar on Global Citizenship; and has been an Australian Research Fellow.
JUDITH GUY / EDWARD LAWLESS
Biography: Judith Guy is currently the Regional Director for the International Baccalaureate Organization in the Asia Pacific Region. Judith has degrees in Biochemistry, Plant Physiology and in Education. Her first teaching position was with Volunteer Service Abroad (New Zealand’s equivalent to the Peace Corps), in Western Samoa. Within education, Judith has had a variety of roles including teaching middle and high school science, curriculum and IBO programme coordination, university and college counseling, working as a Community Health Education Officer, and lecturing at the Cook Islands Teachers College. She has taught and worked as an Administrator in national and International schools in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Western Samoa and the Cook Islands.
Ed Lawless is currently Professional Development Manager for the International Baccalaureate Organization in the Asia Pacific Region. He has degrees in English and in Education. He taught Secondary English in the New York State school system until 1986, when he began his career in international education as an IB English Teacher on the French Riviera. Since then he has enjoyed a diverse career in international and national schools in Singapore, Western Australia and Queensland, where he has served in a variety of teaching and administrative roles.
DENNIS HARTER
Biography: Dennis Harter is currently serving his 4th year at International School Bangkok as the HS Technology and Learning Coordinator. Previously, he was a HS Math teacher and then MS Technology Facilitator at International School of Kuala Lumpur. Dennis has not only been an international educator for over 15 years, he is also a product of the system, having attended international schools for most of his school life. He received his Master’s in Educational Technology from Harvard Graduate School of Education and his Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics from The College of William and Mary. Dennis believes a real shift in curriculum and pedagogy needs to happen, as students’ information access and global connectedness continues to shape their future. Technology facilitates this shift. Dennis writes on education, technology, and learning at his blog, Thinking Allowed - http://dharter.edublogs.org.
TOM HAWKINS (with Robbie Briggs, Tamera Fillinger, Jim Kerrigan, Dale Cox, Ole Molskov Bech, and Tony Tsai)
Biography: Dr. Tom Hawkins has been at ISBeijing since 2002, assuming the role of Head of School in 2005. Tom has been in education for more than 20 years, spending 15 of those in international schools. Tom’s background in educational leadership and passion for “mission-driven schools that work” have led him to develop expertise in the area of school and organizational development.
Robbie Briggs- Has been at ISBeijing since 2006, assuming the role of Board Chair in 2007. Robbie has served on several private school boards in the U.S., most recently as Chair of the Cambridge School of Dallas. Robbie’s passion for school improvement, community involvement, and inclusion of all is helpful in everything ISB is able to accomplish.Tamera Fillinger- Has been at ISBeijing since 2006, serving on the Board as the member of the Trustee Development Committee since 2007. Tamera’s background in law, China, and in working with non-profit organizations have given her the wisdom as well as the practical knowledge to help the Board make decisions in alignment with the principals Collins espouses for the social sector.
Jim Kerrigan- Has been at ISBeijing since 2004, hired originally as Business Manager and now serving in the role of Chief Financial and Operations Officer. Jim served ISPrague for 9 years prior to coming to ISB, and his background in finance helps him see the big picture and helps ISB plan effectively for the future.
Dale Cox- Has been at ISBeijing since 2006, serving as the Middle School Principal. Dale’s work with the strategic planning initiative at ISB has given him the opportunity to take the school-wide plans effectively into his division of the school. Dale has served as a middle level educator for 16 years, taught five years as an adjunct instructor for the University of Phoenix, and was president of the Mesa Association of School Administrators in Arizona in the United States. Dale is passionate about the Middle School and after 27 years in U.S. public schools, he has thrived here in his new setting at ISB.Ole Molskov Bech– Has been at ISB since 2006, serving on the Board as Chair of the Future’s Committee. Ole is an MD working with Novo Nordisk, the world’s leader in diabetes management, and part of the solution to the global diabetes epidemic. Ole’s background in futures and planning has suited him perfectly for the role of leading the Futures Committee.
Tony Tsai– Has been at ISB since 2007, new Trustee on the Board and working closely with the Futures Committee for the school. Tony is a retired VP of Proctor & Gamble, now with a Chinese Hypermarket Company as Executive VP. Tony’s background and work with The Institute for the Future (IFTF) has been immensely helpful in developing a map for the future of ISB.
CLAY HENSLEY
Biography: Clay Hensley is the Associate Director for International Services at the College Board. His primary responsibility is to support schools outside the U.S. that use College Board programs, such as the Advanced Placement Program (AP), PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT. He also actively promotes the recognition of College Board programs at universities worldwide. Prior to joining the College Board eight years ago, Clay taught English literature and studio art at Serramonte del Rey High School in Daly City, California. He has also taught at the university-level. He holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and a Masters of Fine Art in painting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his spare time, Clay is an exhibiting artist based in New York City.
JOHN JOSEPH
Biography: John Joseph has presented keynote addresses, conferences and workshop sessions to more than a quarter of a million people representing more than 3,000 schools across 17 countries. Week after week, he facilitates full-day workshops for student groups where he challenges young people to learn about learning, behavior and emotions. John uses stunning computer-generated graphics and actual brain dissections to engage kids. He has facilitated the dissections of more than 120,000 sheep brains! Little wonder that people refer to him as “The Brain Man!” John has presented keynotes and full day sessions to principals, teachers, students, parents, judges, business leaders, accountants, the medical profession, community service organizations, government departments and tertiary education staff. He has published more than 100 articles, 6 books and a number of CD Roms. His web sites generate over 120,000 downloads every month.
BILL KENTTA / JOSH RECKORD / KEVIN BAKER / ANDREW HOOVER
Biography: Dr. William Kentta has been a Curriculum and Staff Development Administrator in the Eugene, Oregon public school system for twenty years. Before that, he taught high school English, speech, and journalism. He has a Ph.D in English and has taught at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Maryland--Far East Division, Vietnam. Bill has been an Organizational Development consultant in public schools since 1977 and has consulted nationally and internationally. He has made presentations at National Staff Development Conferences, presented at workshops and conferences for EARCOS and has published several articles in the Journal of Staff Development. Formerly the Director of the Eugene Cadre, the oldest volunteer group of organizational specialists in the United States. He is currently semi-retired and continues to consult on organizational development topics.Josh Reckord is a retired educator with 38 years of school experience. After working in Eugene, Oregon as a teacher and Head Teacher/Team Leader he worked at the American School in Japan for 10 years. While there, he was involved with and facilitated a number of projects dealing with divisional staffs, board governance and leadership and school wide initiatives. He remains interested in working with a variety of non-profit organizations including schools, community groups, and churches helping them improve their abilities to work collaboratively. In retirement, he is a volunteer member of the Eugene Cadre, a group of school employees who support organizational development in the Eugene School District. He also enjoys travel, continued work with overseas schools, and working in his garden.
Kevin Baker and his wife, Dee, began working in international education in 1988. Kevin has served as the High School Principal at SFS since the fall of 2003. His educational leadership experiences stretch across the United States from Minnesota to California and Texas. Internationally, Kevin has served in Hong Kong and in Korea. Originally from Southern California, in the United States, Kevin received his Bachelors degree from Concordia University, Nebraska, and his Masters degree in Education Administration from Washington State University. He is currently working on his Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Andrew Hoover is currently the middle school principal at the American School of Bombay where he has also coordinated strategic planning, curriculum development, MSA accreditation, and various school improvement processes. Prior to moving to Mumbai in 2005, Andrew worked at ASIJ for ten years as a social studies teacher where his interest in organization development was nurtured through projects such as guidance of the school’s vision process as well as collaborative and facilitative work on middle school curricula, school evaluation processes, and middle school off-campus trips. He carries a deep optimism in the potential of groups to create better organizations and more meaningful life experiences for participants.
LINDA KIISK
Biography: Linda Kiisk, AIA LEED AP, received her BFA and teaching certification from the College of William and Mary and Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. With her expertise in natural building, she served as the Principal Investigator to conduct sustainability training for the National Park Service. Her satellite broadcast on deconstruction won an International Telly Award. In 2003, she was nominated for a Fulbright in Sustainable Development and Heritage Tourism in Panama. Linda is currently the Associate Director for Facilities Planning at the University of Wyoming and previously held posts as professor of design at various institutions in the United States. Her research involved the study of brain differences impacting visualization styles. Linda believes that by understanding how our brains work we can influence how we shape our environments and relationships with one another.
ALAN KNOBLOCH
Biography: The best part of Alan's job is being in the classroom watching teaching and learning in action. With over ten years experience as an administrator, he has tried many different types of evaluation and supervision. Alan is in his third year as high school principal at the Shanghai American School, Puxi Campus. He also has experience as a middle school principal and elementary school assistant principal. Alan has worked in Florida, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Niger, Maine and New Hampshire. He is currently slaving away on his dissertation.
ELSA LAMB
Biography: An educator with more than 40 years of experience in the field, in addition to her many years of classroom teaching experience Elsa Lamb has served as head of the American School of Barcelona, Spain, The American School of Asuncion, Paraguay, and The American Nicaraguan School in Managua, Nicaragua.A believer in being actively involved in the professional associations and institutions that support the work of overseas schools, Ms. Lamb has served on the Boards of The Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), the Academy of International School Heads (AISH), the Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA), the Mediterranean Association of International Schools (MAIS), and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). She has also served as a member of the SACS-CASI American International School Committee.
Ms. Lamb currently is the Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) a position which enables her to continue to contribute to and support the work of international schools across the globe, and to spread the word about the important role of international education in preparing students to be productive global citizens.
DENNIS LARKIN / LYNNE COLEMAN
Biography: Dr. Dennis Larkin joined Shanghai American School (SAS) as Superintendent in August, 2005. His career, spanning some ¬¬35 years in the field of education, is today a recognized for excellent leadership in international school education. Of his role at SAS, Dr. Larkin writes: “Like the students we serve, life at SAS is dynamic and ever changing. We would not have it any other way for in change there is growth, in growth there is development, and in development there is lifelong learning, all of which we believe are hallmarks of an excellent school community.”Before joining SAS, Dr. Larkin was the Superintendent of Schools at the American International School of Riyadh (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) for five years. Prior to the AISR he served as the Middle School Principal at the International School Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) for four years. Additional assignments in international school have included eight years at the International School Manila (Philippines) where he served as Elementary School Principal, Director of Instructional Services, and Assistant Middle School Principal. Dr. Larkin has also worked as a classroom teacher in the United States (Lake Washington School District #414, in Redmond, Washington; Lambertville Public School, Lambertville, New Jersey) and as a teacher at two international schools, Hong Kong International School, Hong Kong and Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India.
Lynne Coleman, who has been a curriculum and professional development coordinator at Shanghai American School since August, 2006, has been a teacher and administrator for 33 years, 20 of them in international schools. "Leaving the classroom was hard at first; I had spent so many years working closely with students in IB and AP English classes. But after working closely with teachers in my role as professional development coordinator and strategic planning facilitator, I was hooked on educational leadership. The past two years as curriculum coordinator at SAS have offered me rewarding opportunities to work with teachers in professional dialogue about student learning – those experiences have been particularly enriched through our work with Critical Friends approaches.”Before accepting the position at SAS, Coleman taught IB English at the International School of Beijing, where she also worked with professional development and strategic planning for six years. Coleman moved to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she taught IB and AP English and publication classes at the International School of Kuala Lumpur for four years. Prior to that assignment she taught AP English and the Abitur track at the John F. Kennedy Schule in Berlin, Germany. After nine years teaching in Lewiston Idaho, she began her work in international settings at Zweibrucken, Germany in a DoDDS school.
WILLIAM LISHMAN
Biography: William (Bill) Lishman M.S.M., is a world renowned artist in many media. His works include award-winning ducumentry films and numerous works of public art, and his best selling autobiography inspired the Columbia Pictures hit film Fly Away Home. He was a pioneer in ultralight aviation and initiated the use of ultralight aircraft in establishing new migration routes for precocial birds. He is a cofounder and chair emeritus of Operation Migration which has played the key role in establishing a back up flock of endangered Whooping cranes. Bills current passion is Air First Aid a unique plan for a first response supply system for victims of natural disasters. Bill has received numerous awards including the Odyssey of the Mind's prestigious Creativity Award, The Canadian Meritorious Service Medal and the US National Wildlife Federation Conservation award. In June of 2008 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Ontario.
DEANNE MAGNUSSON / DR. GERALD FRY
Biography: Deanne Magnusson currently is an administrator and faculty member in the Department of Educational Policy and Administration (EDPA) at the University of Minnesota. Much of Dr. Magnusson’s professional career has been spent working in leadership and management positions in PK-12 and higher education. Dr. Magnusson currently is Co-Director for the Department of Educational Policy and Administration’s doctorate programs for international educators. During 2002-2004, Dr. Magnusson served as Dean, Center for American Education, Singapore. Her current international work include projects in South East Asia and the Middle East. During 2007-2008, Dr. Magnusson served as Consultant and Team Leader for an U.S. State Department leadership training initiative for Sultanate of Oman secondary school principals.
Gerald W. Fry is a Professor of International/Intercultural Education at the University of Minnesota. He holds a BA in economics from Stanford, a M.P.A. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton, and a Ph.D. in international development education from Stanford. He has spent approximately 15 years overseas working in diverse capacities over a period of five decades. He has served as a Team Leader for several Asian Development Bank Projects related to educational reform in Thailand and Laos. He has published many books and articles. In 2006-2007 he was a Visiting Research Scholar at Nagoya University in Japan.
MARY MARGARET MALLAT / JERE MILLER
Biography: Mary Margaret Mallat is currently the Director of Admissions at The American School in Japan and served previously in a variety of volunteer positions at the school. While Chairman of ASIJ’s Board of Directors for 4 years, she observed the demands put on school leaders to effectively manage parent groups. These experiences in combination with her professional background as a secondary school teacher and college administrator fostered a strong interest in the effective role of parent groups and their impact on school wide goals. Prior to her professional and volunteer experiences in Tokyo, Mary Margaret earned a BA in History from Bates College and an M.A. in Education from UCLA. She includes among her work experiences serving as the Dean of Students at Westbrook College in Portland, Maine and working as the Assistant Director of the MS in Accounting Program at New York University’s Stern School of Busines.
Jere Miller is currently in her second year as President of the Parent-Teacher Association at the American School in Japan. During the prior three years as a PTA Board member, she recognized that while there were notable contributions made by the parent groups, some achievements were at the expense of good relationships between the school and other volunteer groups. As a member of the Board of Directors at ASIJ, she could see the powerful potential of synergizing volunteerism with school-wide initiatives. Jere holds a degree in Secondary Education from Southern Utah University and currently works as a learning support teacher for students with dyslexia. She is in leadership positions with other volunteer committees in Tokyo including Focus on Learning and Learning Support Network of Tokyo. She is on staff at International Secondary School and as a private teacher works with students from several international schools in Tokyo.
DAVID MCMASTER / JOHN JALSEVAC
Biography: David McMaster is the Head of School at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS), a position he assumed in August 2004, having served two years as their Middle School Principal. Since his appointment as Head of School, Dave has introduced various progressive initiatives that have positioned CDNIS as a leading international school in the region. Such developments include the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Programme (Primary, Middle and Diploma) and the launch of a school-wide one-to-one laptop programme designed to be in keeping with global best practices in the field of education. A native Canadian, Dave has over 19 years experience in education. Prior to joining CDNIS, he was a Teacher, Vice-Principal and Principal at elementary and secondary schools in three districts of British Columbia, Canada. Dave became a High School Principal at the age of 31, making him one of the youngest principals in British Columbia. In 1996, he was appointed Principal at West Vancouver Secondary School, the flagship school in West Vancouver and one of the top schools in British Columbia. Dave completed a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at San Diego State University. He also attended Queen’s University, where he received a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and an Education Degree in Secondary Education.
John Jalsevac is the Principal of the Upper School at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS), a position he has occupied for the past four years. John, in his capacity as Chair of the IB Steering Committee, assumed a major leadership role in the development and implementation of the IB Programme at CDNIS. In addition to his involvement with the IB Programme, John was also instrumental in the creation of the International Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong (ISSFHK) and currently acts as Principals' Representative on the Executive Council. He is also an executive member of the South East Asia School's Activity Conference (SEASAC). Prior to his arrival in Hong Kong, John served as an educator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board for 25 years. He was employed as a teacher at the secondary school level (Geography and Physical Education), Vice Principal, Principal of three different high schools (including Michael Power/St. Joseph High School, an IB school comprised of 2100 students), Program Coordinator in the Curriculum Department at the Board office, and Superintendent of Secondary Schools.John has degrees from York University in Toronto, the University of Toronto and Niagara University.
STEVE MEADE / SUSIE HEINRICH-JABAL
Biography: Steve Meade and Susie Heinrich-Jabal are both International School educators with a combined experience of 35 years in education and a passion for Middle School. As Associate Principals at Jakarta International School and Hong Kong International School respectively, Steve and Susie have worked with teacher teams to implement standards-based assessment and reporting practices. Steve comes from Melbourne and has taught in Australia and Indonesia. Susie is Canadian and has taught in Switzerland and Hong Kong. Both Steve and Susie have Masters Degrees in leadership and administration.
Susie Heinrich-Jabal has been Associate Principal at Hong Kong International Middle School since 2005. She has been a Middle School teacher and leader at JFK International School in Saanen, Switzerland, Delia School of Canada in Hong Kong and at HKIS. Susie received her BA/B.Ed. at Queen’s University in 1989, her MA from Michigan State in 1998 and her M.Ed. while studying as a Fellow in the Private School Leadership Program at Columbia University in 2003/2004.
NANCY HARGRAVE MEISLAHN
Biography: Nancy Hargrave Meislahn has been dean of admission and financial aid at Wesleyan for since January 2000. Prior to coming to Wesleyan, she was the director of undergraduate admissions at Cornell University for 15 years. She has also served on the Ivy League admission and policy committees and was president of the New York State Association of College Admissions Counselors, from which she received the President’s Award for Excellence in Counseling in 1989. Ms Meislahn is a member of the US News and World Report admissions advisory committee, on the board of the Test of English as s Foreign Language (TOEFL) and consults for the State Department and College Board as a member of the advisory committee for the Overseas Schools Project.
MAGGIE MOON
Biography: Maggie Moon was a Staff Developer for The Reading and Writing Project, at Teachers College, Columbia University, before moving to the Philippines in 2008. Prior to working as a consultant across the US with the R&W Project, she was a 3rd and 4th grade teacher in the NYC Public School System. She has worked closely with hundreds schools within NYC and across the US, as well as presented at the R&W Summer Institutes for many years. She also worked to implement the position of Literacy Coach in NYC, as well as train hundreds of Coaches across the NYC public school system. Since moving abroad, she has had the privilege of working with International Schools within South East Asia, as well as local schools in Manila, Philippines. She is co-authoring a professional series on Literacy Coaching with Lucy Calkins, to be published 2008 by Heinemann
ALAN NOVEMBER
Biography: Alan November is an international leader in education technology. He began his career as an oceanography teacher and dorm counselor at an island reform school for boys in Boston Harbor. He has been director of an alternative high school, computer coordinator, technology consultant, and university lecturer. He has helped schools, governments and industry leaders improve the quality of education through technology. Audiences enjoy Alan's humor and wit as he pushes the boundaries of how to improve teaching and learning. His areas of expertise include planning across curriculum, staff development, new school design, community building and leadership development. He has delivered keynotes and workshops in all fifty states, across Canada, and throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and Central America. Alan was named one of the nation’s fifteen most influential thinkers of the decade by Technology and Learning Magazine. In 2001, he was listed one of eight educators to provide leadership into the future by the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse. In 2007 he was selected to speak at the Cisco Public Services Summit during the Nobel Prize Festivities in Stockholm, Sweden. His writing includes numerous articles and best-selling book, Empowering Students with Technology. Alan was a co-founder of the Stanford Institute for Educational Leadership Through Technology and is most proud of being selected as one of the original five national Christa McAuliffe Educators.Each summer, Alan leads the Building Learning Communities summer conference with world-class presenters and international participants. Visit novemberlearning.com/blc for more details.
ANDY PAGE-SMITH / MERRIS PAGE-SMITH
Biography: Dr. Andy Page –Smith is currently in his second year as the Director/CEO of the Hong Kong Academy after previously spending four years as the Superintendent of the American School of Kuwait. This is his 13th year overseas, having previously held principalships in Kuwait, Vietnam and Qatar. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Australia teaching all levels K-12. Before entering international education he worked as a consultant in literacy development and as an associate professor of education. Andy earned his doctorate degree from the University of Sarasota, Florida. He presently serves on the Board of AISH, is president of ACAMIS, and is an adjunct professor for Lehigh University.
Dr. Merris Page-Smith is a native of Tasmania, Australia. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Australia and taught a range of subjects at the middle and high school levels and worked as a literacy across the curriculum coordinator before moving in to administration. Since moving overseas 13 years ago, she has worked as a Grade Coordinator, Middle School Coordinator, Program Director and Director of Studies during stints in Asia and the Middle East. She is currently the Middle/High School principal at the Hong Kong Academy. Merris completed her doctorate degree in Florida, USA, is an IB MYP trainer, and is also an adjunct professor for Lehigh University.
ROBERT PANGRAZI
Biography: Dr. Pangrazi is a professor emeritus at Arizona State University. Pangrazi has worked nationally and internationally with teachers for 43 years. He regularly conducts training sessions in schools and universities and is regarded as a motivational speaker. His approach to elementary school physical education has been used worldwide by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, nationally by the Edison Project, and is used in hundreds of public, private and charter schools. Pangrazi is an Educational Consultant for Gopher Sport and The U.S. Tennis Association. Pangrazi has published over 50 textbooks and 100 research and professional articles. One of Dr. Pangrazi’s textbooks about physical education has sold more than 750,000 copies.
ROXY PESTELLO
Biography: Roxy was a top level administrator at ISB Thailand and Director of a Residential School near Bangalore, India. He has 35 years experience in education as Head of Human Resources, Director of Staff Development, Teacher, Trainer, Consultant, and three years at the University of Minnesota. He was head of Management Training & Organizational Development at a Fortune 300 Corporation with worldwide operations. Roxy has consulted extensively with organizations throughout the United States, India, Indonesia, China, Singapore, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Ireland, Belgium and Canada. He has an M.A. in Economics, and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration. He lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Roxy works with groups to improve their effectiveness and productivity. He facilitates Board and Leadership training, teams in collaboration, consensus building, conflict resolution, and community building. He is well known for his ability to help groups resolve differences and conflicts, manage major changes, and has worked extensively with multicultural groups.
BLAIRE PETERSON
Biography: Blair Peterson is currently the Middle/High Principal at Mont’Kiara International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Prior to moving to Mont’Kiara, Blair was the Secondary Principal at Academia Cotopaxi in Quito, Ecuador. This is his 9th year as a principal of an international school overseas. In 2000, he earned his doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his dissertation was entitled “Technology and the Principalship: Perceptions of Principals of Technology-Rich Schools”. His passion for technology in education stems from his experience working with a team to open Southeast Raleigh High School, a math, science and technology magnet in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ROB RISCH
Biography: Robert Risch is the Headmaster of the Nagoya International School as of July 2007. Rob has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a teaching license from Middlebury College in Vermont. His Masters degree in education is from the University of Vermont in educational leadership, and he has recently completed his Doctorate in Education through Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Prior to NIS, Rob held senior administrative positions at Zurich International School, the American Community School of Amman, Jordan, the International School of Islamabad, Pakistan and the International School of Cartagena, Spain. Before moving to the international "arena" Rob was a Teaching Principal at Ripton Elementary School in Vermont and at Ripton Hollow School, also in Vermont. Rob spent his childhood transitioning into and out of schools, cultures, and languages in Yugoslavia, Lebanon, Turkey, Germany
LINDA SILLS
Biography: Linda Sills currently holds the position of Associate Director for EARCOS. After working three years in the Philippines for EARCOS, she is continuing her work virtually from her home on the Feather River in CA. EARCOS is committed to encouraging and supporting environmental efforts made by all of our schools. Her main responsibility is to organize the second Global Issues Network(GIN) Conference in Bangkok. The inaugural conference, EARTH ’S HOPE, was held in Beijing in April-2008. The GIN conference is organized for students and their advisors to assist them in addressing identified global issues by creating networks and sustainable solutions. Linda received a BA from UC Berkeley, a MA from Harvard, and a MA from Tufts University. She has used her education both in and out of the classroom to assist her in working in six international schools around the world as a teacher, counselor/school psychologist and now to plan innovative professional development for the region.
KRISTA SLADE / DAVID SHEPHERD / MATT WILCE
Biography: Krista Slade was appointed to the newly created position of executive director of CASE Asia-Pacific in May 2007. In this position, Krista is responsible for professional development programs, conferences and other services to meet the evolving needs of the growing advancement profession throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Krista has spent more than a decade working in the Asia-Pacific region as an alumni relations and fundraising professional. A Canadian citizen, she moved to Hong Kong in 1994 to establish the University of Toronto (HK) Foundation and to serve as its executive director. In this position, she facilitated the university’s alumni, fundraising and student recruitment activities in Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and further afield.
In 2003, she returned to Canada to serve as the University of Toronto’s associate director of international advancement. Most recently, she served as senior strategic adviser for advancement to the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, Prof. Glyn Davis AC. Before joining the organisation, Krista was a member of CASE and a speaker at various international conferences. She holds an honours degree in English & History as well as a Master of Arts in History from the University of Toronto and completed the International Asian Studies/Yale-in-China program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong as a Rotary Foundation Scholar. She also attended the International Leadership Academy hosted by the United Nations University in Amman, Jordan
Dave Shepherd is Director of College Advancement at United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), a K1 – Grade 12 non-profit International school in Singapore. Dave oversees the development and operations of the College’s Advancement team, which includes communications, alumni relations and fundraising.With no formal Advancement department prior to 2006, the College has implemented a strong communications strategy, a dynamic and comprehensive alumni relations programme, and recently launched active fundraising via a College related Foundation.
As a member of CASE since 2006 Dave has attended several CASE conference, presented at a CASE International Schools workshop, and authored the inaugural “Postcode from Singapore” in the January 2008 edition of CASE Currents.
Dave taught for three years’ in the UK, prior to joining UWCSEA in 1992 as a teacher of physical education. In 1994 he was appointed as the head of the department and, for the next nine years’, guided an exceptional team of teachers through a period of significant expansion for the College. Following three years’ as the Director of Admissions, Dave was appointed to his current post in August 2006. Away from the office Dave has pursued a passion for sport psychology. He completed a master’s degree in 2000 and provides voluntary consultation services to a range of athletes and National Sports Associations’ based in Singapore.
Matt Wilce is the Director of Communications and Annual Support at The American School in Japan.
Originally from the UK, Matt has spent most of his adult life in Japan. He first visited Tokyo as a student and after graduating with a first in history and Japanese from Lancaster University taught for two years at a public junior high school in Toyama prefecture as part of the JET program. He went on to combine dual careers in teaching and writing and worked at Daito Bunka University and the Tokyo Metropolitan International High School.
Specializing in Japanese entertainment and culture, he was also editor in chief of Eye-Ai magazine before he moved to Metropolis magazine, Japan’s largest English publication, as editor. Matt continues to write about Japan for publications in the USA, Australia and Japan. His recent work includes stories for People Magazine, The Rochester Review, Ikebana International, POL Oxygen, Fodor’s Guide to Japan and JapanInc. He has also been quoted on Japanese popular culture in Details magazine and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Since 2001, Matt has worked in ASIJ’s Center for School-Community Partnership where his portfolio covers print and online media, events and annual support. The Center recently received a Fundraising Success Magazine award for the school’s lower field campaign and a Summit International Marketing award for the campaign materials for their new playground. Matt’s development work has also been profiled in CASE’s BriefCASE newsletter.
SMITH, GREG/ JOHANSON, JEFF/ CURTIS, GREG/ KERRIGAN, JIM
Biography: Greg Smith has been at ISBeijing since 2005, serving as the Upper Elementary School Principal and for several years as a Curriculum Director during the development of ISB’s standards-based curriculum. Greg’s background in K-10 schools in Australia and his curriculum development background have served him, and ISB, well in developing a world-class educational program.Jeff Johanson has been at ISBeijing since 2004, hired from ISPrague to bring expertise in program administration as Athletics and Activities Director. Today, Jeff serves as the Director of Student Activities, a role which encompasses oversight for all co-curricular programs at the school. Jeff’s years at TAS, Delhi, and Prague have served him well in his role. Jeff’s passion for co-curricular programs which support education have improved the opportunities here at ISB.
KATHY STETSON
Biography: Kathy Stetson is Senior Account Executive for International Partners for NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) in Portland, Oregon. She is responsible for coordinating enrollment and professional development activities as well as providing project management services for international schools. Ms Stetson also facilitates meetings for school improvement efforts with member schools’ leadership teams and conducts introductory workshops on assessment and accountability. She has a broad background in education, consulting and professional development. kathy.stetson@nwea.org
ANN STRAUB
Biography: Ann Straub holds a Master’s degree and an Advanced Leadership Certificate from the State University of New York. She is the Director of Curriculum and Staff Development at International School Bangkok where she has been working closely with teachers and administrators for eight years. For twenty-four years, Ann was an educator in Vermont, USA where she worked with learners from age six to graduate students at the University of Vermont. She is presently on staff at the Teacher’s Training Center and has served as an international school consultant and conference presenter.
PHIL STROUP
Biography: Phillip Stroup, Ph.D. has over ten years experience in international education and more than twenty in marketing and fundraising in education. He has developed a data-driven approach for implementing strategic marketing and development plans with goals, metrics and strategies designed for international schools in highly competitive environments. His experience includes Director of Marketing and Development at the International School Bangkok, and national trainer for business/education partnership development, US Dept of Education “Best Practices” Project Director. In July 2008, he taught the first Business Training Center course titled: “Taking Care of Business in The International School – An In-Depth Exploration of Today’s Most Successful Marketing, Admissions and Fundraising Strategies”. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, enjoys fly-fishing and hiking in the mountains.
TIM STUART
Biography: Dr. Timothy S. Stuart serves as the high school principal of Jakarta International School. He is the co-author of the books Children At Promise and Raising Children At Promise, Published by Jossey-Bass in 2003 & 2005. Tim is a TCK who grew up in France and Germany and graduated from an international school. He has worked in schools in Switzerland, Turkey and on Native American Reservations in the United States. He now lives in Jakarta with his wife, Mona, and their three children.
ANDREW TORRIS / AMANDA DE CARDY
Biography: Andrew Torris is in his second year as Deputy Superintendent of Educational Programs at Shanghai American School. Mr. Torris, in his 23rd year in education and has worked as an elementary classroom teacher, vice principal and principal at all levels. Mr. Torris previously worked in schools in Oregon, USA and in Saudi Arabia before coming to Shanghai. Part of his purview at SAS is in technology leadership and the implementation of the SAS technology plan. His writings and thoughts on education can be found on his personal blog, www.sentimentsoncommonsense.com, where he explores educational thoughts and ideas focusing on digital leadership.Amanda DeCardy is a National Board of Professional Teachers Standards Certified teacher working as a Technology Integrationist at Shanghai American School, Pudong Campus. She has worked in international schools in China, Saudi Arabia and Japan, serving as a classroom teacher, a Professional Development Coordinator, an ATLAS Coordinator and most recently as Technology Integrationist. Ms. DeCardy has presented at EARCOS and NESA conferences and has taught graduate coursework through California State University-Northridge. She is a mother of two girls: Madeline, age five and Amelia, age one. Her writings can be found on her two blogs, www.sometechsense.com and www.maddiesminute.com
JEFF UTECHT
Biography: Jeff Utecht is an educational technology consultant. He has been working in the Asia region since 2005, prior to that he worked in the Middle East and the United States. Currently Jeff is working as a Technology and Learning Coordinator for the International School of Bangkok. Additionally, Jeff is collaborating with EARCOS as a technology consultant and with the Wiki company, Wetpaint.com. Jeff writes regular articles on Educational Technology for Technology & Learning and Leading and Learning with Technology. Also, Jeff was a contributor to the recently published book Wired for Learning: An Educator’s Guide to Web 2.0. Jeff regularly shares his thoughts on education and technology on his blog, thethinkingstick.com. This blog was rated one of the top 100 educational blogs by the Online Educational Database. His blog was also featured in the book Reinventing Project-Based Learning as an avenue for “free online professional development”. To learn more about Jeff, visit www.jeffutecht.com.
BERNADETTE VAN HOUTEN
Biography: Bernadette van Houten, Dutch and educated in Belgium and in the USA, has an academic background in communication disorders, language development and education (California) , with later specialization in cross-cultural theory and medical anthropology. Bernadette has lived in Central America, The Caribbean, Southeast Asia, North America and Europe and taught in national and international schools. She has had extended teaching and advising missions in Mexico, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Lithuania. She is the founder and first Chair of the ECIS Cross-Cultural Committee and facilitates inservice courses for national and international school faculty around the world. Bernadette is director of Consultants Intercultural Communication in Amsterdam and a lecturer of graduate courses in Intercultural Communication and Cross-Cultural Management. She coaches executives and their families for international assignments and facilitates workshops for international teams. She is a consultant for The Council of Europe and a member of the International Academy of Intercultural Research.
JANET WEBSTER
Biography: Dr. Webster received her teacher training in Great Britain and has lived in Canada since 1967. She is an Educational Psychologist with a number of academic qualifications in the field of Human Learning, Development and Instruction from the University of British Columbia, Canada. She taught in the public school system for 10 years and then taught in the Faculties of Education at Lakeland University in Thunder Bay and at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Since 1989 she has lived in the Yukon, where for 6 years she was the Director of Special Programs with the Department of Education. Dr Webster’s cross-cultural experience includes work in the Eastern Arctic and the West Indies. Dr. Webster travels extensively and has provided services to international schools in Africa and Asia. She returns frequently to Manila where she works with international schools to support them in their services to students with special educational needs. www.janetbwebster.com
DEB WELCH
Biography: Debbie Welch is an educational consultant located in Boulder, Colorado. Deb recently returned to the US to work for Project AERO and to serve as Director of the Teacher Training Center. From 1997-2006, she was Deputy Head of the School for Learning at the International School Bangkok where her responsibilities included all aspects of student learning, school improvement, curriculum and professional development. Prior to ISB, she taught middle school through adult graduate students and held various administrative positions in the U.S. Deb first learned about international schools as a consultant and now, after nine years in Bangkok, she believes that the international experience was transformational for her family. Debbie holds a Masters degree in curriculum and administration and a PhD in human and organizational development.
Biography: Fred Wesson has been Headmaster of Canadian Academy since 2005. Previously he headed Colegio Roosevelt in Lima, Peru and the American International School of Bucharest, Romania. His first international school experience was as Secondary School Principal at the Graded School in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Fred received his BA from Yale College in 1977 and his M.Ed. from Harvard in 1984. He was named a Klingenstein Visiting Fellow at Columbia University in 2006. He was a founding board member for the Council of International Schools.
Susie Heinrich-Jabal has been Associate Principal at Hong Kong International Middle School since 2005. She has been a Middle School teacher and leader at JFK International School in Saanen, Switzerland, Delia School of Canada in Hong Kong and at HKIS. Susie received her BA/B.Ed. at Queen’s University in 1989, her MA from Michigan State in 1998 and her M.Ed. while studying as a Fellow in the Private School Leadership Program at Columbia University in 2003/2004.
JON ZURFLU
Biography: Jon P. Zurfluh, Head of School for Shanghai Community International Schools, has been a technology integrator, teacher, and educational leader since the birth of technology in the early 1980’s. After 25 years in education about evenly split between teaching and administration, Jon is currently leading technology initiatives as a Head of School. Jon’s broad background includes teaching at all levels from Kindergarten through High School and positions that include Principal, Director of Technology, Director of Assessment, and project manager on various construction projects, primarily in China and Western Washington. Jon is currently working on his doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership at Argosy University. His research focuses on Transformational Leadership in Multi-Cultural Organizations. Information on this and other topics can be found on his research blog at http://www.techtied.net/ or his Head of School blog at http://www.zurfluh.net/sci.
