Faculty & Staff

Kevin Schooling, Principal

Home: Kentucky, USA

Education:
Master of Arts in Teaching in Social Science, University of Louisville, KY; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History, Carson Newman College, TN; Elementary and secondary level II Principal certification in Administration, University of Louisville, KY

Experience:
Mr. Schooling has been a Principal for eight years and a teacher for six years in the United States. He has been involved with International Schools of China since 2010, formerly at Tianjin International School. Mr. Schooling began his professional career as an English Language consultant in Japan for two years. He has traveled the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. He has been actively involved in coaching sports, sponsoring student-led activities, and implementing technology programs. At ISW since 2011.

Mr. Schooling is committed to providing a well-rounded education for students by nurturing them through academic instruction and discipleship. He believes the key to strengthening the school community is servant leadership and collaboration with teachers and parents.

He enjoys living in Wuxi with his wife, Lisa and their three children Thea, Aidan, and Kade who attend International School of Wuxi.

Chris Nolin, Vice Principal, Humanities Teacher, Guidance Counselor, WASC Coordinator

Home: Florida, USA

Education: M.A. in Humanities, Southwestern University; B.A., Humanities, University of South Florida.

Experience: Mr. Nolin was the Area Chair for Humanities and Social Science at University of Phoenix, West Florida Campus for four years. At ISW since 2007.

Mr. Nolin has lived in Japan and has been in China for 3 years. In 2006, he received the faculty of the year award at the University of Phoenix. Chris is married to Nancy Nolin and they have two sons.

Mr. Qiu Yusheng, Government Liaison and Administrative Consultant

Home: China

Education: Postgraduate degree in History, East China Normal University; B.A., Music, Nanjing Normal University

Experience: Mr. Qiu has been working in cultural and educational areas for 22 years. Before coming to ISW, Mr. Qiu was the principal of Wuxi Oriental International School. At ISW since 2007

Background: Mr. Qiu has served as deputy director and director of several educational and cultural bureaus as well as acting as Secretary of the Party Committee. He currently helps build and maintain relationships between ISW and the various government bureaus as well as consulting with the administrative team in other areas.

FeiFei Lu, Director of Human Resources

Education: MSc Computer Science from Staffordshire University in UK Experience: Ms. FeiFei Lu has studied in UK for 3 years and worked there as a Database Engineer for 1 year and a half. But she found out her real interests are facing people rather than dealing with computer data. In 2005, she earned the National Human Resource Management certificate and has five years HR working experience in different industries. At ISW since 2011. Background: Ms. FeiFei Lu is from Wuxi, she loves her hometown here. She is married and has a daughter.

Luke Theule, Director of Admissions & Promotions

Home: California, USA

Education: B.A. in English from Calvin College, M.S. Global Leadership from Duquesne University (in progress).

Experience: Mr. Theule is an experienced student recruiter and fundraiser and has had extensive international experience. At ISW since 2011.

Mr. Theule is married to a beautiful Ukrainian, Olena, and has a 1 year old daughter.

Gloria Li, Office Manager

Education: BA in English, Jiang Nan University

Gloria Li is from Jiangsu province and is starting her fourth year working at ISW. She earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in English from Jiang Nan University and is a certified teacher. She has been the fourth grade teacher assistant at ISW for two years and a Chinese language teacher for one year. She loves her work with international students here in Wuxi.

Julie Jeon, Korean Liaison

Julie comes to ISW with extensive experience in education and working with parents. Before coming to China she taught English at an English Academy in Seoul. She came to China in 2006 and has worked as a teacher and parent liaison at several schools and academies in Suzhou and Wuxi for the past 4 years. She likes to stretch herself, so she has experience in many areas, such as teaching, translating, consulting and trade. In 2011 she aggreed to join ISW because she believed in our philosophy of educaiton.

Her family and relatives all live in Korea.

Christina Yuan, Admissions

Home: China

Education: B.A. in Accounting, University of Mississippi; B.A. in Community Service, Chesapeake College; Teacher Certificate, Texas

Experience: At ISW since 2010.

Ms. Yuan grew up in China and went to the USA for her education. She also worked in the US for 17 years. She loves both China and the USA and has a good understanding of both cultures. She has a daughter in college in the US and a son at ISW.

Alison Roberts, Secondary Language Arts/ELL Coordinator

Education: BA in International Affairs and Asian Studies, Florida State University; MA in ESL/Intercultural Studies; Columbia International University

Mrs. Roberts enjoys interacting with language on many levels and uses every opportunity to share her love of words and literature with students. Mrs. Roberts has taught in Japan, Eastern Europe, and in the USA. She is married to Luke Roberts, ISW's humanities teacher.

Nancy Nolin, Upper School Science

Home: Florida, USA

Education: B.A., University of South Florida; M.Ed., Indiana Wesleyan University (in progress). Dual certificate in secondary science and social studies

Experience: Mrs. Nolin taught upper school science in Florida for four years. At ISW since 2007.

Mrs. Nolin is originally from the United States but spent four years of her early childhood living in England. In 2009, she began working toward her Masters degree in education. She and her husband, Chris Nolin, have two sons.

Rainy Schuhmacher, English

Home: Hawaii, USA

Education: B.A. in Speech Communications, University of Hawaii; M.Ed., Indiana Wesleyan University (in progress). Multiple subject teaching credential, California

Experience: Mrs. Schuhmacher taught in the U.S. for seven years in a variety of subjects and grade levels. At ISW since 2007.

Coming to China to teach has been a dream of Mrs. Schuhmacher's for over 20 years. Currently, she is rigorously working on her Master's degree as she teaches and looks forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. She and Mr. Schuhmacher are also working on paperwork to adopt a toddler from China.

Melissa McLeod, Math

Home: Japan AND California, USA

Education: M.Ed., Azusa Pacific University; B.S. in Mathematics, Westmont College; Mathematics teaching credential, California

Experience: Ms. McLeod taught high school math in California for one year and tutored students for six years before coming to China. At ISW since 2009.

Ms. McLeod grew up in Japan for nine years and can speak Japanese. She likes to travel, write letters, read good books, and study Chinese. Someday, she hopes to be fluent in Chinese.

Luke Roberts, Humanities

Home: Michigan, USA

Education: M.A. from Columbia International University; B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Appalachian State University

Experience: Prior to coming to China, Mr. Roberts taught Humanities and worked in administration for 4 years at the university level. He was also a community worker with Korean-American youth for a year and a half. At ISW since 2009.

Mr. Roberts enjoys studying and teaching subjects from an interdisciplinary perspective, especially history. He also likes to play soccer, tennis, and ultimate frisbee. He is married to Mrs. Roberts, ELL coordinator and language arts teacher at ISW.

GayLynn Johnson, Social Studies

GayLynn Johnson is a seasoned teacher with over thirty years of experience. Most of those years were with fourth graders but she has taught all grades except second and sixth in Texas, Kenya, and Alabama.

Chet Sanchez, Junior Kindergarten

Home: Philippines

Education: B.S. in Psychology, St. Scholastica’s College; B.A. in Guidance and Counseling, St. Scholastica’s College

Experience: Mrs. Sanchez taught pre-kindergarten in China for 2 years before coming to teach at ISW. At ISW since 2009.

Prior to teaching, Mrs. Sanchez worked in the human resources department in various companies. She enjoys teaching and taking care of children. Mrs. Sanchez is married and has one son.

Sarah Mckee, Kindergarten

Home: Virginia, USA

Education: BA in Elementary Education, Asbury College. Certified to teach pre-kindergarten through sixth grade

Experience: Ms. McKee had the chance to help teach English in summer camps in China during 2 different summers and is very happy to have the chance to come back to China to teach. At ISW since 2011.

Courtney Toliver, First Grade

Home: Georgia, USA

Education: M.A. in Holistic Education, Johnson College; B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Elementary Education), Johnson College

Experience: Ms. Toliver had five hears of teaching field experience (internship) before coming to China. She has also worked as a camp counselor for 3 years. At ISW since 2009.

Ms. Toliver loves to sing, read, watch movies, and spend time with friends. She also enjoys participating in drama and music and will assist in the music department when possible.

Jo Anna Kolbe, 2nd Grade

Education: BS in Elementary Education, Taylor University

Jo Anna Kolbe is from the USA and teaches second grade at ISW. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Taylor University and student taught first grade in Qingdao, China. Jo Anna has traveled in Honduras and Canada. In her first year at ISW she was awarded Teacher of the Year honors and this is her third year teaching as Second Grade teacher.

Kimberly McGiverin, 3rd Grade

Home: Sherwood, Oregon

Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, George Fox University

Experience: Ms. McGiverin formally taught at Chengdu International School. She has taught both first grade and fifth grade. In college, Ms. McGiverin had the privilege to experience life and teaching abroad in Bolivia where she was a teacher’s assistant in a third grade classroom. At ISW since 2011.

Ms. McGiverin has a passion for children of all ages and loves having a job that lets her be with them all of the time. She enjoys traveling around the world, playing games, swimming, and taking pictures. Ms. McGiverin will be married to Mr. Chris Harmon on December 30th, 2011 and is looking forward to the adventure that comes with marriage.

Sarah Miller, 4th Grade

Home: Colorado, USA

Education: BA in Elementary Education, at Biola University in California, with an emphasis in intercultural studies, with a k-5 teaching credential in California and Colorado.

Experience: Ms. Miller worked for one year in Colorado as a Title I teacher (reading support) for grades k,1,3, and 5. She has substitute taught in California at private schools and taught English in China during the summers of 2007, and 2008. At ISW since 2011.

Ms. Miller feels very blessed by the chance to teach 4th grade at ISW and counts it an honor to be able to teach, love, and care for each student. She also enjoys having good conversations with friends, traveling, swimming, biking, shopping, drawing, and reading.

Chris Harmon, 5th Grade

Education: BA in Middle Childhood Education, Cedarville University, Ohio

Chris Harmon is a second year teacher from the USA. He attended Cedarville University where he earned a degree in Middle Childhood Education. His specializations are in language arts and social studies. Last year, he taught at Willo-Hill School in Willoughby, Ohio. He is enjoying working with internationals at ISW.

Kylie Gu, ELL Phonics

Home: China

Education: Business degree in English, Jiangsu TV and Broadcasting University; Chinese national teaching certificate.

Experience: Mrs. Gu taught oral English and business English at an English training company teaching adults (businessmen, managers of joint ventures, leaders of cooperation staff) for two years. Since joining ISW, she has been a teacher assistant in 1st and 3rd grade. At ISW since 2007.

Mrs. Gu feels that ISW is a dream come true as she loves being a teacher and getting along with her lovely students.

Kimi Shao, 2nd and 3rd grade ELL

Home: China

Education: M.A. of Education, Suzhou University. Teacher Qualification Certificate.

Experience: Miss Shao worked in Chinese public school for one year before joining ISW as a 5th grade teacher’s assistant. At ISW since 2010.

This year, Miss Shao has her own classroom and students. She enjoys working at ISW, not only because of her sincere co-workers, but also for her lovely students. She feels blessed at ISW.

Brad Meyers, 4th and 5th grade ELL

Home: Oregon, USA

Education: M.A. in Adult Education with a focus on English as a Second Language (ESL); B.A. in Elementary Education; Endorsement to teach ESL and Special Education Kindergarten to 12th grade

Experience: Mr. Meyers has taught conversational English in Taiwan and Japan. He also taught ESL for 2 years in Oregon and 6 years at Tianjin International School. He taught in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. He has coordinated the language programs for Sheraton hotels in Tianjin and Xian. At ISW since 2011.

Mr. Meyers has worked in financial services selling mortgages, insurance and securities. However, his passion is to teach children who are growing up in another culture as he did in Taiwan. He is married to Diane, ISW's music teacher and they have 2 children, Erin and Shawna, here with them in Wuxi, and an older son, Micah, in Oregon joining the air force as a mechanic.

Lindy He, 6th grade ELL

Home: China

Education: B.A. in English Education, Ji Shou University. Certified to teach secondary school.

Experience: Mrs. He taught math in public Chinese school before teaching to ISW. At ISW since 2008.

Mrs. He is from Yongzhou in Hunan province. She passed the highest English level test for English majors and got the TEM-8 certificate when she was in university.

Rick McCarthy, Art Teacher

Education: BS in Education; Western Oregon University

Rick McCarthy is from the USA and teaches fifth grade at ISW for 2 years. He received his Associates Degree in Art and Education from Mount Hood Community College and his Bachelors Degree in Education from Western Oregon University. Rick is a member of the National Science Teachers Association, has traveled in Taiwan, and is studying Mandarin Chinese. He is married to Mrs. McCarthy, an ESL teacher at ISW.

Brad Gabbert, IT Director

Education: BS Broadcasting, Northwestern College, MA in in Linguistics/TESOL, Ohio University

Brad Gabbert is from the USA and is in his fifth year at ISW and tenth year living in China. He has a Masters degree in Linguistics/TESOL from Ohio University. He has taught at Ohio University, Ohio State University, at an international school in Chengdu, and at Anhui University of Finance and Trade. He is married to Jing and has four boys.

Lisa Schooling, Librarian, Co-Coordinator of Parent and Liason Committee, Admissions and Promotions Consultan

Home: Kentucky, USA

Education: Master of Fine Arts, Indiana University Bloomington; Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Louisville

Experience: Mrs. Schooling began her professional experience in Japan for two years and continued to gain over 10 years of teaching experience with a variety of ages and subjects in the United States. She actively promotes the arts through education and practice. At ISW since 2011.

Mrs. Schooling enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She is married to the Head Principal of ISW, Mr. Schooling. She loves to read, paint and travel.

Diane Meyers, Music Teacher

Home: Oregon, USA

Education: B.S. Elementary Education, Oregon State University

Experience: Mrs. Meyers has taught 18+ years in elementary classrooms. Most recently she has been with the Corvallis, Oregon public schools teaching Music, 2nd and 4th grades. At ISW since 2011.

Mrs. Meyers and her husband were formerly in Tianjin at Tianjin International School for 9 1/2 years. She loves music, plays the guitar, and is excited to teach music this year. Mrs. Meyers comes to China with her husband and two daughters - Erin in 9th grade and Shawna in 8th grade. She also has a son who will be joining the US Air Force in January. She loves China and is excited to be back after 10 years in the United States.

Kimberly Daniel, PE/Athletic Director

Kimberly Daniel is from South Korea, Uzbekistan, and the state of Colorado in the USA. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a BS in Physical Education and recently just received her MA in Youth Work from John Brown University.

She has taught and coached two years in Ankara, Turkey. She has coached soccer, tennis, and basketball. Her hobbies consist of various sporting activities, dancing, singing, listening to music, and building relationships with others.

Esther Fan, Chinese Language Department Head

Education: BA in Law, Beijing University; she has a Chinese Teacher Certification as well as a certificate from Chinese Teacher Training Center in Beijing

Esther Fan (Fan Yu Hua) is from Qingdao. Ms. Fan taught Chinese language in a language training center for two years. She is beginning her 4th year as Chinese language at ISW.

Marilyn Mao, Chinese Language Teacher

Education: BS in Mathematics, Jingzhou Normal University

Marilyn Mao is a Chinese Language teacher and is in her third year at ISW. She has a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, from Jingzhou Normal University and is a certified teacher. Ms. Mao is from Huanggang in Hubei province. She has taught high school mathematics in a Chinese school and has previously served as a teaching assistant in Kindergarten at ISW and in first grade at WOIS. She enjoys reading and sports and loves to teach.

Audrey Jiang, Chinese Language Teacher

Education: English major, Wu Han University; Teacher Certificate, Chinese Teacher Training Center, Beijing

Miss Jiang is from Hunan province and is in her fourth year working at ISW, with the first 3 years as teacher assistant. She enjoys teaching Chinese using the skills she has learned from the foreign staff at ISW. Her favorite proverb is “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it”.

Yoyo Tao, Chinese Teacher

Home: Wuxi, China

Education: Degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Tianjin Normal University.

Experience: After Miss Tao graduated from Tianjin Normal University, she worked as a Chinese teacher in a language training centre. She taught HSK classes for foreigners as a part time job. At ISW since 2011.

Miss Tao likes teaching because it makes her feel very useful. She likes sports and traveling. She enjoys teaching at ISW very much.