Patricia Larrondo brings over 20 years of global experience as an instructional leader, mentor, and early childhood specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, with expertise in IB programs, play-based learning, and innovative teaching strategies.

Patricia has served in leadership roles across various countries, including positions as Principal and Head of School. She has a proven record of enhancing early years education through engaging curricula, professional teacher development, and creating inclusive, culturally diverse learning environments.

Her achievements include implementing STEAM initiatives, fostering student leadership programs, and leading international school accreditations. Patricia’s leadership philosophy focuses on supporting teachers, collaborating with families, and ensuring every child thrives both academically and emotionally.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Patricia also enjoys traveling, reading, and connecting with new cultures—experiences she brings to her work as an educator and leader.

Mrs. Debra Van Vuuren was raised in South Africa and spent 12 years living in the United Kingdom, where her family originates. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Law subjects from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of Nottingham in the UK. Last year, she completed her master’s in education at the University of Nottingham, specializing in the factors that drive motivation in second-language learners. In addition, she has undertaken several International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and professional development opportunities.

Mrs. Van Vuuren has been part of the CISH community for eight years, serving as a Kindergarten and PYP teacher, Head Homeroom Teacher, and currently as PYP Coordinator. Her dedication to CISH’s development stems not only from her professional role as an educator but also as a parent of three children, all of whom have attended CISH. Her husband, Donavan, is also a member of the CISH faculty, teaching within in the DP.

Sean Miller is from Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production with a minor in History from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick specializing in Fine Arts, Language, and History, and a diploma in Graphic Design from McKenzie College. He is currently completing his Master of Educational Technology at the University of British Columbia, with a focus on media and digital literacy through the lens of AI literacy.

Sean has over 20 years of teaching experience and is now in his ninth year at the Canadian International School of Hefei (CISH), where he serves as the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Coordinator and teaches MYP Language and Literature. His professional focus includes fostering critical literacy, developing interdisciplinary learning opportunities, supporting ethical uses of AI in education, and promoting the appropriate development of media and digital literacy across the IB continuum.

Ryan Walsh is from New Brunswick, Canada. His educational background consists of a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Education from Crandall University and a Master of Education in Leadership in Learning from the University of Prince Edward Island. Ryan is joining CISH as the Diploma Programme (DP) and Extended Essay (EE) Coordinator. Ryan brings with him to CISH his experience as a former MYP Service as Action Coordinator, Creativity, Activity, Service Coordinator, and his current involvement as a DP Workshop Leader and DP School Site Team Member for the IBO.

Ryan is always trying to embody elements of the IB Mission Statement of being a lifelong learner. Currently, Ryan is finishing his International School Leadership Certificate through the Ontario Principals' Council.

Marina’s lifelong passion for science and education has taken her on a journey of continuous discovery. As Head of the Science Department and DP Biology Teacher at the Canadian International School of Hefei, she is dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry in her students.

With over 15 years of experience teaching in IB schools, Marina embraces the IB philosophy, nurturing knowledgeable, compassionate learners ready to engage with global challenges. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, specialization certificates in Molecular Biology and Applied Toxicology, a Diploma in Secondary Teaching, a Master’s degree in Biology, and a Master’s in STEM Education. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Sciences.

At CISH, Marina has played a key role in developing lab facilities, enhancing curriculum design, and leading science events such as the Science Fair, Collaborative Science Project, and Mole Day. She mentors students on Internal Assessments and Extended Essays, supports future educators through intern mentoring, and has fostered collaborations with local institutions for field trips and internship opportunities. She also served as Student Council Coordinator, promoting student leadership and voice. Her leadership is grounded in data-driven decision making, continually improving academic rigor and student outcomes.

Marina served as the Cognia Accreditation Coordinator at CISH, leading the school to successful accreditation, and currently acts as Domain Chair for CIS & WASC Accreditation, supporting ongoing excellence. She is also a published researcher in science education and a peer reviewer for academic journals.

Marina believes that IB education represents the future of learning in our modern world and that every decision in education should be grounded in the student’s perspective. Beyond school, her curiosity fuels a love for travel, cultural exploration, and lifelong learning — values she aims to instill in every student and colleague she wo

Dr. Lucian Cornel Stefanescu, originally from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Visual Arts “Ion Andreescu” and a Doctorate in Aesthetics from the Academy of Music “Gheorghe Dima,” also in Cluj-Napoca. He is a Historic Affiliate (MCollT) with the Chartered College of Teaching.

With over 25 years of teaching experience across various universities, colleges, and schools, Dr. Stefanescu has dedicated the last 20 years to working with international schools worldwide. His background includes teaching – among others – the Cambridge trilingual pilot programs, IGCSE, and International Baccalaureate programs. At CISH, he is responsible for developing and delivering the Visual Arts curriculum and guiding high school students through diverse art projects. As the Head of the Arts Department, Dr. Stefanescu, along with the department’s faculty, coordinates exhibitions and performances, providing students with valuable opportunities to showcase their work and engage with the local art community.

Beyond his teaching role, Dr. Stefanescu is a practising artist with a profound passion for music, philosophy, history, and various forms of art-making. He has a healthy interest in trekking and climbing, enjoys visiting art galleries, and stays informed about the latest trends in the art world.

Proud to be a member of the CISH faculty, Dr. Stefanescu is committed to making a positive impact on his students' artistic journeys.

Mr. Derek James Berthel is currently the head of the Mathematics Department at the Canadian International School of Hefei. Derek originally hails from Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Clark University with a Bachelors of Arts degree.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree, Derek moved to Hefei, Anhui China, where he has accumulated over 10 years working experience as a teacher in both advanced Mathematics and Biological science courses. Notably, Derek has taught AP Biology and AP Calculus for the Hefei No. 8 International High School program for well over 5 years. 

Derek is currently proud to serve the Canadian International School of Hefei as an IB qualified instructor of advanced mathematics for the Diploma Programme.

Stephen is the MYP Design and Computer Science teacher at CISH. Stephen is from New Brunswick, Canada and graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a BScCS and a MSCS. 

After graduating, Stephen worked for over 30 years in various analyst and leadership roles in information technology.   More recently, he had moved to and taught in Beijing for four years before coming to Hefei.  This is Stephen’s 3rd year at CISH.

Stephen was one of the many team players who brought the Middle Years Programme to CISH.  He is currently working with the Diploma Programme (DP) coordinator to begin that programme at CISH.  He is excited to begin working with DP once the school is authorized later this school year

Mr. Christopher Marionni is from Pennsylvania, USA and it is his eighth year as Head of EAL at the Canadian International School of Hefei. He has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida and holds a 10-year Advanced Teaching License in the US (Hawaii).

Before coming to the Canadian International School of Hefei, Christopher previously taught EAL in Seoul, South Korea for seven years. In addition, he was a G4 and G5 homeroom teacher in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for two years. In total, he has sixteen years of teaching experience.

In his free time, he especially enjoys traveling, swimming, and hiking.

Mr. Du Baodong holds a master's degree from USTC. Following his university graduation, he embarked on a career in education. He served as a Chinese language teacher at various institutions in three African countries: Ethiopia, Mauritius, and Sudan, as well as in the United States, accumulating a total of six years of international teaching experience. Since 2018, he has been contributing his expertise as a Mandarin teacher at CISH. Currently, Mr. Du serves as the Head of the Mandarin Department at CISH, where he is responsible for the Chinese language curriculum and managing operations at the HSK center. In addition to his professional responsibilities, he enjoys engaging in sports activities and reading books.

Amy Shen is the Mandarin Department Head in the Primary Years Program (PYP) at CISH. Passionate about language and culture, she is dedicated to fostering a rich learning environment for her students. Amy oversees the development and implementation of the Mandarin curriculum in her role. She is responsible for designing and updating educational materials that engage young learners、supporting and mentoring teachers in effective instructional strategies and organizing cultural events that celebrate Mandarin language and Chinese heritage. Her passion for education drives her to enhance the learning experiences of her students continually.

Vincent Ligouri Jerome is the Head of IT (Information Technology) at Canadian International School Of Hefei. Having earned a Bachelor in Computer Science, he possesses a solid academic foundation. His journey encompasses a rich blend of academic exploration and professional achievements. His professional trajectory is marked by 18 years of experiences, including roles such as IT Project Management, Design & Technology and IT Educator. 

At CISH, Vincent Ligouri Jerome (Head of IT) plays a crucial role in overseeing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the school's technology infrastructure and systems. He is responsible for managing the overall IT strategy and ensuring that technology resources are effectively utilized to support the educational mission and administrative operations of the school. 

In the realm of leisure and exhilaration, one can find Vincent Ligouri Jerome, a spirited enthusiast who revels in sports, particularly soccer and cricket.

Geoffrey Kivisha is an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the teaching team at CISH. With 14 years of teaching experience, he specializes in courses such as AP Calculus, AP Physics, AP Computer Science, IBDP Physics, MYP Math Grade 10, and MYP Design Grade 10. Geoffrey is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning environments where knowledge is not only acquired but also applied to real-world contexts.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Geoffrey serves as the Head of the Learning Management System (LMS), Canglory, at CISH. He oversees its effective integration into the school's educational practices to enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

Geoffrey is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing basketball and traveling, activities that fuel his creativity and broaden his perspectives. Geoffrey is committed to supporting every student's journey at CISH.

Donavan Jansen van Vuuren has been an integral part of the Canadian International School of Hefei (CISH) since 2017, where he teaches DP Sports, Exercise & Health Science, and MYP PE. Holding multiple roles, Donavan serves as CAS Coordinator, Onboarding Coordinator, and MYP Personal Project Coordinator, overseeing key initiatives and fostering a supportive, student-centered environment.

He holds a Master’s in Coaching Science from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, a PGCE from the University of Nottingham, and is currently completing his National Professional Qualification for Headship. His career includes positions at Trident College in Zambia and Worksop College in the UK, bringing a wealth of international experience. A former professional rugby player, Donavan is also passionate about sports and enjoys golf, tennis, and travel.

Albert van der Gugten, originally from the Netherlands, has been an educator for over 28 years. He graduated with honors from Windesheim University with a Baccalaureate in Physical Education and earned a Master’s degree in Sport Business, specializing in Sport Management, from the Johan Cruyff Academy International in Barcelona.

A DP-certified teacher, Mr. van der Gugten has extensive experience teaching SEHS and MYP PHE.

Throughout his career, he has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the Netherlands. He also spent 15 years in St. Maarten (Dutch Caribbean) as the Head of the Health and Physical Education Department and Athletics Director. During this time, he played a key role in the school's success by teaching, coaching, and organizing school-wide sports events, tournaments, and spirit activities.

Last year, Mr. van der Gugten, along with his wife and two sons, joined the CISH community. With many years of experience in ACAMIS, he successfully introduced the ACAMIS core sports competition to CISH, providing students with greater opportunities for competitive play and athletic growth. As Athletic Director, he has strengthened the school’s athletics program by fostering strong relationships with students, coaches, teachers, administrators, and the wider CISH community. Under his leadership, the athletics department has expanded opportunities for student participation, enhanced training programs, and built a culture of school spirit and sportsmanship.

Svenja Schulz-Opfer has been living in China for over three years and currently serves as Head of the German Department at CISH. With more than 20 years of experience as a dedicated high school teacher in Germany and a master’s degree in German language and literature, political science, pedagogy, and educational psychology, she brings extensive expertise and a deep commitment to education. Her students are always at the center of her focus, guided by the philosophy that “Grass doesn’t grow faster if you pull on it”. She emphasizes patience and personal development, recognizing the uniqueness of each student and honoring their individual learning journey.

In her role as Head of the German Department, Svenja leads with insight while actively supporting German-speaking students and their families, offering guidance and counseling to build strong connections between the school and the German-speaking community. She also cultivates a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere for her team of German teachers, fostering their professional growth and inspiring them to achieve excellence in their work.

Outside of work, Svenja is married and the mother of two sons. She enjoys traveling, reading, golfing, and exploring historical topics, and she values time spent with her family, friends, and her dog. As a passionate football fan, she is especially dedicated to her club, Eintracht Frankfurt, which she enthusiastically supports from afar.

Hamish Clifton trained as a teacher from Oxford University and completed 2 further courses at Oxford University’s  Said Business School, in Strategy & Leadership and subsequently a Masters in Business & Tourism from the University of Murcia.

Before teaching, Hamish held various senior management posts, including Commercial Director Wembley Stadium, CEO of a the UK’s largest independent sports catering business and Senior Manager in the global consulting firm, Deloitte. More recently as a senior director of the University of the Arts London, responsible for 19000 short course students annually and all Commercial affairs for the University.

Hamish has been teaching Business Management at CISH since 2017 and was previously Visiting Fellow in Business at the University of Kent Business School.

Hamish enjoys visual arts, travel, history and is a member of the Royal Philatelic Society (London) and Leander Club Henley-on-Thames (UK). He is married to a Chinese teacher at CISH and has 3 Children

Grant Van Wyk is a South African educator who has been living and teaching in China for the past nine years. With a Master of Arts in Education, Grant brings a strong background in educational leadership and curriculum development. This is his third year at CISH, where he serves as the Head of the Physical and Health Education (PHE) Department and teaches Design for Grades 6, 7, 8, and 9.

In his role, Grant is dedicated to fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among students, while also ensuring that the PHE program aligns with the school’s overarching goals. Outside of teaching, he is passionate about sports, exploring nature, traveling, and inspiring students through his love for education.

Ryan Steinberg has been an English teacher for thirteen years and an administrator for three, gaining experience in both South Korea and China. He is currently the Head of English Language and Literature, and teaches grades six, seven, and eleven. 

As an English teacher, through his years of experience, he has developed a strong ability to communicate effectively and tailor-make lesson plans that are able to suit a diverse range of learning styles. As an administrator, he has a strong belief in collaborating closely with his colleagues, and cultivating a harmonious culture between educators, students and parents. As an educator, his mission has and always will be to put learners at the heart of everything that he does.

Parvana Guliyeva is a dedicated IB Educator with over a decade of teaching expertise. She holds a Master’s degree in Education, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and the NPQ Senior Leadership certificate from the UK Department of Education. Additionally, Parvana has obtained an MBA, Master of Business Administration in Management. She also holds a TEFL Certification from Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education and is a National Geographic Certified Educator.

 Her journey as a Primary Years Programme educator has encompassed prestigious international schools across Asia and Europe, where she has worked building connections with students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Her roles have spanned Upper PYP Grade Leader, Primary School Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator, and Early Years & PYP Math Curriculum Coach. She has also contributed significantly to school authorizations and evaluations for the IB, NEASC, and CIS accreditations. As an IB Educator Network (IBEN) member, her roles include Workshop Leader, Programme Leader, and Lead Educator for PYP Subject Guidance Development.

Parvana currently serves as the EY and  Primary Math Curriculum Coach at the Canadian International School of Hefei.

Parvana is also a tea lover and an amateur photographer. She enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Parvana is pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in Primary Education. Her doctoral research focuses on teacher practices aimed at fostering emotionally intelligent classrooms and enhancing student learning at the primary level.

Karen Shantz is the Head of Early Years at the Canadian International School of Hefei (CISH). With 27 years of experience Bachelor in Elementary Education and a Masters in Language and Literacy, Karen has taught in diverse settings across Asia, South and Canada. Before joining CISH, she coordinated 16 schools in Alberta, mentoring teachers and fostering supportive learning environments.

At CISH, Karen oversees 10 homeroom classes from preK to K3. She is committed to nurturing curiosity, shaping social-emotional growth, and fostering a love of learning. As a designated safeguarding officer, she prioritizes student safety and collaborates closely with parents to support each child’s development.

Outside of work, Karen enjoys baking, hiking and sewing. She and her husband love exploring Hefei and nearby cities in Anhui province.

Hello, my name is David Lawrance Adams and I am the Department Head for Admission at The Canadian International School of Hefei.  I am originally from Plattsburgh, New York and graduated from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.  I have lived and worked in Hefei for the past 14 years working in both private and public educational institutions, mostly working with young learners.  I have worked as a teacher, a teacher trainer, a Director of Studies, and an administrator.  Since coming to Hefei, I have continued my studies in working through a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, a Diploma in TESOL from Trinity College, and a Certificate from HEI Schools on Play-Based Learning.  I plan on continuing my studies as a life-long learner to be able to offer as much as possible to our students and teachers.

Most of my free time is spent with my family.  My wife is from Hefei and we have two young boys aged 8 and 3, who are both studying at CISH.  Together, we enjoy hiking, cooking, going on picnics, and watching baseball.  My wife is my Chinese teacher and I have even been able to learn some of the local Hefei dialect in addition to Mandarin.

Teresa Bartoszak is an English DP and MYP teacher from England, where she obtained her B.A. Hons in English Studies and Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education.  

This is Teresa’s sixth year teaching at a Canadian International School. However, Teresa has many years of experience teaching both English Language and Literature IB and The British Curriculum in England, Dubai, China, Ethiopia and Turkey.